Job description

The main purpose of this post is to undertake high-quality research within the ESRC-funded Centre for Society and Mental Health  at King’s College London. The Centre is a cross-Faculty initiative between the Faculty of Social Science and Public Policy (SSPP) and the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience (IoPPN). 

You will work closely with Prof. Ben Geiger and Prof. Karen Glaser as part of the Centre’s ‘Work, Welfare Reform and Mental Health’ programme, collaborating closely with an interdisciplinary team of researchers as well as the Centre’s academic and community partners. Your responsibilities will include carrying out original analysis of large quantitative datasets to (i) investigate the link between the changing nature of work and mental health, and (ii) conduct other research within our strategic priorities (including inter alia the effect of welfare reforms on mental health, the assessment of work capacity, work-welfare interactions, and/or poverty & the cost of living). Some analyses will require advanced longitudinal research and data management skills; other analyses may involve advanced quasi-experimental evaluation designs or policy-relevant descriptive analysis across multiple datasets.  

In addition, you will be supported to develop independent research, including fellowship applications, under the supervision of the programme leads, explore collaborations with others to support in the development of further externally funded research, publish papers in internationally recognized peer-reviewed journals, and to present at national and international events.  

The post holder will also have opportunities to contribute to teaching and service within both the Centre and in the Department of Global Health & Social Medicine. This may include undertaking occasional lectures to undergraduate and postgraduate students in their specialist area, helping develop training courses in the Centre, and assisting with the supervision of Masters and PhD students. 

This post will be offered on a fixed term contract until 31st December 2024 

This is a full-time post

Key responsibilities

•       To undertake advanced statistical analysis of quantitative data under the overall guidance of the programme leads to test innovative hypotheses on the relationship between employment, social policy and mental health

•       To lead the production of research papers and reports, and the dissemination of findings, in collaboration with other researchers

•       To publish findings in highly rated internationally recognised journals, present papers at national and international conferences, and participate in internationally recognised academic networks

•       To develop own research interests with support of the programme leads, and conduct independent research linked to the priorities of the programme and the Centre, as agreed with the programme leads

•       To contribute to the development, coordination and evaluation of public engagement and pathways to impact across research programmes

•       To undertake any other relevant activities that may be requested by the programme leads.

•       To prepare and present information on research progress and outcomes to supervising bodies.

•       To ensure close collaborative working with and ongoing input from other platforms and programmes, and effective collaborative working with broader academic and non-academic partners

•       To attend, organise and contribute to relevant meetings including Centre meetings and research seminars.

•       To plan and deliver occasional lectures to undergraduate and postgraduate students and contribute to the development and delivery of training courses for the Centre and the Department of Global Health & Social Medicine, in areas appropriate to their specialism, as agreed with the programme leads

•       To commit to enhancing Diversity and Inclusion, to actively contribute to the Centre ED&I activities, and to the principles of Athena SWAN, Race Equality and Stonewall Charters.

The above list of responsibilities may not be exhaustive, and the post holder will be required to undertake such tasks and responsibilities as may reasonably be expected within the scope and grading of the post.

Skills, knowledge, and experience

Essential criteria

1.       PhD, or in the final stages of obtaining a PhD, in a relevant area of social science (e.g., social policy, economics, demography, sociology, social statistics, social epidemiology).

2.       Advanced knowledge of contemporary policy and research debates on welfare policy and/or employment  

3.       Knowledge of advanced statistical approaches and data management best practice for longitudinal data analysis  

4.       Experience in analysing quantitative data using advanced statistical, econometric or policy evaluation methods 

5.       Demonstrated ability to work with research teams, including good interpersonal skills to develop and maintain effective working relationships 

6.       Demonstrated organisational and time management skills 

7.       Effective communication skills 

8.       Experience of presenting / disseminating research findings 

9.       Experience of preparing and publishing papers in refereed journals 

10.    Ambitious, enthusiastic, responsible, flexible 

11.    Ability to work independently and to deadlines 

Desirable criteria

1.       Knowledge of research in the intersection between social sciences (such as social policy, economics or quantitative sociology) and mental health  

2.       Knowledge of advanced statistical techniques for policy evaluation using RCTs or quasi-experiments (e.g., difference-in-difference techniques) 

3.       Relevant previous experience of working on interdisciplinary and/or international research projects 

4.       A desire and capacity to communicate effectively with, and influence, wider research, business, NGO and policy communities  

Please note that this is a PhD level role but candidates who have submitted their thesis and are awaiting award of their PhDs will be considered. In these circumstances the appointment will be made at Grade 5, spine point 30 with the title of Research Assistant. Upon confirmation of the award of the PhD, the job title will become Research Associate and the salary will increase to Grade 6. 

Interviews will convene mid/late October.