At a Glance
- Tasks: Join a team to research mental health support for postgraduate students from the Global South.
- Company: UCL and University of Edinburgh are leading this impactful interdisciplinary project.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible remote work, professional development, and opportunities for co-authorship on publications.
- Other info: Application deadline is 3 September 2025; online interviews from 16-18 September.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in student wellbeing while gaining valuable research experience.
- Qualifications: Ideal for doctoral researchers or early-career scholars with relevant research backgrounds.
The predicted salary is between 42500 - 50000 £ per year.
Project Title: You Are Not Alone: Co-creating Preventive Mental Health Support with and for Postgraduate Students from the Global South
Project Duration: September 2025 – July 2026
Institution(s): UCL (in partnership with the University of Edinburgh)
Pay Scale:
Research Assistant (Grade 6, spine point 23): £20.48 per hour (including London Allowance)
Research Associate (Grade 7, spine point 30): £24.17 per hour (including London Allowance)
About the Opportunity
We are recruiting two part-time Research Assistants / Associates (RAs) to join an interdisciplinary research project funded by UCL’s Grand Challenges. The project is co-led by Mr Enze Guo (UCL) and Dr Peng Zhang (University of Edinburgh) and investigates the mental health experiences of postgraduate students from the Global South in UK higher education. Combining qualitative, quantitative, and participatory methods, the project seeks to generate both academic insights and meaningful institutional change.
About the Project
This project investigates the unique mental health challenges experienced by Global South postgraduate students in the UK, with a particular focus on how and why they may feel excluded from existing support systems. It seeks to co-create culturally responsive and preventive wellbeing strategies in partnership with these students. Grounded in decolonial and intersectional frameworks, the project places student voice, agency, and cultural knowledge at the heart of its approach.
Role Description
We are seeking two RAs with complementary research backgrounds:
(1) RA 1 (Qualitative): experience in qualitative interviews, participatory methods, and/or narrative analysis
(2) RA 2 (Quantitative): experience in survey design, statistical analysis, and data visualisation
Key responsibilities include:
(1) Assisting with participant recruitment and engagement
(2) Supporting the design and implementation of surveys and interviews
(3) Analysing qualitative and/or quantitative data
(4) Contributing to project outputs, including co-authored publications and workshop facilitation
(5) Participating in monthly online team meetings
What We Offer
(1) A chance to contribute to a timely and socially impactful project
(2) Opportunities for co-authorship on the final report, papers and policy briefs
(3) Professional development through collaborative, interdisciplinary work
(4) A flexible, supportive, and remote-friendly working arrangement
Applicant Requirements
(1) Have the right to work in the UK
(2) Doctoral researchers who have successfully passed their upgrade (applying as Research Assistants), or Early-career scholars who have already completed their PhD (applying as Research Associates)
(3) Have a track record of qualitative and/or quantitative research, demonstrated through their thesis, peer-reviewed publications, and/or reports
(4) Possess academic knowledge in the social sciences, particularly education, sociology, and/or psychology
(5) Have a demonstrated commitment to, or prior experience of, working with Global South communities.
How to Apply
If you are interested in joining our team, please email your CV and a one-page cover letter to Dr Peng Zhang at . In your cover letter, briefly outline your motivation for applying and how your experience aligns with the requirements listed above.
Deadline: 23:59 (BST), 3 September 2025
Shortlisting Notification: All applicants will be informed of the outcome by 8 September.
Online interviews will be held between 16–18 September.
The successful candidate will be notified by 19 September.
If you have any questions about the role or application process, please contact Dr Peng Zhang at .
Research Assistant / Associate employer: UCL Grand Challenges
UCL, in partnership with the University of Edinburgh, offers a unique opportunity for Research Assistants and Associates to engage in a socially impactful project focused on mental health support for postgraduate students from the Global South. With a commitment to professional development, flexible working arrangements, and a collaborative work culture, UCL fosters an environment where your contributions can lead to meaningful institutional change while enhancing your research skills and academic profile.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Research Assistant / Associate
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We think you need these skills to ace Research Assistant / Associate
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV with Relevant Experience:In psychology, it’s crucial to highlight your relevant experience, such as internships, research projects, or any volunteer work in mental health settings. Make sure to include specific roles and responsibilities, demonstrating how you've applied theoretical knowledge in real-world situations—this is what gets us excited!
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Personal Statement: Make It Count:Your personal statement is your chance to shine! Share insights about why you’re passionate about psychology and how this role at UCL Grand Challenges connects with your career goals. Be honest about your motivations and what you hope to learn—this is key for a full-time position and helps us gauge your fit in our team!
Focus on Soft Skills in Your Application:Psychology is as much about people as it is about theories. Highlight your soft skills such as communication, empathy, and teamwork in your application. These traits are essential in our field and will help us see how you connect with others, so don't hold back in showcasing them!
How to prepare for a job interview at UCL Grand Challenges
✨Brush Up on Key Psychological Theories
Before stepping into the interview with UCL Grand Challenges, revisit key psychological theories that are relevant to the role, like cognitive behavioural therapy or humanistic psychology. Expect to discuss these during your interview, as they want to see how you apply theory to practice.
✨Bring Real-Life Case Studies
Prepare a couple of case studies or anecdotes that demonstrate your practical experience in psychology. Whether it’s handling a difficult client or designing a psychological assessment, these stories will highlight your skills and help you stand out in your full-time interview.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Ethical Guidelines
Get comfy with the ethical guidelines set by the British Psychological Society. Be ready to chat about how you ensure ethical practice in your work, as this is crucial in the psychology field, and UCL Grand Challenges will be keen to know you’ve got integrity.
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Since you're going for a full-time gig, it’s essential to demonstrate your commitment to ongoing professional development. Bring up any workshops, courses, or readings you’ve engaged in recently. This shows UCL Grand Challenges that you’re not just there for a job, but genuinely passionate about the field.
