We are pleased to announce an opportunity to study for a full-time PhD and Postgraduate Teaching Assistantship, under the joint supervision of… College of Natural Sciences and College of Psychological SciencesAt Birkbeck, University of London.

We offer:

• Funded PhD position
• An opportunity to pursue a doctoral degree 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:

• Pursue studies leading to a doctoral degree in psychology
• Audit modules of the Birkbeck Postgraduate Certificate in Neurodiversity Training
• Providing part-time instructional assistance (8.75 hours per week) to Earth and Planetary Science students, with a specific remit, which is to train and mentor neurodiverse students to prepare, participate in, and evaluate field classes
• Undertaking management related to the above.

The ideal Graduate Teaching Assistant and PhD student will:

• You have in-depth knowledge of interdisciplinary psychology research with a focus on neurodiversity and neurodifference
• They have experience conducting qualitative research and navigating co-produced research
• Come with previous experience in neurodiversity training, disability support, educational support or similar areas
• Be available and willing to join residential field classes in the UK and abroad
• They have the ability to effectively lecture and conduct seminars at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels.

This is a specific project funded through a generous donation to better support neurodiverse students and facilitate curricular inclusion in the Earth and Planetary Sciences (EPS).

More specifically, the mission is to investigate how neurodivergent EPS students can be trained and facilitated to prepare for field classes, and how students can gain transferable 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 that this research will be approached through an autoethnographic approach.

Applicants for the GTA role should outline in their research statement the current knowledge and skills they bring, their commitment to neuroinclusion and how this aligns with the current project, and how they will engage in co-production while maintaining appropriate boundaries.

to request

Please note that two Separate applications will be required:

1. PhD application with research proposal; To include a proposal of up to 1,000 words detailing your understanding of the research topic and focus, the research question, the proposed approach to autoethnography and how to cross ethical boundaries.
2. Job application form, submitted via the apply button in www.bbk.ac.uk/jobs

The reward

Total salary £19,490 rising to £20,500 per annum, including:

• Part-time teaching (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 Doctoral Research Scholarship of £9,745.25 rising to £10,250 per year.

The salary quoted is grade 6 on the College’s London pay scale which includes the London weight allowance.

Terms and Conditions

Starts in November 2025, 3-year fixed term contract. Variable hours for the Student Support role at 0.25 FTE; Full-time doctoral research.

The role of Graduate Teaching Assistant (Student Support) is a development opportunity in parallel with doctoral study and requires ongoing doctoral registration as a condition of employment for the duration of the contract.

Closing date: Friday 10 October 2025. Interview date: Thursday, October 16, 2025.

Inquiries

For more information contact Dr. Phil Hubley at p.hopley@bbk.ac.uk Or Professor Almuth McDowall V a.mcdowall@bbk.ac.uk.

More guidance Available to prospective doctoral students.