HalfLife-Reducing self-and other-directed ageism in the second half of life
Join a Pioneering Research Project on Ageism Funded by the European Research Council-Advanced Grant
Are you passionate about challenging ageism and promoting a world for all ages? Do you want to contribute to evidence-based solutions that can transform societies and improve the lives of older persons?
Help shape the future by reducing ageism and fostering more inclusive societies. If you are committed to social change, evidence-based intervention, and interdisciplinary collaboration, we invite you to join this impactful project.
We are seeking motivated Doctoral and Postdoctoral researchers based in the United Kingdom, Czech Republic, or Germany to join an innovative, data-driven project dedicated to reducing ageism against individuals aged 60 and over.
About the Project
HALFLIFE is a five-year research project funded by the European Research Council (ERC-2024-AdV, grant ID 101198899), led by Prof. Liat Ayalon. This initiative aims to develop impactful strategies to combat ageism worldwide.
HalfLife proposes groundbreaking, novel and innovative research to understand ageism (i.e., stereotypes, prejudices, and discrimination towards people because of their age) in the second half of life (defined as age 60 and over) to unveil reliable interventions to reduce ageism. The adoption of an intragroup (from within) perspective acknowledges the agency of older persons rather than viewing them solely as victims of ageism. By moving away from a one-size-fits-all approach, HalfLife will develop a theoretically informed, personalised approach to tackling ageism in older persons. Unlike other “isms”, we are all bound to experience ageism if we live long enough. The evolving ageing demographics and the detrimental impact of ageism on society at large and older persons alike make the reduction of ageism a public health priority and 1 of 4 pillars of the UN Decade. This research project will improve the theory and practice of interventions against self- and other-directed ageism among older agents (targeters) of ageism by identifying the best interventions to reduce self- and other- ageism and recognising the multi-dimensional nature of ageism, including its implicit (unconscious) component. HalfLife will advance and integrate theory, research, and practice locally and globally, capitalising on knowledge derived from lay people, research, policy, and practice stakeholders. Relying on an intervention accelerator, we will conduct lab and field randomised controlled trial tournaments in three countries to develop a portfolio of effective interventions. To ensure the scale-up of the findings, we will develop and support Communities of Practice of practitioners and policy stakeholders at the local and global levels.
Position Highlights
- Conduct primary data collection in your home country (e.g., the UK, Czech Republic, or Germany)
- Develop interventions to reduce ageism relying on multiple sources of data
- Collaborate on multi-national lab and field experiments
- Contribute to research that influences policy, practice, and theory
- Focus on topics such as public knowledge, scaling interventions, and policy impact
- Join a global network committed to eradicating ageism and promoting social inclusion
Why Join Us?
- Be part of a cutting-edge project which will influence policymakers, civil society, and international organizations.
- Gain valuable experience in interdisciplinary research addressing a global social challenge.
- Contribute to tangible solutions that help reshape societal attitudes toward aging and promote equitable policies.
- Collaborate with a diverse team of researchers, policymakers, and community stakeholders dedicated to transforming perceptions of aging.
Description of work tasks and responsibilities:
As part of the HalfLife research team, the applicant’s individual tasks and responsibilities will include:
- Contribute to a systematic review;
- Develop community engagement processes at the local and global levels with older persons, civil society, and policy stakeholders;
- Develop and implement various interventions in the lab and the field;
- Collaborate with practice and policy stakeholders;
- Contribute to the publication and dissemination of project results at the scientific and policy levels;
Your qualification:
- A completed PhD or a Master’s degree in psychology, sociology, anthropology, political science, or a related social science discipline;
- Genuine passion for interdisciplinary social science research;
- A robust conceptual and methodological foundation in the social sciences, with solid skills in qualitative and/or qualitative methods;
- Excellent communication and organizational skills, with the ability to work independently as well as collaboratively in a team;
- Strong academic research and writing skills, including experience in preparing outputs for both academic and broader audiences;
- Proficiency in English as well as in German or Czech (if located in Germany or the Czech Republic, respectively);
- A proven ability to publish in peer-reviewed international journals and to contribute to academic debates in relevant fields;
- Passion for policy and practice work;
How to apply:
- A motivation letter, describing your research interests and how you see your potential contribution to HalfLife (one page);
- An academic CV (max. 3 pages);
- A sample of your academic writing (this may be part of your MA or PhD thesis);
- Three letters of recommendation including the names and contact details of up to three referees (including your MA/PhD thesis supervisor).
Apply by: 1.10.2025
Start date: 01.12.2025 |
If you have any questions, please contact:
Liat Ayalon, Ph.D. – Project PI
Email: Liat.ayalon@biu.ac.il
