The Role
We are seeking to appoint several Academic Associates in Psychology starting in September 2026.
As an Academic Associate you will undertake a PhD within the School of Education, Language and Psychology whilst also being employed by the University to support teaching and assessment on our undergraduate Psychology programmes (0.5 FTE).
The Academic Associate is a fixed-term position for four-years and includes a UK tuition fee waiver/scholarship for a full-time PhD. Please note that a condition of the post is full time study.
Timetabled teaching duties during our two semesters will not exceed six contact hours per week, which may include delivery of seminars, workshops and tutorials. Training is provided to support Academic Associates develop their teaching-related skills and professional competencies alongside their doctoral research.
We are seeking Academic Associates to undertake the following projects:
1. Trauma-informed care in homelessness service contexts (Dr Branagh O’Shaughnessy, ).
2. Exploring the social connectedness and social identities of adults with learning disabilities in Yorkshire (Dr Ruth Knight, r.knight1@yorksj.ac.uk) .
3. The development of children’s collaborative problem-solving skills (Dr Shona Duguid, ).
4. Exploring the psychological basis of virtual reality analgesia (Dr Matthew Coxon, ).
5. Neurodivergent communication and psychological flow in education settings (Dr Brett Heasman, ).
Please see the attached project outlines for further details, including contact details for the main supervisor of each project.
You can see all these details right at the bottom of this ad, under “Further Details” by clicking the “Further Information” link.
Applicants should contact the main supervisor before applying to seek guidance in developing a 1,500-word research proposal (not including references) as part of the application.
Your research proposal will show us that you understand current thinking in your chosen topic and are equipped with the knowledge and some of the skills needed to get started on a large research project.
As part of our commitment to providing an inclusive working environment, consideration is given to all requests for job share or flexible working arrangements. Any appointment will be conditional upon acceptance to a PhD programme at York St John University.
Required Skills and Experience
• UK undergraduate degree in Psychology, or with a specialisation in Psychology, with first-class or upper second-class honours, or an equivalent qualification from a recognised overseas institution. Candidates may also have completed, or be about to complete, a Masters course in Psychology, or a closely related discipline.
• Applications are welcome from candidates currently studying for a Masters degree, provided that all assessment work is completed before commencement of the PhD at York St John University on 1st September 2026.
• High level of proficiency in English, sufficient to undertake doctoral research, teaching and administrative activities and to communicate effectively with staff and students.
Main contact for further details: Prof Lorna Hamilton
Additional information
Unfortunately this role is not eligible for Skilled Worker Visa sponsorship however we welcome your application if you are able to evidence right to work in the UK via an alternative route.
It is anticipated that the selection process will include an interview. Further details will be provided if you are shortlisted for interview.
We offer a range of family friendly and inclusive policies and facilities and welcome applications from individuals from underrepresented backgrounds. As part of our commitment to providing an inclusive working environment, consideration is given to all requests for job share or flexible working arrangements.
This vacancy is scheduled to close on the date indicated at the bottom of this advert, but we may close earlier if we receive a high level of applications.
Application process support
We are keen to support you throughout the recruitment process. Before starting your application please refer to the attached candidate application form guidance below which provides advice about completing the application process.
Please note that CVs are not accepted in place of the application form. Within the application process you will be asked to answer a selection of work-related questions. Our aim is to get to know you, and understand your individual skills and experience, and how you would apply these within the role. We are aware that AI can be helpful in shaping your responses, but we encourage you to share your answers in your own words.
Our benefits package
We offer a wide range of employee benefits including -
- Excellent annual leave entitlement, including five discretionary university closure days over the Christmas period
- Disability leave (applies to staff who have disclosed a disability and is also available to staff with disabled dependants)
- Pension scheme
- Health Cash Plan after six months service
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Paid leave for Armed Forces Reservists
- On-campus courses, one-to-one tutorials, and online resources to help you develop your digital skills and work with new software
- Relocation expenses package for certain roles
- Reimbursement of Skilled Worker Visa application fees and for additional costs (if applicable to the role)
Further information about life at YSJ
Our attached 'further information' document below provides further information about our culture, achievements and testimonials from our employees.
Closing Date - Tuesday 31 March 2026 at midnight Provisional Interview Date - Friday 17 April 2026