Job Description

The Autism Research Centre (ARC), Cambridge University, invites applications from motivated individuals wishing to pursue a funded PhD starting in October 2026 testing if autistic people are at elevated risk of developing addictions. This scholarship offers the equivalent of full funding at the home student rate for 3.5 years. We are particularly interested in candidates with a strong academic background in psychology, neuroscience, medicine, or a related scientific field, and a keen interest in autism research. This studentship will be based at the ARC under the supervision of Professor Simon Baron-Cohen and Dr Carrie Allison.

The ARC is a world-class centre that conducts both basic research into the causes of autism as well as applied research related to interventions and support for autistic people and their families. Researchers are based at Douglas House in Cambridge, with approximately 50 multidisciplinary staff and students working both in person and virtually. The ARC runs approximately 50 projects at any one time. The ARC is explicit about its values, which include a commitment to community engagement on all projects. See www.autismresearchcentre.com.

Applicants are encouraged to propose their own research questions, in addition to the primary question above, and to design studies to investigate an association between autism and addiction. The successful candidate will refine their project with their supervisors, taking into account alignment with departmental expertise, the ARC’s priorities, and resources.

They will also have the opportunity to participate in regular seminars, workshops, and training sessions designed to support early-career researchers.

The studentship covers:

• University tuition fees (at the Home rate)

What is my fee status? ‘ Postgraduate Study: https://www.postgraduate.study.cam.ac.uk/finance/fees/what-my-fee-status

• A tax-free stipend of £22,903 per annum for 3.5 years, as well as a consumable/travel budget (an expected 3% uplift in stipend is expected annually)

Applicants should hold (or expect to obtain) the equivalent of a UK first-class or high 2:1 degree in one of the sciences listed above. A relevant Master’s degree is desirable but not essential. Experience in quantitative statistical methods is essential, and autism research experience would be advantageous.

We particularly welcome applications from candidates with lived experience of autism or those with a strong commitment to neurodiversity research.

How to Apply

All applications should be made online via the University’s Applicant Portal for a PhD in Psychiatry MDPS22: https://www.postgraduate.study.cam.ac.uk/courses/directory/cvpcpdpsy

Applying for postgraduate courses at Cambridge ‘ Postgraduate Study: https://www.postgraduate.study.cam.ac.uk/apply

Applications should include a research proposal (up to 2000 words), academic transcripts, CV, statement of purpose and 2 references. An application is only complete when all supporting documents, including the 2 academic references, are submitted. It is the applicant’s responsibility to ensure their referees submit their references before the closing date. Please also explain your motivation why you wish to pursue a PhD in this area, outline your research interests and background, and describe the qualities and experience you will bring to the role within the application.

Further information about the course can be found here PhD in Psychiatry ‘ Postgraduate Study

For informal enquiries, please contact Dr Carrie Allison (cla29@cam.ac.uk).

Closing Date: December 2nd 2025

The University actively supports equality, diversity, and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.

Please quote reference RN47760 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.

The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.

The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.