Vulnerable young people’s experiences during the transition to adulthood: A longitudinal investigation in a Scottish birth cohort

The transition to adulthood is a significant developmental period, not only for young people and their families, but also for policymaking. This is due to the importance of young people’s post-school experiences and decisions for their adult lives, and the negative economic and societal consequences if transitions are challenging (such as reduced workforce productivity and social instability).

The project will investigate:

• How and why young people’s vulnerability factors shape their preparedness for the transition to adulthood;
• Young people’s feelings and perceptions about their transition to adulthood;
• The diverse pathways young people take as they move into further or higher education, training or employment;
• How transition outcomes for vulnerable young people vary according to their social and economic context.

• First Supervisor: Dr Jasmin Wertz
• Second Supervisor: Dr Bonnie Auyeung
• Third Supervisor: Dr Elke Heins

Applicants must meet the following eligibility criteria:

• Applicants will have a degree (undergraduate) at 2:1 or above and have a demonstrable interest in the topic area under investigation.
• Applicants can have a Masters degree, however this is not a requirement.
• Applicants can study part-time or full-time.

Applicants should also:

• Demonstrate an interest in youth wellbeing and the transition to adulthood.
• Demonstrate an interest in quantitative methods and statistical analysis in the social sciences.
• Ideally have some experience of using quantitative analysis methods, particularly as applied to larger datasets and/or longitudinal data, as acquired during an undergraduate or Masters degree in a relevant subject.
• Be interested in translating research findings into policy and interventions to support young people, as well as in engaging with a variety of stakeholders, including young people, SDS, and policymakers.

The scholarship is available as a +3.5 (3 year PhD and placement) or a 1+3.5 (Masters year, 3 year PhD, and a placement) studentship depending on prior research training. This will be assessed as part of the recruitment process, however you can access guidance here to help you decide on which to apply for. The programme will commence in October 2025. The full ESRC studentship package includes, as advised by ESRC:

• An annual maintenance grant (stipend).
• Fees at the standard institutional home rate.
• Students can also draw on a pooled Research Training Support Grant (RTSG).

1. Applicants must register on SGSSS Apply, completing their Equal Opportunities data.
2. Applicants must apply via SGSSS Apply, uploading the following documentation:
   • Application Questions (answered within SGSSS Apply, no upload needed)
   • Academic transcripts
   • Academic prizes
   • Referee information
   • CV
   • Other information (if required by the advert)

We strongly encourage applicants review the applicant guidance PDF document for more on the process.

SGSSS Team