Department of Health Sciences
The Department of Health Sciences is looking to appoint a highly motivated Research Associate or Research Fellow in the Mental Health and Addictions Research Group. This is a truly exciting opportunity to join a multidisciplinary team working on advancing research and practice related to dog-assisted interventions in primary school settings on one of the first UK-based projects of its kind.
The post holder will join a large and highly successful multi-disciplinary Department renowned for its methodological expertise and commitment to research with high impact on policy and practice.
Role
The research project will focus on the co-development of a dog-assisted intervention (including materials and training resources) to support the social, emotional and mental health of neurodivergent primary school children. It includes a small pilot and evaluation phase. The post holder will be supervised and supported comprehensively by the team.
The role may be appointed at grade 6 or grade 7.
Main duties at grade 6 will include:
- conducting mixed-methods research (e.g., theory-focused desk-based research, an online survey and qualitative interviews),
- leading the co-development of materials and resources for the new intervention with partners,
- carrying out an early evaluation in the context of a small pilot study,
- working with a variety of partners including academics, dog-assisted services providers, schools and third sector organisations and undertake tasks related to preparing the research, data collection and data analysis,
- contributing to or leading on publications and other outputs from the research and be involved in dissemination activities.
Appointment at grade 7 may be available to an outstanding candidate who is already an experienced researcher and can evidence leadership of complex multidisciplinary projects, including co-production, development of research instruments (e.g., survey questionnaires) and evaluation. At grade 7, the post holder will project manage the study and lead on design and dissemination aspects.
Preferred start date of 01 October 2026.
Please indicate in your application which grade you would like to be considered for.
The University of York offers flexible working patterns and a number of family friendly initiatives. As a Department we are proud to foster a supportive culture that helps staff and students contribute fully, flourish and excel, to reach their full potential. We embrace equality, diversity and inclusion as well as the values of the Athena SWAN Charter in all our Departmental activities.
Skills, Experience & Qualification needed
- first degree in a health-related subject, sociology, social science, psychology or other relevant discipline
- PhD in a relevant area, or substantial equivalent experience
- keen interest in the research area and willingness to acquire further in-depth expertise
- experience of qualitative or quantitative health research including write-up
- experience of working or engaging with children or other vulnerable groups
- interest in human-animal interaction and dog-assisted interventions
- excellent communication and problem-solving skills
- attention to detail, and a strong and evidenced commitment to high quality work
For informal inquiries, please contact Dr Elena Ratschen ([email protected]).
The University strives to be diverse and inclusive – a place where we can ALL be ourselves.
We particularly encourage applications from people who identify as Black, Asian or from a Minority Ethnic background, who are underrepresented at the University.
We offer family friendly, flexible working arrangements, with forums and inclusive facilities to support our staff. #EqualityatYork
As a Disability Confident employer, we will ensure that a fair and proportionate number of disabled applicants that meet the minimum (essential) criteria for each position will be offered an interview. Read more about the University of York’s commitments under the Disability Confident scheme.
