The Role
Our team is expanding, and we are seeking to recruit an enthusiastic Academic Associate to undertake a PhD looking at what therapeutic support is available, and might be developed for trans, non-binary and gender non-conforming people. The role is designed to provide an opportunity for a mix of teaching and research. You will be part of the wider counselling team and undertake teaching across a variety of settings, including small group skills sessions/seminars, lectures, assessments, and marking.
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
The successful candidate will hold a professional qualification and be a member of a relevant professional body, such as BACP, NMC or SWE.
The successful candidate will hold an honours degree (2:1 or above) and a postgraduate masters degree (or working towards this) from a UK HEI, or an internationally recognised equivalent. The degree must be in a discipline that is relevant to the research.
Key attributes
1. Knowledge and experience to teach on counselling and mental health modules
2. Understanding of trans, non-binary and gender non-conforming contexts, experiences and complexities
3. Ability to engage in creative, participatory and inclusive research methodologies
4. A proven ability to work well both independently and with others in a research environment
5. A high standard of written English and the ability to communicate clearly in both academic (within the university setting) and non-academic contexts (with community groups) where and when appropriate
The Research
This project seeks to better understand trans, non-binary and gender non-conforming experiences in counselling and mental health settings. A particular focus will be in developing training or a toolkit for the sector which takes a trauma-informed approach. We are looking for a candidate who will be able to take the lead and steer this project in a community-informed direction.
We anticipate this would be pursued using Participatory Action Research and coproduction methodologies. It is hoped that the research will not only feed into the body of literature concerned with supporting individuals from this community but also service development for the York St John Communities Centre.
Main Supervisor/contact for further details: Dr Penn Smith
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 and presentation. 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 - Sunday 29 March 2026 at midnight Provisional Interview Date - Wednesday 15 April 2026