PhD Studentship – Integrating Neuroimaging and Life-Course Analysis in Justice-Involved Women
University of Birmingham – School of Social Policy and Society
Location
Edgbaston, Birmingham, United Kingdom
General Description
The School of Social Policy and Society at the University of Birmingham is offering a fully funded PhD studentship titled “Integrating Neuroimaging and Life-Course Analysis in Justice-Involved Women.” This interdisciplinary doctoral research project examines how life-course patterns of trauma and social adversity in criminal justice-involved women meeting ICD-11 criteria for complex post-traumatic stress disorder (cPTSD) are associated with neural and behavioural changes in inhibitory control and emotion regulation, compared with matched control participants.
The project combines perspectives from social policy, psychology, and cognitive neuroscience and forms part of a broader programme aimed at improving trauma-informed responses for women involved in the criminal justice system. The research will involve collaboration with third-sector Women’s Centres that support women experiencing high levels of cumulative adversity and who are often underserved by statutory services and underrepresented in mechanistic research.
The successful candidate will be supervised by Professor Simon Pemberton, Professor Stephane DeBrito, and Dr Denise Ruprai. Supervision will primarily be based within the School of Social Policy and Society, with joint supervision from the Centre for Human Brain Health, providing a highly interdisciplinary research and training environment.
The studentship will involve close collaboration with community partners and academic teams across social policy and brain health. Anticipated research activities include developing and applying a structured life-course chronology approach to analyse patterns of trauma, adversity, and social instability across the lifespan; collecting and analysing data on cPTSD symptom dimensions, inhibitory control, and emotion regulation; conducting behavioural and neuroimaging studies including MRI and fMRI; and integrating social, clinical, behavioural, and neuroimaging data using advanced quantitative analytical methods.
The studentship provides extensive training in mixed-methods research, quantitative modelling, and neurocognitive techniques. The candidate will benefit from interdisciplinary collaboration opportunities across the University of Birmingham and partner organisations.
This is a full-time PhD studentship offered for three years, commencing in September 2026.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants should hold a strong first degree (First Class or Upper Second Class Honours, or international equivalent) in psychology, cognitive neuroscience, applied neuroscience, or a closely related social or health science discipline with demonstrable quantitative research skills.
A Master’s degree in a relevant discipline with substantial research methods training, or equivalent professional research experience, is normally expected.
Applicants should demonstrate a strong interest in the social determinants of mental health, trauma, and criminal justice involvement.
The position is open to women only due to the nature of the research and the Occupational Requirement under Schedule 9 (Part 1) of the Equality Act 2010.
Candidates from all countries are eligible to apply.
Required Expertise/Skills
Experience with behavioural research methods and experimental design
Familiarity with clinical or psychosocial measurement tools
Knowledge of neuroimaging techniques such as MRI or fMRI (desirable)
Quantitative research and statistical analysis skills
Interest in interdisciplinary research combining social science, neuroscience, and public health
Experience working with vulnerable or underserved populations in applied or community settings (desirable)
Salary Details
The studentship provides funding covering tuition fees at the UK home-student rate (approximately £5,200 per year) and a living stipend of £21,805 per year at UKRI rates for students starting in September 2026.
International applicants are welcome; however, the award only covers tuition at the home fee rate. International students must self-fund the difference between home and international tuition fees (expected to be approximately £22,110 per year) as well as additional living costs and visa expenses. Self-funded students or those with external scholarships are also encouraged to apply.
Application Deadline
19 April 2026