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 Programm e. The position will be 18.5 hours per week for 3 years, from 1 st May 2026 to 30 th 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 11-16.
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.
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.
If you require a reasonable adjustment in order to apply for this position please contact Within the application form there is an opportunity for you to request a reasonable adjustment at the interview stage of the process, however if you wish to discuss this in further detail at any point in the process please do not hesitate to contact us. The following resource may help you adapt the device you are using to apply to suit your needs My Computer My Way )
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 Visa loan scheme 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.
Read more about our culture, inclusive community, working arrangements and benefits for York St John employees
Read the latest news, views and stories from our staff and students.
Read more about our commitment to managing and reducing our environmental impact and to promoting sustainable development wherever we can.
Closing Date - Wednesday 25 February 2026 at midnight
Provisional Interview Date - Tuesday 17 March 2026
Further Details
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Further Information
Candidate application form guidance
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