Job Description

We are looking for a dedicated and innovative Research Fellow to join our Nuffield Foundation-funded project, 'A Digital Lives Framework for Counsellors and Psychotherapists.' This research examines how digital life influences the mental health of children and adolescents and translates these insights into practical frameworks for therapeutic practice. The research Fellow will:


Conduct and manage research activities, including distributing questionnaires, conducting interviews, and analysing data.

Contribute to the development of the Digital Lives Framework and an accredited CPD training programme for counselling professionals.

Produce impactful research outputs to guide professional practices, inform policy, and enhance training resources.

Analyse existing data sets and support the preparation of additional research grant applications to extend the project's impact.


This role offers an exciting opportunity for an early career researcher to work at the intersection of mental health, digital technology, and applied research, helping to develop resources that enable counsellors and psychotherapists to support young people navigating risky and harmful digital experiences.

The Person

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We are seeking a highly skilled and knowledgeable individual with a PhD in Psychology or equivalent, demonstrating exceptional expertise in children and adolescents' mental health and outstanding research capabilities. The successful candidate will have a proven ability to design, manage, and undertake research projects with a strong commitment to research integrity. Essential skills include managing and analysing quantitative data using statistical software such as SPSS or JASP.



While not mandatory, experience in disseminating findings at conferences and through publications, conducting and analysing qualitative research, managing resources and budgets, and understanding digital risks, harms, and benefits among young people are highly desirable. The ideal candidate will bring a blend of theoretical knowledge and practical research experience to this vital role, helping to shape meaningful outcomes in the field of digital mental health.

The Faculty

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The Faculty of Business and Social Sciences (FBSS) combines Kingston Business School and the School of Law, Social and Behavioural Sciences. Driven by a forward-thinking approach, the Faculty is dynamic, innovative and ambitious. We focus on business and social challenges that impact us all such as decision making, sustainable development and individual resilience.



FBSS supports researchers' career development as a signatory of the Concordat to Support the Career Development of Researchers, a UK framework focused on enhancing researchers' career prospects. It promotes an inclusive research culture, prioritises and mental health and well-being, and emphasises equality, diversity, and inclusion. It advocates for fair recruitment, recognition of researchers' contributions, and robust career development support.



Our Knowledge Exchange and Research Institutes (KERIs) are the focal points for the University's research and knowledge exchange activity, investment, internal and external collaborations, and academic career development. The KERIs drive research and bring our world-class research and knowledge exchange to the forefront, harnessing our expertise to address existing and emerging issues across disciplines.



Kingston University offers early career researchers a development training program, including 10 development days annually and participation in the Festival of Research. Researchers are encouraged to use the Vitae Researcher Development Framework for professional growth. This commitment has earned the university the EU HR Excellence in Research Award, highlighting its dedication to fostering a positive research culture and improving researcher retention and satisfaction.

Further information

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This is a part time (18.5 hours), fixed term position for 2 years with a starting salary of 22,202 per annum (pro rata to 44,404.00)



For any further queries relating to this role, please contact Dr. Aiman El-Asam



Interviews are due to be held online on the 26th of May 2025.



Bring your true self, expertise, and passion to Kingston where we are continuing to strive to build a university where authentic inclusion and belonging is at its heart. Every one of our staff and students' identities, backgrounds and diverse experiences makes us who we are - so harness and embrace yours by applying today. We welcome applications from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic backgrounds, LGBTQ+ communities and those with disabilities.


We are a place-based organisation, proud of our location in Kingston and the civic role we play in our community. Our campuses inspire collaborative, innovative and creative communities. Being present on campus is important to us because it helps us to create a sense of belonging for both our staff and students. Therefore, staff are expected to be on campus for the majority of their working week.


Candidates must be able to demonstrate their eligibility to work in the UK in accordance with the Immigration, Asylum and Nationality Act 2006. Where required, this may include entry clearance or continued leave to remain under the Points Based Immigration Scheme.


To apply click on 'Apply Now'. If, for accessibility reasons, you need to apply in an alternative format, please email jobs@kingston.ac.uk or call the HR Shared Services team on 020 8417 3118.