Psychology, Anthropology, Education
Two fully funded PhD studentships are available at the University of Durham as part of the BIRES project, which aims to build body image resilience in populations undergoing rapid economic development. The project is a collaborative, cross-cultural effort involving academics in multiple countries, focusing on whether media literacy and positive body image activities can help adolescents resist appearance pressures. The research addresses the growing risk of eating disorders in low-income communities due to increased access to visual media and changing diets, and seeks to establish a theoretical framework for body image education in low- and middle-income countries. PhD students will conduct targeted research studies in two countries each, with one project focusing on Latin America (including Mexico) and the other on Africa (including Zimbabwe). Students will run pilot questionnaires, conduct interviews, deliver culturally adapted school-based body image programmes, and assess their acceptability, feasibility, and efficacy using both quantitative and qualitative methods. The role involves extensive fieldwork, community engagement, and co-production of research, with regular lab meetings and support from supervisors Prof Lynda Boothroyd, Dr Elizabeth Evans, and Dr Fabienne Andres. Applicants should have a strong academic background in psychology, anthropology, education, or related fields, research experience, excellent communication skills, and statistical experience. Spanish language proficiency is required for the Latin America project. Funding covers a tax-free stipend at the UKRI rate (£20,780 for 2025/26), full tuition fees, and fieldwork costs. Applications should be submitted via the university portal, with supporting documents including CV, transcripts, references, personal statement, research proposal, writing sample, and evidence of English language ability if applicable. Candidates should also notify the relevant departmental contacts by email. The studentships offer the opportunity to contribute to impactful research in diverse cultural contexts and develop advanced skills in intervention assessment, qualitative and quantitative analysis, and scientific writing.
