Accelerated Knowledge Transfer (AKT) Associate in Human Factors, Behaviour & Human-AI Teaming

Bath; Bath; On-site; GBP 22,000 - 33,000; Part time

Job summary

Synoptix is recruiting an ambitious behavioural researcher for an Accelerated Knowledge Transfer (AKT) project focused on how humans and AI systems interact in complex operational environments.

The role sits within the Human Factors, Behaviour & Human-AI Teaming team and involves literature reviews, designing behavioural frameworks, and evaluating threat-modelling scenarios across defence and other high-consequence sectors.

Qualifications

• Degree in Psychology, Human Factors, Behavioural Science, Cognitive Science, Social Science or related.
• Experience in study design and research methodologies.
• Strong analytical and written/verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively within multidisciplinary teams.

Responsibilities

• Conduct literature reviews and evidence gathering relating to human-AI teaming.
• Support the design of behavioural frameworks for simulation and threat modelling.
• Contribute expertise on trust, decision making, communication and workload within human-AI systems.
• Develop and evaluate case study scenarios.
• Support the validation of project outputs across representative operational environments.
• Collaborate closely with technical researchers and industry stakeholders.
• Contribute to project reports, dissemination materials and future funding opportunities.

Skills

Literature reviews

Study design

Research methodologies

Communication skills

Multidisciplinary teamwork

Education

Degree in Psychology or related field

Job description

Accelerated Knowledge Transfer (AKT) Associate in Human Factors, Behaviour & Human-AI Teaming

Job title Accelerated Knowledge Transfer (AKT) Associate in Human Factors, Behaviour & Human-AI Teaming

We are seeking an ambitious behavioural researcher to join a new Accelerated Knowledge Transfer (AKT) project investigating how humans and AI systems interact in complex operational environments.

About the role

Synoptix is an award-winning engineering consultancy delivering advanced solutions across defence, aerospace, healthcare, energy and cyber security sectors. The company develops innovative AI-powered products including Synx-Lookout, an edge-computing maritime awareness platform that uses computer vision and autonomy technologies.

The project will develop a simulation-supported threat-modelling methodology that identifies how cyber and technical disruption across systems-of-systems can affect the stability of interconnected human--AI teams and command structures, supporting the assessment and resilience of AI-enabled systems in defence and other high consequence sectors.

Working alongside computer scientists, systems engineers and AI specialists, you will help ensure that behavioural and organisational factors are incorporated into the development of next-generation threat modelling and simulation tools.

You will contribute to an innovative collaboration examining the future of human-AI systems in defence and other high-consequence sectors, working directly with experts in digital security, AI, behavioural science and systems engineering. The project will provide valuable experience of knowledge exchange, applied research and industry-focused innovation

This role offers a unique opportunity to apply behavioural science and human factors expertise to challenges at the forefront of AI assurance, defence innovation and socio-technical systems research.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct literature reviews and evidence gathering relating to human-AI teaming.
• Support the design of behavioural frameworks for simulation and threat modelling.
• Contribute expertise on trust, decision making, communication and workload within human-AI systems.
• Develop and evaluate case study scenarios.
• Support the validation of project outputs across representative operational environments.
• Collaborate closely with technical researchers and industry stakeholders.
• Contribute to project reports, dissemination materials and future funding opportunities.

We welcome applications from candidates who have:

• a degree in Psychology, Human Factors, Behavioural Science, Cognitive Science, Social Science or a closely related discipline.
• experience of study design and research methodologies.
• strong analytical and critical evaluation skills.
• excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• the ability to work effectively within multidisciplinary teams.

This AKT project is funded by UKRI through Innovate UK. This programme has been designed to create short-term collaborations between a university and business to deliver a rapid and targeted intervention to accelerate the development of an innovation project, with potential for significant impact on the business. AKT projects are delivered by graduates who benefit from the opportunity to work on a strategically relevant project within industry, whilst receiving support and guidance from university academics. More information about the Accelerated Knowledge Transfer programme can be found at: https://www.ktp-uk.org/accelerated-knowledge-transfer/

Further information

This is a part-time role (0.5 FTE) for a fixed-term role for a period of 3 months, and the role must start no later than 13 November 2026.

We consider ourselves to be a university where difference is celebrated, respected and encouraged. We have an excellent international reputation with staff from over 60 different nations and have made a positive commitment towards gender equity and intersectionality receiving a Silver Athena SWAN award. We truly believe that diversity of experience, perspectives, and backgrounds will lead to a better environment for our employees and students and encourage applications from all genders, backgrounds, and communities, particularly from under-represented groups, and value the positive impact that will have on the university. We are committed to maintaining a safe and secure environment for our students, staff, and community by reinforcing our Safer Recruitment commitment.

We’re committed to creating a health-supporting working environment where everyone can thrive and be at their best. We offer a range of resources to enable you to do that from your first day here, including:

• Staff support groups and networks
• A network of Staff Wellbeing Champions
• A suite of tools, resources and frameworks that enable you to be at your best and thrive

Right to Work in the UK:We do not assess immigration or right to work status until offer stage. Being invited to interview does not guarantee you are eligible for visa sponsorship and all offers are conditional on meeting right to work requirements. Further information is available on our application support webpage.

Anonymous shortlisting: We are constantly seeking to reduce the unconscious bias that enters any assessment process, with the goal of creating an inclusive and equal assessment process. To support this, personal details such as your name, may be removed from application forms at the initial shortlisting stage.