We are thrilled to announce one full-time PhD Studentship and Graduate Teaching Assistant opportunity supervised jointly between the School of Natural Sciences and School of Psychological Sciences, at Birkbeck, University of London.
A prestigious institution renowned for research excellence, Birkbeck is situated in the historic Bloomsbury site in the heart of London. We are offering:
* One 3-year funded PhD position
* The opportunity to pursue a PhD while gaining teaching experience
* The opportunity to be part of one of the world's leading psychology research departments
As a Graduate Teaching Assistant and PhD Student, your responsibilities will include:
* Pursuing studies leading towards a PhD in Psychology
* Auditing modules from Birkbeck's Postgraduate Certificate in Neurodiversity Coaching
* Providing part-time teaching assistance (8.75 hours per week) for Earth and Planetary Science students, with a specific remit, namely to coach and mentor neurodivergent students to prepare, partake in and evaluate field-classes
* Undertaking administration related to the above.
The ideal Graduate Teaching Assistant and PhD Student will:
* Demonstrate research potential and contribute to the faculty's research culture at postgraduate level
* Have in-depth knowledge of psychology interdisciplinary research with focus on neurodiversity and neurodivergence
* Have experience in undertaking qualitative research and navigation of co-produced research
* Possess advanced interpersonal, oral and written communication skills
* Come with prior experience in neurodiversity coaching, disability support, educational support or analogous fields
* Be available and willing to join residential field-classes in the UK and abroad
* Have the ability to lecture effectively and to conduct seminars at both undergraduate and postgraduate level.
This is a specific project funded by a generous donation to better support neurodivergent students and facilitate systemic inclusion in the Earth and Planetary Sciences (EPS).
More specifically, the remit is to research how neurodivergent EPS students can be coached and facilitated to better prepare for field-classes (or make informed decisions about virtual alternatives), how students can glean transferrable skills for example to better manage sensory sensitivities and cognitive preferences as well as relationships across different life domains including future work. It is envisaged to approach this research through an autoethnographic approach.
Applicants for the GTA role must outline in their research statement what existing knowledge and skills they bring, their commitment to neuro-inclusion and how this aligns with the current project, and how they would engage in co-production while maintaining appropriate boundaries.
Birkbeck was rated in the top 25 universities in the UK for its Earth Systems and Environmental Science research in the 2021 Research Excellence Framework (REF); fieldwork is a core activity for staff and students alike.
Birkbeck's School of Psychological Sciences was rated top 10 in the last REF. Its Centre for Neurodiversity Research at Work enjoys a national and international reputation and is recognised for its impact to practice and policy.
Application
Please note that two separate applications will be required:
* A full-time PhD application with accompanying research proposal for the PhD post; which should include a proposal of no more than 1,000 words which details your understanding of the research topic and focus, the research question, your proposed approach to autoethnography and how you would navigate ethical boundaries.
* A job application form for the post, submitted via the recruitment portal through the Apply button.
Remuneration
Total salary £19,490 rising to £20,500 per year, inclusive of:
* Teaching, part-time post (8.75 hours per week) £9,745.25 to £10,250 per annum, pro rata (25% of £38,981 to £40,998 per annum FTE).
* Annual PhD research bursary of £9,745.25 rising to £10,250 per annum.
The salary quoted is Grade 6 on the College's London Pay Scale which includes a consolidated Weighting/Allowance which applies only to staff whose normal contractual place of work is in the London area.
Birkbeck offers a competitive salary and pension scheme, 31 days paid leave, flexible working arrangements and some of the most generous benefits in the HE sector, all while being located right in the heart of Central London.
Terms and Conditions
To commence November 2025, 3-year fixed-term contract. Variable hours for student support role at 0.25 FTE; full-time PhD research.
The Graduate Teaching Assistant (Student Support) role is a developmental opportunity in parallel with PhD study and requires ongoing PhD registration as a condition of employment for the duration of the contract.
Closing date: Friday 6 October 2025. Interview date: Thursday 16 October 2025.
Enquiries
For further information contact Dr Phil Hopley at or Professor Almuth McDowall at
Further guidance is available for prospective PhD students.
If you have technical issues or difficulties using the recruitment portal, please contact providing your name and the job reference number of the position. While we are happy to respond to all informal enquiries, only formal applications through the online system will be considered.
We welcome applicants from all sections of the community. The College is committed to improving the gender and cultural diversity of its workforce, holding an Athena SWAN award and operating Disability Confident & Mindful Employer schemes.