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- Tasks: Conduct impactful research on mental health inequalities in rural and coastal communities.
- Company: Join the University of Lincoln's innovative Lincolnshire Unit for Mental Health Research.
- Benefits: Permanent, full-time position with a competitive salary and supportive environment.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in mental health while developing your independent research career.
- Qualifications: PhD or near completion in relevant fields and experience in applied mental health research.
- Other info: Collaborate with diverse partners and contribute to meaningful community-led interventions.
The predicted salary is between 38784 - 38784 ÂŁ per year.
Are you passionate about addressing mental health inequalities in rural and coastal communities? The University of Lincoln is seeking two ambitious Postdoctoral Research Associates (PDRAs) to join the Lincolnshire Unit for Mental Health Research (LUMHR) — a major NIHR-funded initiative focused on improving mental health and wellbeing in rural, coastal, and underserved communities across Lincolnshire. Both posts are permanent and full-time (1.0 FTE) and offer the opportunity to develop an independent, applied research career within a supportive, multidisciplinary environment.
About the Roles
Each PDRA will be an independent researcher working with a significant degree of autonomy within one of LUMHR’s core research themes:
- Prevent theme – focusing on upstream mental health prevention, citizen science, co‑produced community research, and the development and feasibility testing of community‑led interventions.
- Respond theme – focusing on crisis support and suicide prevention, including mapping crisis pathways, working with lived‑experience partners, co‑designing training or intervention models, and evaluating crisis‑support innovations.
Across both roles, you will plan and deliver high‑quality participatory and mixed‑methods research, contribute to impactful research outputs, and work closely with academic, clinical, voluntary‑sector, and community partners. You will also support collaborative working with research assistants, practitioner researchers, peer researchers, and students, and contribute to grant development aligned with your research interests. Teaching support may be required, up to a maximum of six hours per week. Please note that this post requires an Enhanced DBS check.
About You
You will have a PhD (or near completion) in a relevant discipline (e.g., psychology, public health, social sciences) or equivalent research experience, alongside experience of applied mental health or social research. You will have a developing publication profile, experience of working with communities or people with lived experience, and a strong commitment to inclusive, ethical, and real‑world impactful research. Experience relevant to either mental health prevention and community wellbeing or crisis care and suicide prevention is particularly welcome.
About Us
LUMHR is Lincolnshire’s first integrated, multidisciplinary unit dedicated to applied mental health research in rural, coastal, and small urban‑deprived settings. Funded through the NIHR Mental Health Research Group programme, LUMHR brings together academic, clinical, community and lived‑experience partners to address persistent mental health inequalities. The University of Lincoln is proud to be a recipient of the Queen’s Anniversary Prize for Higher Education (2023) and is located in the heart of one of the UK’s great historic cities.
Informal enquiries
For informal enquiries or further information, please contact: Professor David Dawson or Professor Nima Golijani‑Moghaddam ddawson@lincoln.ac.uk | nmoghaddam@lincoln.ac.uk
Closing Date: 23 Mar 2026
Department: Research
Salary: ÂŁ38,784 per annum
Please note, this post is permanent and full-time at 1 FTE.
Postdoctoral Research Associate (PDRA) in Mental Health (CHS291) in Lincoln employer: University of Lincoln
Contact Detail:
University of Lincoln Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Postdoctoral Research Associate (PDRA) in Mental Health (CHS291) in Lincoln
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to professionals in the mental health field, especially those connected to rural and coastal communities. Attend relevant conferences or webinars to make connections that could lead to job opportunities.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your passion! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, share your enthusiasm for addressing mental health inequalities. Let them know how your research aligns with their goals at LUMHR.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of community-led interventions and crisis support strategies. Be ready to discuss how your experience can contribute to impactful research outputs.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the University of Lincoln and making a difference in mental health research.
We think you need these skills to ace Postdoctoral Research Associate (PDRA) in Mental Health (CHS291) in Lincoln
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: Make sure to express your enthusiasm for tackling mental health inequalities, especially in rural and coastal communities. We want to see how your values align with our mission at LUMHR!
Tailor Your Application: Don’t just send a generic application! Highlight your relevant experience in applied mental health or social research, and connect it to the specific themes of the roles. We love seeing how you fit into our vision.
Highlight Collaboration Skills: Since you'll be working closely with various partners, emphasise your experience in collaborative research. Share examples of how you've worked with communities or people with lived experience—this is key for us!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it makes the process smoother for both you and us!
How to prepare for a job interview at University of Lincoln
✨Know Your Research
Make sure you’re well-versed in the latest research related to mental health inequalities, especially in rural and coastal communities. Familiarise yourself with the Lincolnshire Unit for Mental Health Research's projects and how your work aligns with their goals.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare to discuss your previous research experience, particularly any applied mental health or social research. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've worked with communities or individuals with lived experience, as this will demonstrate your commitment to impactful research.
✨Engage with the Interviewers
During the interview, engage actively with the panel. Ask insightful questions about their current projects and express your enthusiasm for collaboration. This shows that you’re not just interested in the position but also in contributing to their mission.
✨Highlight Your Teaching Skills
Since teaching support may be part of the role, be prepared to discuss your teaching philosophy and any relevant experience. Share how you can contribute to the academic environment at the University of Lincoln, even if it’s just a few hours a week.