Medical Research PhD Student jobs

The University of York is recruiting three Discovery Research Fellows as part of the Movember Institute of Men's Health Discovery Research Program. The Program is a major international investment in developing the next generation of men's health researchers and building research capacity in boys' and men's emotional and relational health.

Department

Based in the Department of Health Sciences, you will have five years of funding to establish your own research programme, with dedicated research support, funding for a linked PhD student and structured professional development. You will be mentored by Professor Paul Galdas, Movember Institute Professorial Fellow for the UK and Ireland, and join an international cohort of 11 Fellows across five countries, with opportunities for collaboration and funded participation in international meetings.

Role

These are full-time, five-year appointments at Grade 7 (£46,049–£56,535 per year), expected to commence in April 2027.

You will propose, develop and lead an independent research programme focused primarily on underserved boys and young men aged 12–35, addressing one or more of three themes:

• Coping and Consumption: responses to stress, adversity and trauma, including the role of alcohol, other drugs, gambling, pornography and other consumption behaviours.
• Social Connection: how relationships with peers, partners, family and community, or their absence, shape emotional and relational health.
• Early Fatherhood: the transition to fatherhood, including perinatal mental health, paternal identity, family health and engagement with services.

You will manage research activity, produce high-quality publications and accessible outputs, and work with policy, practice and community partners to apply findings. You will also contribute to recruiting and supporting your linked PhD student and participate in the Program's mentoring, learning and international activities.

The successful candidate may be required to complete a DBS check. This will depend on the specific area of research.

Skills, Experience & Qualification needed

You will hold a PhD in psychology, behavioural or social sciences, epidemiology, public health, health services research, implementation science or a related field, awarded after 19 November 2021. Extensions apply for documented career interruptions under the Request for Applications.

We are looking for research achievement and leadership potential relative to career stage and opportunity. You will bring expertise relevant to the Program's themes, strong analytical and communication skills, a collaborative approach and a commitment to improving boys' and men's health. Please read the full job description and Movember's eligibility requirements before applying.

How to apply

Applications close on 19 November 2026. Read Movember's Request for Applications for the full eligibility criteria, research proposal requirements and submission instructions, and apply through movember.com/about/funding.

Applications must be submitted through Movember, not the University of York recruitment system.

Interview date: To be confirmed.

Informal enquiries about the York posts: Professor Paul Galdas, paul.galdas@york.ac.uk.

Application and eligibility queries: discovery@movember.com.

Condition of employment

This role is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act. Consequently, all applicants will be asked to declare both unspent and spent convictions on their application form.

Appointment of the successful candidate will be conditional on a Disclosure and Barring Service check.

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.