Location: York

Salary: £28,778- £30,378 (£5,755- £6,075 pro rata)

Introduction to YSJ

York St John is an ambitious, modern university at the heart of historic York and there has never been a more exciting time to join us.

As one of the fastest growing universities in the UK over recent years, we have a new strategy for the next decade, emphasising our commitment to widening opportunity through the power of education and contributing our talents to creating a fairer world, and a more prosperous region. We are putting inspirational learning and impactful research at the heart of this strategy, recognising our academic expertise as our greatest asset.

The Institute for Social Justice

The Institute for Social Justice was launched in 2020 to underpin York St John University’s mission to ‘stand up for social justice'. We do so through developing collaborative research and practice that seeks to identify, expose and address some of the inequalities, injustices and challenges facing society today. At its core the Institute seeks to work with people, with partners and with communities in a manner that sees participation, implementation and change as vital parts of its mission. 

The role

The successful candidate will co-ordinate a diverse set of research and teaching activities across York St John University (YSJU). They will join INC Lab. INC Lab is an interdisciplinary network of YSJU staff, students and community members with a commitment to developing a series of interconnected, real-world projects for students and staff to make use of. We pose shared questions and ask members to respond across different disciplines to design neurodiversity-affirming practices that benefit everybody together, INC Lab aims to identify points of intervention to improve campus-wide experiences for neurodivergent students and staff. 

The post-holder will be responsible for project co-ordination tasks, including: liaison between stakeholders, research data collection where appropriate, and delivery of tasks to agreed deadlines (e.g.,). 

Required skills and experience

We are seeking an enthusiastic and social justice-focused candidate with experience of working in research teams. The successful candidate will demonstrate understanding of neurodiversity, awareness of ethical principles in research, and a passion for improving experience and outcomes for neurodivergent members of the university community. Qualitative research experience and experience of working with neurodivergent people would be valuable in this role. We will be looking for a shared commitment to working with communities and valuing different types of knowledge and contributions. We would like the successful candidate to share our ethos of compassionate and inclusive practices, underpinned by key scholarship and research:                     

• Hamilton, L. G., Williams, J., Neilson, D., & Petty, S. (2026). Inclusive Neurodiverse Campuses: A Participatory Approach to Understanding Neurodivergent Belonging in Higher Education. Neurodiversity. doi: 10.1177/27546330261431356
• Hamilton, L. G., & Petty, S. (2023). Compassionate pedagogy for neurodiversity in higher education: A conceptual analysis. Frontiers in Psychology, 14. doi: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1093290 

Ideally candidates will have a strong academic track record in a relevant discipline (e.g. Psychology, Education, Disability Studies) and research experience. Candidates with lived experience of neurodivergence are encouraged to apply and we are happy to discuss any adjustments prior to interview as required.

Additional Information

Any queries about the specifics of the role and suitability for the post should be directed to Dr Stephanie Petty (Associate Professor in Psychology) via email: s.petty@yorksj.ac.uk.

Unfortunately, this role is not eligible for Skilled Worker Visa sponsorship however we welcome your application if you are able to evidence right to work in the UK via an alternative route. 

It is anticipated that the selection process will include an interview. Further details will be provided if you are shortlisted for interview.

Closing Date: 02 Jul 2026

Programme/Section: Admin & Technical (Including Research vacancies)

Salary: £28,778 to £30,378 per annum pro rata