[Fully funded PhD studentship; £20,780 per year.]

This fully funded PhD studentship at the University of Sussex offers an exceptional opportunity to join a dynamic and collaborative research team in the School of Psychology. The position is part of the third phase of the UK’s landmark longitudinal study of single mothers by choice and their children, now entering adulthood. Single mothers by choice, who build their families through sperm donation, represent a growing and increasingly visible family form worldwide. The research, originally launched at the University of Cambridge's Centre for Family Research, has tracked these families for over a decade, focusing on parenting quality, parent–child relationships, and the psychological adjustment of children.

Findings from this project have contributed to significant policy and practice developments both nationally and internationally, particularly in the areas of family diversity and donor conception. In this new phase, the PhD researcher will play a central role in collecting and analysing both qualitative and quantitative data from mothers and their adult children. The project is highly relevant to current societal issues and has practical implications for policy and practice.

This studentship is ideal for applicants motivated by research with real-world impact and policy relevance. Candidates should have a strong background in developmental psychology and a keen interest in family diversity. Those with intersecting interests, such as developmental and applied social psychology, are especially encouraged to apply. There is flexibility to shape the doctoral project according to your theoretical interests or methodological strengths, making this an excellent opportunity for creative and ambitious researchers.

The studentship provides full funding, including a stipend of £20,780 per year. The University of Sussex offers a vibrant academic environment and access to a collaborative research community. The application deadline is 20 February 2026 at 23:30. For further information or enquiries, contact Dr Sophie Zadeh, Reader in Family Psychology, at [email protected]. Applications should be submitted via the University of Sussex Online Portal, which will guide you through the process.