PhD Studentship on Youth Mental Health

PHD POSITIONS IN SOCIAL NORMS

Applications are invited for a 3.5-year PhD studentship in the Department of Psychology at Royal Holloway, University of London.

We are inviting applications for a funded PhD studentship starting in September 2025. The successful candidate will join a collaborative project exploring how school and family environments shape young people’s mental health over time.

This research takes a transdiagnostic approach, focusing on common mental health symptoms and identifying both risk and resilience factors. Using large-scale longitudinal data from over 114,500 participants, we will examine how educational, and home environments contribute to mental health outcomes—while accounting for genetic influences. The project will identify which experiences have a causal impact, and for whom, with the aim of informing early intervention and support.

The PhD student will work closely with an interdisciplinary team and have the opportunity to shape their own research focus within the broader aims of the project. They will also contribute to dissemination and engagement activities, including work with our Student Advisory Board.

The position will be supervised by Dr Kaili Rimfeld (Royal Holloway Psychology), with additional input from Professor Dan Anderberg (Royal Holloway Economics) and Professor Ragnhild Eek Brandlistuen (University of Oslo).

The studentship provides support of £22,780 per year (UKRI rate including London Weighting) over a period of 3.5 years for a full-time student. It also includes a fee award to cover annual tuition fees at the UK Home fees rate (currently £5,006). Students who have already started their study programme are not eligible. Please note that fees for international applicants (i.e., the difference between UK Home and International tuition fees) will not be covered.

The post is based in Egham, Surrey where the University is situated in a beautiful, leafy campus within commuting distance from London. At Royal Holloway, the post holder will join an active postgraduate research community, in a thriving research environment. The Department of Psychology ranked 3^rd in the UK in the 2021 REF for our world-leading and internationally excellent research. The department has excellent facilities (e.g., EEG, MRI, VR, dedicated physiological recording equipment) and the post holder will have access to extensive training provisions provided by the doctoral school.

Applicants for the studentship should ideally hold, or be predicted to achieve, a first-class undergraduate degree or equivalent in Psychology or related discipline. A relevant MSc (e.g., epidemiology, developmental sciences, genetics) with distinction is desirable, but not essential. Strong statistical skills, and interest in individual differences and developmental psychopathology, are essential. Applicants will need to submit a CV and personal statement (see guidance available on the portal when you apply), along with transcript(s) and copies of any qualifications. 

Applicants must apply on the University application portal, by clicking the 'Apply' button, above. Please select "PhD Psychology" as the course title within the application form, specify the name of Professor Ryan McKay as supervisor and provide also a clear statement that you are applying for the studentship entitled "PHD POSITION IN SOCIAL NORMS".

For an informal discussion about the post please contact:

Dr Kaili Rimfeld (kaili.rimfeld@royalholloway.ac.uk).

Closing Date: 11.59pm, 19^th May 2025

Interview Date: late May-early June 2025

Royal Holloway is committed to equality and diversity, and encourages applications from all sections of the community. Read here about structures and initiatives around equality and diversity, including information on staff diversity networks.

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