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Overview
Applications are invited for a Postdoctoral Research Associate to support the 3-year project 'Amplifying the mental health of Black university students: A Black, Mad and Disability Studies Intersectional Inquiry', funded by the Economic Social and Research Council. This project will investigate and address Black students' poor mental health across the lifecycle at 4 institutions (Durham University, University of Nottingham, University of East London, and University of Hertfordshire). Through the project, the research team will theorise and develop innovative methodologies to tackle this issue in dialogue with Black students, university wellbeing services, and third sector organisations.
The successful applicant will be based at the School of Education, University of Sheffield,, working closely with Dr Antonios Ktenidis. They will lead data collection, including participant recruitment and fieldwork, manage the day-to-day running of the project, maintain contacts with universities, and support the analysis of Black students' experiences. They will also support the dissemination of the findings of the project and will engage in academic journal writing with the core team to support their own academic careers. The post-holder will have the further opportunity to participate in and contribute to iHuman, an interdisciplinary research institute based in the School of Education.
Main Duties And Responsibilities
To co-facilitate (with the project team and Narrative Practices Lab based at the University of Durham) creative narrative methods workshops that elicit Black students' experiences of wellbeing.
To collect and analyse data from Black student participants' creative output.
To develop and integrate Black student-centred, anti-racist narrative analysis into the project.
Attend project meetings and research advisory group meetings.
Contribute to conference presentations, practitioner workshops and research advisory group meetings, as well as assisting in the running of them.
To maintain communication across the four universities and non-academic partners.
Assist in the writing of the project website/blog, newsletters, reports and scholarly publications.
To work with the research team to identify areas for research and develop new research methods and extend the research portfolio.
Carry out other duties, commensurate with the grade and remit of the post.
Person Specification
Our diverse community of staff and students recognises the unique abilities, backgrounds, and beliefs of all. We foster a culture where everyone feels they belong and is respected. Even if your past experience doesn't match perfectly with this role's criteria, your contribution is valuable, and we encourage you to apply. Please ensure that you reference the application criteria in the application statement when you apply.
Criteria
Essential Or Desirable
Stage(s) assessed at
A PhD in education or sociology and/or equivalent experience.
Essential
Application
Experience in conducting high quality, academic research, with demonstrable interest in race, disability and health.
Essential
Application/interview
Experience of undertaking co-produced research with a focus on qualitative research.
Essential
Application/interview
Experience in ethics reviews processes and conducting ethical research according to institutional standards.
Essential
Application/interview
Experience of writing high quality outputs (e.g. journal articles, book chapters, and reports) and willingness to present research papers at conferences.
Essential
Application/interview
Experience in working with marginalised communities and/or handling sensitive material or data.
Essential
Application/interview
Demonstrable experience of working with anti-racist and anti-ableist research practices.
Essential
Application/interview
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
Essential
Application/interview
Evidence of working productively; independently and as part of a team, including leading research meetings and mentoring junior colleagues.
Essential
Application/interview
Lived-experience research related to Black health and/or community practice (or other similar disciplines/areas)
Desirable
Application/interview
Further Information
Grade
7
Salary
£38,784 - £46,049 per annum.
Work arrangement
0.8 (Flexible working opportunities can be explored)
Duration
March 2026-February months)
Line manager
Co-Investigator in the project
Direct reports
n/a
Our website
For informal enquiries about this job contact Dr Antonios Ktenidis, Co-Investigator at or on
Next steps in the recruitment process
It is anticipated that the selection process will take place in late February. This will consist of a task and an interview. We plan to let candidates know if they have progressed to the selection stage in March. If you need any support, equipment or adjustments to enable you to participate in any element of the recruitment process you can contact edc-
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What We Offer
A minimum of 41 days annual leave including bank holiday and closure days (pro rata) with the ability to purchase more.
Flexible working opportunities, including hybrid working for some roles.
Generous pension scheme.
A wide range of discounts and rewards on shopping, eating out and travel.
A variety of staff networks, providing opportunities for social interaction, peer support and personal development (for example, Race Equality, LGBT+, Women's and Parent's networks).
Recognition Awards to reward staff who go above and beyond in their role.
A commitment to your development access to learning and mentoring schemes; integrated with our Academic Career Pathways
A range of generous family-friendly policies
paid time off for parenting and caring emergencies
support for those going through the menopause
paid time off and support for fertility treatment
and more
More details can be found on our benefits page: (opens in a new window).
We are a Disability Confident Employer. If you have a disability and meet the essential criteria for this job you will be invited to take part in the next stage of the selection process.
Closing Date : 08/03/2026
We are a research university with a global reputation for excellence. Our ideas and expertise change the world for the better, making a real difference to society. We know that when people come together with different views, approaches and insights it can lead to richer, more creative and innovative teaching and research and the highest levels of student experience. Our University Vision ) outlines our commitment to building a diverse community of staff and students that recognises and values the abilities, backgrounds, beliefs and ways of living for everyone.