PhD Fellowship in Psychology - Dr Marina Mendonca
PhD fellowship in Developmental Psychology in the Department of Psychology at the University of Warwick (Lifespan Health and Wellbeing Group)
Supervisor: Dr Marina Mendonca
This PhD fellowship offers the opportunity to conduct innovative research on menopause and women’s health – a multidisciplinary field of research that integrates insights from lifespan development and health, epidemiology, and related social and biomedical sciences.
The menopause transition presents profound socioeconomic, psychological and health challenges. Research suggests that most women experience menopausal symptoms (e.g., hot flashes, concentration difficulties, memory problems) that may affect multiple life domains, including their wellness, relationships, and ability to work. Although, menopause may impact all aspects of a woman's life, the connections between the experience of menopause and the factors associated with it remain underexplored. For example, psychosocial factors, such as women's attitudes towards ageing and their resources to cope with changes and adversity (i.e., resilience), may play a crucial role in how menopausal symptoms are experienced. Resilience factors—including strong social support networks, and a sense of personal control—may buffer against the negative impacts of menopausal symptoms. Furthermore, beliefs about ageing may shape women's perceptions of menopausal symptoms, while menopausal symptoms may, in turn, influence women's perceptions of their own ageing.
In recent years, increased attention has been given to this topic; however, significant knowledge gaps remain regarding how biopsychosocial factors influence this health transition. This PhD studentship should focus on shedding light on these issues by investigating psychosocial factors (e.g., resilience, perceptions about ageing), health/biological factors (e.g., sleep, health status), and/or contextual factors (e.g., workplace characteristics) that may influence the menopause transition and wellbeing.
Project proposals that address any or all these knowledge gaps are of particular interest. We encourage applications that approach these questions from a variety of perspectives, including psychological, cultural, economic, or health frameworks.
The PhD student will join the Lifespan Health and Wellbeing Group, which comprises senior academics interested in Lifespan Health and Wellbeing (e.g., Prof Nicole Tang, Prof Dieter Wolke, Prof Anu Realo, Prof Robin Goodwin, Prof Fiona MacCallum, Dr Luke Hodson, Dr Gemma Gray, Dr Sabrina Twilhaar), PhD students, and postdoctoral researchers. The student will have access to a database on menopause currently being developed and a national and international network of researchers working on this topic.
Requirements: We are looking for candidates with an interest in lifespan development and women’s health, who are able to think critically, integrate different perspectives, and come up with new ideas, and who are persistent in finding solutions to challenges. Strong skills in statistical analyses and academic writing are highly valued. Applicants should, as a minimum, have an Upper Second Class undergraduate degree in Psychology or a related field, but preferably a First Class undergraduate degree or a Master’s distinction in Psychology or a related field, for example Medicine, Epidemiology, Public Health, Social Work/Sociology, Economics. To apply, we require 3 core documents for all applications to include i) your CV (2 pages maximum), ii) a cover letter (2 pages maximum) detailing why you are a suitable candidate, any relevant background or research experience, and a description of your research interests together with iii) your research proposal.
Applicants without an existing PhD application with us should apply online through the Doctoral College online form: https://warwick.ac.uk/pgapply
Applicants who already have an existing PhD application with us should instead complete the online form: https://warwick.ac.uk/fac/sci/psych/fellowships/applications
For questions regarding this PhD project, please contact Dr Marina Mendonça (Marina.Mendonca@warwick.ac.uk).
Closing date - Sunday 15th March 2026 by 23:59pm