Postdoctoral researcher – University of Birmingham

Acbm Association; Birmingham; Hybrid; GBP 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Birmingham invites applications for a Postdoctoral researcher in Psychology & Institute of Mental Health. You will collaborate with Prof. Elaine Fox to establish a research programme, programming experiments, recruiting participants, and analysing data.

The role includes grant-writing and supervising undergraduate researchers. The successful candidate will contribute to developing new behavioural experiments and publish findings in high-impact outlets, with opportunities for

Qualifications

• PhD in a related field or equivalent
• High-level analytical capability and clear communication of complex information
• Experience with designing and conducting behavioural experiments

Responsibilities

• Develop and contribute to experimental psychopathology research
• Program behavioural experiments and recruit participants
• Collect and analyse data, including secondary datasets
• Contribute to grant funding applications and papers
• Supervise/mentor undergraduate researchers and support staff

Skills

Computer programming

Data analysis

Experiment design

Research coordination

Communication of complex information

Education

PhD or equivalent

Tools

Eye-tracking

Job description

Postdoctoral researcher – University of Birmingham

• Full Time
• Birmingham, UK
• September 30, 2026

Employer

University of Birmingham

Department

Psychology & Institute of Mental Health

University / Hospital

Contact Person

Elaine

Fox

[e-mail]

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Job Description

To create and contribute to the creation of knowledge by collaborating with Professor Elaine Fox in establishing a research programme in experimental psychopathology. This will include computer programming of behavioural experiments, participant recruitment and data collection, analysis of data, secondary data analyses from existing datasets, interpretation of data analysis and write up of scientific paper. Collaboration will also be required with preparing grant funding applications.

Role Summary
The postholder will work with Prof Elaine Fox to set up behavioural experiments with the aim of developing at least two 4* papers and contribute to funding bids
They will operate within the general field of affective science, specifically experimental psychopathology
They will be required to collaboration on developing new experiments, and set up these studies at the University of Birmingham.
They will analyse and interpret research findings and results
They will contribute to generating funding applications.
They will support a new research group and assist with the supervision of undergraduate research students.
They will contribute to the public understanding of experimental psychopathology

Main Duties
The responsibilities may include some but not all of the responsibilities outlined below.
The postholder will develop research objectives and proposals for research in collaboration with Prof Fox
This will include contributing to writing bids for research funding
A main part of the role will be establishing new behavioural experiments and analysing and interpreting data that we will collect as well as from existing datasets.
The postholder will be expected to apply this new knowledge in a way which develops new intellectual understanding in the field.
They will disseminate research findings for publication, research seminars and conference presentations.
They will assist Prof Fox with the supervision of students on research related work and provide guidance to PhD students.
The postholder will contribute to developing new models, techniques and methods in experimental psychopathology.
They will collaborate in the management/administration that arises from the research
Contribute to Departmental/School research-related activities and research-related administration
Theu will contribute to the public engagement activities of manifest benefit to the College and the University, in collaboration with Prof Fox and others.
They will collect research data through a variety of research methods, such as behavioural experimentation, literature reviews, and research interviews, possibly incorporating eye-tracking methodology
Produce research outputs, such as posters and talks for seminars and confereneces.
Provide guidance, as required, to support staff and any students who may be assisting with the research.
Trobleshoot and solve problems that may affect the achievement of research objectives and deadlines.
Promotes equality and values diversity acting as a role model and fostering an inclusive working culture.

Person Specification
First degree in area of specialism and a PhD relevant to research area or equivalent qualifications
High level analytical capability
Ability to communicate complex information clearly
Fluency in relevant models, techniques or methods and ability to contribute to developing new ones
Ability to assess resource requirements and use resources effectively
Understanding of and ability to contribute to broader management/administration processes
Contribute to the planning and organising of the research programme and/or specific research project
Co-ordinate own work with others to avoid conflict or duplication of effort
Knowledge of the protected characteristics of the Equality Act 2010, and how to actively ensure in day to day activity in own area that those with protected characteristics are treated equally and fairly