Integrating Neuroimaging and Life-Course Analysis in Justice-Involved Women (PhD Studentship)

The University of Birmingham’s School of Social Policy and Society is offering a fully funded PhD studentship focused on integrating neuroimaging and life-course analysis in justice-involved women. This interdisciplinary project investigates whether patterns of trauma and social adversity in women meeting ICD-11 criteria for complex post-traumatic stress disorder (cPTSD) are associated with changes in neural and behavioural indices of inhibitory control and emotion regulation, compared to matched controls. The successful candidate will join a collaborative research environment, supervised by Professor Simon Pemberton, Professor Stephane DeBrito, and Dr. Denise Ruprai, whose expertise spans social policy, trauma-informed research, criminal justice, and cognitive neuroscience. The project is part of a broader initiative to improve trauma-informed understanding and responses for women in the criminal justice system, particularly those supported by third-sector Women’s Centres. These centres serve women with high levels of cumulative adversity, often underserved by statutory services and underrepresented in mechanistic research. The studentship involves close collaboration with Women’s Centres and community partners, as well as academic teams across social policy and brain health. Key research activities include developing a structured life-course chronology to characterize trauma and adversity, collecting and analyzing data on cPTSD symptoms, inhibitory control, and emotion regulation, and conducting behavioural and neuroimaging (MRI/fMRI) studies. The project will integrate social, clinical, behavioural, and neuroimaging data using advanced quantitative methods. Training will be provided in mixed-methods research, quantitative modelling, and neurocognitive techniques, with opportunities for professional development through interdisciplinary collaboration across the University and partner organizations. The studentship is offered as a 3-year award, commencing September 2026, and is open to women only due to the nature of the research. The Occupational Requirement under Schedule 9 (part 1) of the Equality Act 2010 applies. Funding covers tuition fees at the UK home-student rate (approx. £5,200 per annum) and a living stipend of £21,805 per annum. International applicants are welcome but must self-fund the difference between home and international fees, as well as additional living expenses and visa costs. Self-funded students and those with external scholarships are also encouraged to apply. Applicants should have a strong academic background in psychology, cognitive neuroscience, applied neuroscience, or a related social or health science, with quantitative research skills. A Master’s degree with substantive research methods training or equivalent professional experience is normally expected. Experience with behavioural research, clinical or psychosocial measures, neuroimaging methods, and working with vulnerable populations is desirable. A strong interest in the social determinants of mental health, trauma, and criminal justice involvement is essential. To apply, submit your application via the University of Birmingham Postgraduate Application portal, selecting PhD in School of Social Policy and Society. After applying, email Marcela Avila ([email protected]) with your details and application number. Your application should include a personal statement, research protocol, CV, two academic references, and transcripts. Please mention the specific PhD studentship title in your application. The deadline for applications is April 19, 2026.