Junior Researcher Position in Psychology

European Research College London; United Kingdom; On-site; GBP 42,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

An academic research college in London is seeking a full-time Junior Researcher in Psychology to enhance its academic presence in the UK. The role emphasizes conducting original research, contributing to collaborative projects, and engaging in grant preparation. Applicants should have a PhD in Psychology or be near completion, strong research skills, and excellent English. The position offers dedicated research time and access to a large European research network, making it ideal for early-career scholars operating in a supportive environment.

Benefits

Dedicated research time

Strong mentorship

Access to European research network

Qualifications

• PhD in Psychology or similar sciences (completed or near completion by February 2026).
• Demonstrated research skills (quantitative or qualitative).
• Excellent English and ability to work in an international environment.

Responsibilities

• Conduct and publish original research in psychology or related social sciences.
• Prepare grant proposals under senior supervision.
• Engage in internal seminars and cross-college cooperation.

Skills

Demonstrated research skills

Excellent English

Interest in policy-relevant research

Openness to collaboration

Experience with experimental methods

Education

PhD in Psychology or similar

Job description

Organisation/Company European Research College London Department European Research College Research Field Psychological sciences Researcher Profile First Stage Researcher (R1) Positions Postdoc Positions Country United Kingdom Application Deadline 31 Dec 2025 - 00:00 (Europe/London) Type of Contract Permanent Job Status Full-time Offer Starting Date 1 Feb 2026 Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Not funded by a EU programme Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No

Offer Description

The European Research College London (ERC London) invites applications for a full-time Junior Researcher position in Psychology, aimed at strengthening the College’s academic presence in the United Kingdom.

ERC London forms part of the European Research University Institute (ERUNI) — a transnational academic network developing Research Colleges across major European centres. The role offers an exceptional opportunity for an early-career scholar to build an independent research portfolio, engage in collaborative projects, and contribute to ERUNI’s growing international presence in the social and behavioural sciences.

Position Overview

The role emphasizes research excellence, publication output, and external funding development, including participation in Horizon Europe, ESRC, and other competitive international grant schemes. The position provides dedicated research time, strong mentorship, and access to ERUNI’s extensive European research network.

• Title: Researcher (Junior)
• Location: London, UK (onsite)
• Salary: £42,000–£50,000 (competitive, based on experience)
• Contract: Full-time, renewable two-year term with performance review every 12 months
• Start Date: February 2026
• Research Focus: Dedicated research time with no teaching obligations in the initial years.
• Mentoring: Individual supervision and career development support from senior faculty and visiting fellows.
• Research Freedom: Autonomy to define and pursue individual research themes, upon ERC approval.
• Funding Development: Institutional support with proposals to UKRI, Horizon Europe, and other major funders.
• Resources: Access to ERUNI’s databases, online research infrastructure, and European research network.
• Networking: Collaboration with ERC researchers in London, Amsterdam, and Prague through seminars, workshops, and policy-focused initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Conduct and publish original research in psychology or related social sciences;
• Contribute to collaborative projects within ERC London’s thematic areas (e.g. behaviour, decision making, wellbeing, learning, social cognition);
• Prepare grant proposals under senior supervision;
• Present research findings at international conferences;
• Engage in internal seminars and cross-college cooperation.
• PhD in Psychology or similar sciences (completed or near completion by February 2026);
• Demonstrated research skills (quantitative or qualitative);
• Evidence of academic potential (peer-reviewed publications or strong working papers);
• Excellent English and ability to work in an international environment.
• Experience with experimental, cognitive, or behavioural methods;
• Interest in policy-relevant or interdisciplinary research;
• Openness to collaboration across ERUNI’s thematic research areas;
• Willingness to pursue external funding and build an independent research line.

Application Process

Submit the following as a single PDF:

• Letter of motivation outlining research interests and fit with ERC London;
• 1–2 representative papers (published or working manuscripts);
• Curriculum vitae with full publication list (APA style, DOIs where applicable);
• A maximum of two-pages research proposal for the initial term.

Applications will be reviewed in two stages:

• Application Review - evaluation of academic potential and research fit;
• Interview – discussion of research plans and collaboration prospects.

Please send materials via the ‘Apply’ button (E: [e-mail]) with the subject line: “ERC Application 2025 – [Field / City]” .

About ERC

London ERC London represents ERUNI’s UK hub, connecting European scholars with British institutions in psychology, economics, and social research. The College promotes research on wellbeing, decision-making, and human development within a collaborative and international academic environment.