PhD Studentship & Graduate Teaching Assistant

We are thrilled to announce a PhD Studentship and Graduate Teaching Assistant opportunity in the School of Psychological Sciences, at Birkbeck, University of London. A prestigious institution renowned for research excellence, Birkbeck is situated in the historic Bloomsbury site in the heart of London.

We are offering:

• A four-year funded PhD position
• The opportunity to pursue a PhD 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:

• Pursuing studies leading towards a PhD in the School of Psychological Sciences
• Providing part-time teaching assistance (17.5 hours per week during term time) including delivery and preparation of teaching materials for students, both in person and via our electronic learning environment, as well as demonstrating in practical classes and acting as seminar leader
• Assisting in the supervision of projects and participating in the assessment and examination of students
• Undertaking administration related to the above.

The ideal Graduate Teaching Assistant and PhD Student will:

• Demonstrate research potential and contribute to the School's research culture at postgraduate level
• Have knowledge in Cognitive Neuroscience methods and Neuroimaging Techniques
• Have experience in running experiments with human participants
• Possess good interpersonal, oral and written communication skills
• Have the ability to lecture effectively and to conduct seminars at both undergraduate and postgraduate level.

Applicants must identify in their research statement the significance of their research, how it aligns with the department, and how it can contribute to enhancing the research community. 

Interested candidates are invited to submit their own research project description or contact academic staff to develop research proposals. Possible areas of research include brain and cognitive development; affective and cognitive neuroscience; educational genomics; computational modelling; perception, attention and emotion; and child, family and health psychology.

Birkbeck’s School of Psychological Sciences was rated top 10 in the UK in REF 2021. Its Centre for Neurodiversity Research at Work enjoys a national and international reputation and is recognised for its impact to practice and policy.

Application

Please note that two separate applications will be required:

1. A full-time PhD application with accompanying research proposal for the PhD post.
2. A job application form for the graduate teaching assistant post, submitted via the College's recruitment portal.

Remuneration

Total salary £19,490 rising to £22,123 per year (0.5 FTE) (pro-rated £38,981 rising to £44,247 1 FTE). The salary is Grade 6 on the College's London Pay Scale which includes a consolidated Weighting/Allowance which applies only to staff whose normal contractual place of work is in the London area.

Birkbeck offers a competitive salary and pension scheme, 31 days paid leave, flexible working arrangements and some of the most generous benefits in the HE sector, all while being located right in the heart of Central London.

Terms and Conditions 

To commence October 2026, 4-year fixed-term contract. Teaching post is part time (17.5 hours a week term time) alongside completion of a PhD. 

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

Closing date: Friday 27 February 2026. Interview date: Monday 16 March 2026. 

Enquiries

For further information contact the Postgraduate Tutor, Dr Emma Meaburn, e.meaburn@bbk.ac.uk.  

Further guidance is available for prospective PhD students.

If you have technical issues or difficulties using the recruitment portal, please contact jobs@bbk.ac.uk providing your name and the job reference number of the position. While we are happy to respond to all informal enquiries, only formal applications through the online system will be considered.

We welcome applicants from all sections of the community. www.bbk.ac.uk/jobs. The College is committed to improving the gender and cultural diversity of its workforce, holding an Athena SWAN award and operating Disability Confident & Mindful Employer schemes.