Postdoctoral Research Assistant - Creative Writing Together Project
Department: Education
Location: York
Salary: £34,610 to £39,906 per annum pro rata
Contract Duration: 3 years
Closing Date: Wednesday 25 February 2026 at midnight
Interview Date: Tuesday 17 March
Reference:
Part-time, fixed term
Location: York
Salary: £34,610 - £39,906 per annum (£17,305 - £19,953 per annum pro rata)
Introduction to YSJ University
York St John is an ambitious, modern university at the heart of historic York and there has never been a more exciting time to join us.
As one of the fastest growing universities in the U.K over recent years, we have a new strategy for the next decade, emphasising our commitment to widening opportunity through the power of education and contributing our talents to creating a fairer world, and a more prosperous region. We are putting inspirational learning and impactful research at the heart of this strategy, recognising our academic expertise as our greatest asset.
The School
The School of Education, Language and Psychology prides itself on undertaking innovative, interdisciplinary research that impacts positively upon our local communities to address social injustice and disadvantage.
The Role
We are looking for an innovative and dynamic Postdoctoral Research Assistant to support our AHRC-funded Creative Writing Together Programme. The position will be 18.5 hours per week for 3 years, from 1st May 2026 to 30th April 2029, and the successful candidate must have experience of creative writing, working with children, and action research.
The Creative Writing Together Programme directly confronts the current mental health crisis that affects young people, their parents and schools. Based on our emerging research, we know that adults and children taking different perspectives in co-constructing creative writing can strengthen relationships and promote positive mental health.
For this role, we are looking for a Postdoctoral Research Assistant to deliver and research into creative writing workshops in York. Workshops will take place in: community settings, involving parents, carers, and their children aged 7-14; and schools, involving teachers, and children aged
Using an action research methodology, alongside pre- and post-programme questionnaires and interviews, the project's aim is to:
Evaluate how co-creative writing — enhanced by GenAI and designed with a focus on RF — can foster more connected relationships within families and schools.
As well as delivering and researching into the Creative Writing Together Programme, the role will include supporting the project team to produce a range of outputs: research articles; a guide for teachers and parents; an anthology of creative writing; and a Framework for using GenAI.
Required skills and experience
We are looking with a Research Assistant with a PhD or EdD in the field of social sciences. It is essential that the candidate writes creatively, is passionate about creative writing, and has experience of planning and delivering creative writing workshops with children. It is also essential that the candidate has experience of undertaking action research and utilising appropriate data collection tools. It is also desirable that the candidate has knowledge of the education system and working with teachers. The successful candidate will be required to hold a enhanced DBS check.
Additional information
For informal enquiries please contact Professor Tom Dobson:
The selection process will consist of a 10-minute presentation followed by a 45-minute interview. Further details about the presentation and the interview will be provided if you are shortlisted for interview.
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.
Closing Date - Wednesday 25 February 2026 at midnight
Provisional Interview Date - Tuesday 17 March 2026