Research Associate

Role Description

Department

The Department of Psychology, founded in 1974, is a leading research and teaching establishment, housed in its own buildings on the Heslington West Campus. We have an academic staff body of 48 and growing, supported by technical and administrative staff with an active community of graduate students and post-doctoral research fellows. Our research is internationally excellent, and consistently ranked in the top ten Psychology Departments in the UK (e.g., REF2021, Times Higher 2025, Complete University Guide 2025), with the quality of our outputs ranked 2nd in the UK and our research environment ranked as joint 1st in REF2021. For teaching, we consistently achieve outstanding NSS results (ranked 3rd overall for 2024/25). Staff morale is critically important to our successes, and equality, diversity and inclusivity are central pillars of all Departmental activities, as reflected by our Gold Athena Swan Award (renewed 2025).  

Role

We are seeking to appoint a post-doctoral researcher to contribute to an Education Endowment Foundation (EEF) funded evaluation of adventure learning programmes in secondary schools. The evaluation focuses on two adventure learning programmes: the Outward Bound Trust and Commando Joes. Using a randomized controlled trial (RCT) design, the project will assess whether participation in these programmes improves pupils’ social, emotional, and academic outcomes. In addition to the impact evaluation, the project will also explore factors that influence programme implementation. The successful candidate will work with schools, delivery partners and another postdoctoral researcher to collect data, conduct qualitative and quantitative data analysis and write up the findings.

Skills, Experience & Qualification needed

Applicants will be shortlisted using the following criteria:

• PhD in Psychology, Education or related area or equivalent experience

• Knowledge of implementation and process evaluation

• Experience of conducting RCTs with schools at scale

• Experience of working with children and young people

• Knowledge of a range of research techniques and methodologies, specifically mixed methods

Interview date: Wednesday 17th December

For informal enquiries: Prof. Umar Toseeb - umar.toseeb@york.ac.uk 

Condition of employment

This role is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act. Consequently, all applicants will be asked to declare both unspent and spent convictions on their application form.

Appointment of the successful candidate will be conditional on a Disclosure and Barring Service check.

The University strives to be diverse and inclusive  – a place where we can ALL be ourselves.

We particularly encourage applications from people who identify as Black, Asian or from a Minority Ethnic background, who are underrepresented at the University. 

We offer family friendly, flexible working arrangements, with forums and inclusive facilities to support our staff. #EqualityatYork