Research Fellow in Mental Health(UK visa sponsorship available)
Job Description
About Us
University College London (UCL) is a world-leading research institution, ranked top in the UK for research power in psychology, psychiatry, and neurosciences in the 2021 Research Excellence Framework (REF).
This position is based within UCL’s Division of Psychology and Language Sciences (PALS)—ranked 2nd in the UK for Psychology by Times Higher Education.
You will join a dynamic and collaborative research team led by Dr. Jessie Baldwin, working within a supportive academic environment that promotes innovation and interdisciplinary research.
About the Role
This role offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to a UK Research and Innovation (UKRI)-funded project focused on understanding and preventing the intergenerational transmission of mental health problems.
The project aims to identify environmental factors that may disrupt the transmission of mental health difficulties from parents to children. The successful candidate will apply advanced causal inference methods using data from longitudinal cohort studies, national registries, and health records.
Key responsibilities include
Conducting high-quality research on environmental and genetic factors influencing mental health outcomes.
Applying and developing statistical and causal inference methods for large-scale datasets.
Collaborating with an interdisciplinary team of researchers and contributing to joint publications.
Disseminating findings through peer-reviewed journals, conferences, and public engagement activities.
Salary and Contract Details:
Starting Salary: £45,103 (Grade 7, Spine Point 31, inclusive of London Allowance).
Candidates who have not yet been awarded their PhD will be appointed at Grade 6B (£39,148–£41,833), with salary backdated to Grade 7 upon final thesis submission.
Contract Duration: 3 years, fixed-term (open-ended contract dependent on funding).
Start Date: To be agreed.
This position meets eligibility for both the Skilled Worker Visa and Global Talent Visa under UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) regulations.
UCL welcomes applications from international researchers requiring visa sponsorship.
Check Skilled Worker Visa eligibility on GOV.UK
About You
Essential qualifications and experience:
PhD (or equivalent research experience) in psychiatric epidemiology, developmental psychiatry, mental health, psychology, or a related discipline.
Proven experience in quantitative analysis and application of statistical/causal inference methods.
A strong publication record in relevant scientific journals.
Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
Ability to work collaboratively in a multidisciplinary research environment.
Desirable:
Experience working with large population datasets or health record data.
Familiarity with R, Python, or other statistical programming languages.
Understanding of intergenerational or developmental research.
Application Details
To apply, please complete UCL’s online application form, and upload:
A current CV
A supporting statement detailing how your experience meets the role criteria
What We Offer
UCL provides an excellent benefits package to support wellbeing, career development, and work-life balance, including:
41 days of annual leave (27 days holiday + 8 bank holidays + 6 closure days)
Option to purchase up to 5 additional days of annual leave
Defined Benefit CARE Pension Scheme
Cycle to Work and Season Ticket Loan schemes
Immigration and relocation loans (for eligible staff)
On-site nursery and gym facilities
Enhanced maternity, paternity, and adoption pay
Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) and staff support services
Discounted private medical insurance
Learn more about UCL’s Rewards and Benefits
Our Commitment to Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion
As London’s Global University, UCL is committed to creating a diverse, equitable, and inclusive environment where everyone can thrive. We believe diversity fosters creativity, innovation, and better science.
We particularly welcome applications from individuals underrepresented in UCL’s workforce, including:
People from Black, Asian, and minority ethnic backgrounds
Disabled individuals
Women applying for senior research (Grade 9–10) positions
The Division of Psychology and Language Sciences holds an Athena SWAN Silver Award, recognising its commitment to advancing gender equality in higher education and research.
