At a Glance
- Tasks: Conduct research on neurodivergent personnel in law enforcement and analyse data for impactful findings.
- Company: University of Birmingham, a diverse and inclusive institution committed to innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and opportunities for academic publication.
- Other info: Join a multidisciplinary team and contribute to meaningful research until April 2028.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in mental health and support for those in high-stress roles.
- Qualifications: PhD or near completion in psychology or related field, with strong quantitative research skills.
The predicted salary is between 36636 - 36636 £ per year.
Position Details
School of Psychology
Location: University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham UK
As this vacancy has limited funding the maximum salary that can be offered is Grade 7, salary £36,636
Grade: 7
Full Time, Fixed Term contract up to April 2028
Closing date: 14th June 2026
Background
Police and law enforcement personnel are routinely exposed to distressing material as part of their roles, particularly when supporting investigations into serious crimes such as sexual violence, child exploitation, and terrorism. Evidence from high-risk sectors indicates that repeated exposure can negatively affect wellbeing, as well as personal and social functioning, particularly under conditions of high workload and time pressure. Neurodivergent professionals (e.g., autistic individuals and those with ADHD, dyslexia, or dyspraxia) may be particularly affected due to differences in emotional processing and sensory sensitivity, alongside strengths such as strong attention to detail.
Role Summary
We are seeking a highly motivated post-doc researcher to join our multidisciplinary team on this project exploring risk and protective factors for distress in neurodivergent personnel. The role involves conducting quantitative and qualitative analyses, with opportunities to contribute to the translation of findings into practical guidance for organisations.
- Work within specified research grants and projects and contribute to writing bids
- Operate within area of specialism
- Analyse and interpret research findings and results
Main Duties
- Lead the design, implementation, and analysis of quantitative research, including surveys, data collection, and statistical analysis.
- Collaborate with law enforcement agencies, academic researchers, and mental health professionals to support effective project delivery.
- Conduct literature reviews and contribute to project reports and academic publications.
- Ensure adherence to ethical guidelines and regulatory requirements, particularly when working with high-risk groups.
- Contribute to dissemination of findings through conferences, workshops, and academic outputs.
- Prepare reports for funders and other key stakeholders.
- Deal with problems that may affect the achievement of research objectives and deadlines.
- Collect research data; this may be through a variety of research methods, such as scientific experimentation, literature reviews, and research interviews.
- Present research outputs, including drafting academic publications or parts thereof, for example at seminars and as posters.
- Provide guidance, as required, to support staff and any students who may be assisting with the research.
- Apply knowledge in a way which develops new intellectual understanding.
- Contribute to developing new models, techniques and methods.
Person Specification
- A PhD (or near to completion) in psychology, criminology, or a related discipline, with a focus on mental health, trauma, neurodiversity, or a closely related area.
- Strong expertise in quantitative research methods, including advanced statistical analysis and proficiency in software such as SPSS, R, or equivalent tools.
- Proven experience in designing, managing, and analysing complex datasets to answer comparison research questions.
- A solid understanding of law enforcement contexts and the psychological impact of exposure to distressing material.
- Strong project management skills, with the ability to work independently and collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage effectively with academic, operational, and practitioner stakeholders.
- Experience of academic publication or research dissemination is desirable.
Informal enquiries to Fazeelat Duran, email: F.L.DURAN@bham.ac.uk
Use of AI in applications: We want to understand your genuine interest in the role and for the written elements of your application to accurately reflect your own communication style. Applications that rely too heavily on AI tools can appear generic and lack the detail we need to assess your skills and experience. Such applications will unlikely be progressed to interview.
We believe there is no such thing as a 'typical' member of University of Birmingham staff and that diversity in its many forms is a strength that underpins the exchange of ideas, innovation and debate at the heart of University life. We are committed to proactively addressing the barriers experienced by some groups in our community and are proud to hold Athena SWAN, Race Equality Charter and Disability Confident accreditations. We have an Equality Diversity and Inclusion Centre that focuses on continuously improving the University as a fair and inclusive place to work where everyone has the opportunity to succeed. We are also committed to sustainability, which is a key part of our strategy. You can find out more about our work to create a fairer university for everyone on our website.
Research Fellow - School of Psychology - 107497 - Grade 7 in Birmingham employer: University of Birmingham
The University of Birmingham is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant and inclusive work culture that values diversity and promotes employee growth. As a Research Fellow in the School of Psychology, you will have the opportunity to engage in meaningful research that impacts law enforcement personnel's wellbeing, while benefiting from a supportive environment that encourages collaboration and innovation. With access to professional development resources and a commitment to sustainability, the University fosters a workplace where every individual can thrive and contribute to groundbreaking research.
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We think you need these skills to ace Research Fellow - School of Psychology - 107497 - Grade 7 in Birmingham
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