Research Fellow in Mental Health(UK visa sponsorship available)

Job Description

About Us

University College London (UCL) is ranked top in the UK for research power in psychology, psychiatry, and neuroscience in the 2021 Research Excellence Framework (REF).

Within UCL, this role is based in the Division of Psychology and Language Sciences (PALS), ranked 2nd in the UK for Psychology in the latest Times Higher Education subject rankings.

You will join a dynamic, supportive, and collaborative research team led by Dr Jessie Baldwin, working on cutting-edge projects that explore the causes and prevention of mental health difficulties.

About the Role

This post offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to a UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) funded project investigating environmental factors that disrupt the intergenerational transmission of mental health problems.

You will apply causal inference methods to data from longitudinal cohort studies, national registries, and health records to better understand how these factors influence mental health across generations.

Key details:

Salary:

Grade 7, Spine Point 31 – £45,103 (inclusive of London Allowance).

If you have not yet been awarded your PhD, initial appointment will be at Grade 6B (£39,148 – £41,833), with salary adjusted to Grade 7 upon thesis submission (backdated accordingly).

Contract: Open-ended, subject to external funding (3 years).

Location: London (hybrid working).

Visa Sponsorship: This role meets eligibility requirements for a Skilled Worker visa or Global Talent visa under UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) regulations.

Secondment: Not available.

This appointment is governed by UCL’s Terms and Conditions of Service for Research and Professional Services Staff.
More details: UCL Terms & Condition

About You

You will have (or be close to obtaining) a PhD in a relevant field such as:

Psychiatric Epidemiology

Developmental Psychiatry

Mental Health or related disciplines

You should also demonstrate:

A strong publication record appropriate to career stage

Advanced statistical and analytical skills (experience with causal inference methods is desirable)

Excellent communication and teamwork skills

The ability to work independently and collaboratively within a multidisciplinary research environment

What We Offer

At UCL, you’ll benefit from an exceptional package of staff rewards and benefits, including:

41 days of annual leave (27 days + 8 bank holidays + 6 closure days)

Additional annual leave purchase scheme (up to 5 days)

Defined benefit pension scheme (CARE)

Cycle to Work and Season Ticket Loan schemes

Immigration loan and relocation assistance (for eligible posts)

On-site nursery and gym

Enhanced maternity, paternity, and adoption pay

Employee Assistance Programme – 24/7 confidential staff support

Discounted private medical insurance

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI)

As London’s Global University, UCL celebrates diversity as a driver of creativity and innovation. We are committed to fairness, inclusion, and equal opportunity, ensuring UCL is a place where everyone belongs.

We particularly encourage applications from groups currently underrepresented in UCL’s workforce, including:

Black, Asian and minority ethnic candidates

Disabled candidates

Women (for senior academic roles at Grades 9 and 10)

Our department proudly holds an Athena SWAN Silver Award, recognising our sustained commitment to gender equality.

Find out more: UCL Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

Key Dates

Closing Date: 5 November 2025, 23:59 GMT

Expected Start Date: To be agreed (contract duration: 3 years)