Research Associate

Department

Dr James Lomas and Professor Andrew Jones (University of York) invite you to apply to a project to quantitatively analyse the causal effect of tighter disability benefit eligibility on health outcomes amongst older people in England. Specifically, the introduction of Personal Independence Payments (PIP) to replace the Disability Living Allowance (DLA) in 2013 which resulted in a more stringent disability benefit policy. Like DLA, PIP is a non-means tested benefit meant to help with costs associated with severe health conditions or disability and can be claimed regardless of whether an individual works. However, PIP placed greater emphasis on face-to-face assessment (and reassessment following a fixed-term) relative to the typically indefinite and self-assessed DLA. The project aims to gather evidence about the effect of disability reform on a wide range of measures pertaining to both the health and economic outcomes of affected individuals and the mechanisms that underpin these.      

The position is available on a fixed term basis until 30 September 2026.

The main purpose of the position, is to:

• To conduct research under the supervision of senior colleagues and to contribute to the production of research.
• To assist in the identification and development of potential areas of research and the development of proposals for independent or collaborative research projects.

Role

The role holder will be required to undertake some or all of the following duties:

• To conduct individual and collaborative research projects.  
• To contribute to the preparation of research proposals and applications to external bodies.
• To undertake appropriate organisational and administrative activities connected to the research project.  
• To develop and initiate collaborative working internally and externally.  
• To provide guidance and/or coordinate other staff and students, as required.    

Skills, Experience & Qualification needed

• Qualifications:  Undergraduate degree in Economics, PhD in Economics or equivalent experience.
• Knowledge: of a range of research techniques and methodologies; has research expertise in an area that will complement and enhance the department's research strategy and goals.
• Skills, abilities and competencies:  Highly developed communication skills; ability to write up research work for publication and engage in public dissemination; ability to develop research objectives, projects and proposals (with the assistance of a mentor if required); competency to conduct individual and collaborative research projects; ability to identify sources of funding and contribute to the process of securing funds; competency to make presentations at conferences or exhibit work.
• Experience:  Of carrying out both independent and collaborative research; of writing up research work for publication; ability to work as part of a team and also to work independently using own initiative.

Interview date: Interviews will be held in May 2025, online, via Zoom.

For informal enquiries: please contact Dr James Lomas, james.lomas@york.ac.uk

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

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