Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Neurodiversity and Contextual Safeguarding at Durham University: 2-Year Research Opportunity in Applied Psychology

The Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Neurodiversity and Contextual Safeguarding at Durham University is a two-year research opportunity designed for scholars seeking to advance applied, interdisciplinary research at the intersection of neurodiversity and safeguarding. Starting in September 2026, this role offers the chance to contribute to cutting-edge research that informs real-world policy and practice in youth welfare, education, and developmental psychology.

About the Role

This postdoctoral position is jointly hosted by the Global Centre for Contextual Safeguarding and the Centre for Neurodiversity & Development within the Department of Psychology at Durham University. The role sits within an interdisciplinary research environment that brings together developmental science, psychology, and safeguarding systems reform.

The position focuses on integrating neurodiversity research with contextual safeguarding approaches, which examine how young people experience safety and harm in environments beyond the home, such as schools, peer groups, and community spaces. The postholder will contribute to developing new research frameworks that explore how neurodivergent young people experience these contexts differently and how safeguarding systems can better respond.

Researchers will have access to a highly supportive academic environment, including expertise in mixed methods research, participatory approaches, and advanced psychological research facilities.

Why This Opportunity Matters

This fellowship addresses an emerging and underexplored intersection between neurodiversity and safeguarding systems. While neurodivergent young people often face distinct vulnerabilities in educational and social settings, safeguarding frameworks have not always fully accounted for these differences.

By combining contextual safeguarding with developmental psychology, this role contributes to reshaping how institutions understand safety, inclusion, and risk for neurodivergent youth. The research has direct relevance for schools, policy makers, and practitioners working to improve outcomes for young people in real-world settings.

The position also reflects a broader shift in academic research toward interdisciplinary, applied work that connects theory with practical impact. It provides an opportunity to influence both academic discourse and frontline safeguarding practice.

What Researchers Will Gain

The postdoctoral fellow will gain experience working within a leading research environment at Durham University, one of the UK’s most respected academic institutions. The role offers the opportunity to develop an independent research profile while contributing to collaborative, high-impact projects.

Researchers will engage in publishing high-quality academic outputs, developing research funding proposals, and working closely with interdisciplinary teams across psychology and sociology. The position also provides opportunities to contribute to teaching, training, and knowledge exchange activities.

In addition to academic development, the role supports engagement with practitioners, policy makers, and community partners, enabling research findings to be translated into practical safeguarding approaches.

Who Can Apply

This opportunity is open to candidates with a strong background in psychology or a related discipline. Applicants should hold a PhD or be close to completion at the time of appointment. Equivalent professional research experience may also be considered.

The ideal candidate will have experience in mixed methods research, including both qualitative and quantitative approaches. Experience working with neurodivergent individuals in research contexts is highly desirable, as is familiarity with contextual safeguarding, youth development, or related fields.

Strong communication skills, a commitment to inclusive research practice, and the ability to work collaboratively across disciplines are essential for this role.

Eligible Areas

This postdoctoral fellowship is based in the United Kingdom and requires the successful candidate to be able to work at Durham University, including in-person attendance at least two days per week.

The role is open to applicants from any country, provided they meet UK eligibility requirements for employment and can contribute to research in the areas of neurodiversity, developmental psychology, and contextual safeguarding.

Application Process and Deadline

Applications must include a CV and a cover letter of up to two pages outlining relevant experience and alignment with the role’s requirements. Candidates must demonstrate expertise in research methods, engagement with neurodiversity or safeguarding themes, and the ability to contribute to interdisciplinary academic work.

Shortlisted applicants will be invited to participate in interviews and presentations, expected to take place in early June 2026. The successful candidate will ideally begin the role on 1 September 2026.

The deadline for applications is 21 May 2026.

Learn more and apply on the official Durham University job portal.

Explore More Opportunities for Youth

Want to discover more fellowships, scholarships, internships, and global programs like this one? Visit Opportunities for Youth to explore more opportunities.