CHMLS Funded PhD Studentship in The Psychology of Fertility Decline and Early Parenting
Project description: The Centre for Culture and Evolution at Brunel University London is offering a fully funded PhD studentship to study the changing cultural landscape of human reproduction. Fertility rates around the world are dropping. Reproductive issues are increasingly politicised, and modern migration, industrialization, and market integration have resulted in family structures and networks that are now very different from those common throughout human history. This project focuses on what these changes mean for reproductive choice and parenting experiences, and the role that our shifting social world plays in shaping these phenomena. Evolutionary and feminist perspectives will be applied to generate theory-driven predictions, and an idiographic approach will enable us to critically evaluate existing models. Studies may address: psychological processes involved in fertility decisions in comparison to risk/economic-based models; early years parenting challenges (0-5y) as influenced by family structure and mobility; and social judgements experienced by pregnant people and parents when their choices or behavior are publicly observable.
Based in and funded by the College of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, this studentship offers a full-time annual London rate stipend estimated at £20,551 plus Home/EU tuition fees, for a maximum of 36 months.
The Department of Life Sciences holds a Silver Athena SWAN Award and is committed to equality of opportunity and advancing women’s careers.
The start date will be 1 October 2023.
Overview
The PhD studentship will involve a mixed-methods approach, including local ‘field’ work using interview and observational methods at reproductive clinics, children’s centres, and other organisations, as well as online anonymous survey methods.
The successful candidate will be supervised by an expert interdisciplinary team of researchers who will provide full training for the research.
For informal discussions, please contact Dr Lora Adair (lora.adair@brunel.ac.uk).
Eligibility
Candidates should have an undergraduate degree (first or upper second class) or equivalent qualification in psychology, anthropology, sociology, or a related field. A Masters qualification in a relevant area would be desirable. Experience in qualitative, quantitative, or mixed methods relating to fertility, abortion, parenting, or reproductive stigma will be highly valued. Desirable criteria include formal/informal experience with parents and children and the ability to pass a DBS clearance. Applicants who have not been awarded a degree by a University in the UK will be expected to demonstrate English language skills to IELTS 7.0 (minimum 6.5 in any section).
How to apply
If you wish to apply, please e-mail the following to chmls-pgr-officestaff@brunel.ac.uk by 7 June 2023.
- An up-to-date CV.
- A single-page A4 single-spaced personal statement describing why you are a suitable candidate (i.e. outlining your qualifications and skills).
- One example of your academic writing (e.g. an essay, a section from a dissertation).
- A summary of your teaching experience or your willingness to support teaching activities.
- Names and contact details for two academic referees.
- A copy of your highest degree certificate and transcript.
- A copy of your English language qualification, where applicable.
Short-listed applicants will be required to attend an interview week commencing 3rd July 2023. Shortlisted applicants will be instructed to submit a formal online application via Admissions.
For further information about how to apply, please contact the College of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences Postgraduate Research Office on chmls-pgr-officestaff@brunel.ac.uk.