ESRC CAM DTP Studentship – Pesticide Harm: Minds, Policies and Practice (Fixed Term)
Join to apply for the ESRC CAM DTP Studentship – Pesticide Harm: Minds, Policies and Practice (Fixed Term) role at Minderoo Centre for Technology and Democracy.
The Cambridge ESRC Doctoral Training Partnership (CAM-DTP) is pleased to offer an interdisciplinary studentship available for admission in October 2026.
Project Description
This interdisciplinary PhD will investigate how chronic pesticide exposure impacts brain, physiology and cognitive performance, emotional well‑being, and protective behaviours in rural communities, with a focus on Chile. The project combines cognitive neuroscience with participatory environmental research and policy analysis. The student will analyse multivariate data from participants and communities, exploring how they and institutions understand pesticide risk and responsibility, what barriers exist to protective actions like PPE use, and how more effective, context‑sensitive interventions could be developed.
Fieldwork will involve collaboration with local stakeholders, including public health agencies and agricultural cooperatives, allowing the student to co‑produce knowledge with affected communities.
Research Skills
* Must have: Background in cognitive neuroscience, psychology, anthropology, or public/global health.
* Helpful: Spanish fluency and field experience in Latin America are preferred.
About the Studentship
An ESRC‑funded PhD studentship through CAM‑DTP supports 3.5–4.5 years of full‑time study. Full‑time students receive tuition fee support up to the national UKRI rate for Home students (international students may need additional scholarships for remaining fees and immigration costs). The program encourages part‑time study at a minimum of 50 % of full‑time hours.
The Studentship Provides
* Tuition fees up to the value of the national UKRI rate for Home students; international students are welcome to apply but will need additional scholarships from alternative sources to fund the remainder of their fees and any immigration costs.
* An annual tax‑free stipend at the UKRI rate [£20,780 in 2025‑26 for full‑time students] and a contribution towards research and training costs.
* A personalised training programme to develop research, communication, employability and personal skills.
* Support to carry out a required three‑month placement, known as an Innovation Fellowship, with an academic or non‑academic partner during the studentship.
Successful candidates will be required to submit a PhD within the duration of the studentship award. Studentships will start in October 2026 for both full‑time and part‑time applicants.
Application Process
Applications should be made to the Department of Psychology (course code: BLPC22 – PhD in Psychology). The closing date for applications is 2 December 2025. Please quote reference PJ47718 on your application and in any correspondence. Contact Professor Tristan Bekinschtein (tb419@cam.ac.uk) or Dr Rachel Carmenta (r.carmenta@uea.ac.uk) for questions.
Submission requirements:
* Draft research proposal outlining suitability, interest, background, research interests and familiarity with the research questions.
* Curriculum vitae (CV).
* Academic transcripts (copies).
* Details of two academic referees.
Equal Opportunity
The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society. The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.
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