Research Associate - Behavioural Science / Social Psychology

The University of Manchester; Greater Manchester; On-site; GBP 37,000 - 46,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Manchester invites applications for a Research Associate in a Behavioural Science Fellowship focusing on Cross-Cultural Social Psychology. This fellowship, hosted jointly with GCHQ, offers a unique opportunity to work on critical research relevant to national security while gaining experience in diverse research environments. Candidates should have expertise in psychology and be prepared to apply for national security clearance.

Benefits

Flexible working arrangements

Mentorship from GCHQ and University staff

Qualifications

• Completed or submitted a relevant PhD.
• Expertise in cross-cultural psychology, social psychology, and/or social influence.

Responsibilities

• Conduct research addressing national security issues.
• Publish findings in academic journals.
• Collaborate with GCHQ and university mentors.

Skills

Cross-Cultural Psychology

Social Psychology

Social Influence

Education

PhD in Psychology or related field

Job description

Job Title: Research Associate -Behavioural Science Fellowship with a focus upon Cross-Cultural Social Psychology. Jointly Hosted By GCHQ (Classified Research Programme) And The University Of Manchester

Location: Oxford Road, Manchester

Salary: £37,174 to £45,413 per annum, depending on relevant experience

Job type: Fixed Term - 12 months, Full Time.

Closing date: 20/05/2025

Applications are invited for a behavioural science fellowship focused upon cross-cultural social psychology. The fellowship is jointly hosted by GCHQ (Classified Research Programme (CRP)) and the University of Manchester. The fellowship will provisionally run for 12 months, with the possibility of an extension.

Fellows will pursue a research project designed in consultation with colleagues in GCHQ, addressing issues relevant to national security and GCHQ's own research agenda. Some of the research will assume a standard academic form and fellows will be expected to pursue its publication in relevant academic journals, suitable for submission in the Research Excellence Framework, subject to GCHQ approval. Some will be classified and intended for use by GCHQ and their partner organisations only. It will be shared internally within the national security community. Fellows will therefore gain experience of two very different research environments and of negotiating the complexities of working between them.

Fellows will have a base within the University of Manchester. They will have mentors both within the University and GCHQ, to offer guidance and support. Mentors in the two organisations will work together to ensure coherence and consistency in their advice and support. Fellows will be expected to attend GCHQ's Manchester office regularly and so are expected either to be located in the North-West or willing to relocate.

Applicants should have completed or at least submitted a relevant PhD and have expertise in cross-cultural psychology, social psychology and/or social influence. This expertise should be explained in a letter of application and short-listed candidates will be expected to demonstrate it in a brief presentation at interview.

Elements of the CRP's work are highly confidential and subject to formal security procedures. The fellow may be expected to apply for national security clearance from GCHQ, making them subject to the provisions of the Official Secrets Act (which includes restrictions on travel to certain countries). UK resident UK nationals will normally be able to apply for clearance, but all applicants should carefully consider their eligibility before applying for the fellowship. Information about vetting and clearance can be found on the UK Government security vetting website. The University of Manchester reserve the right to terminate a fellowship in the event of a loss of security clearance.

As an equal opportunities employer we welcome applicants from all sections of the community regardless of age, sex, gender (or gender identity), ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation and transgender status. All appointments are made on merit.

Our University is positive about flexible working. Blended working arrangements may be considered.

Please note that we are unable to respond to enquiries, accept CVs or applications from Recruitment Agencies.

Please click APPLY to be redirected to our website to complete an application form.

Candidates with the relevant experience or job titles of, Research Associate, Behavioural Science Research Associate, Research Analyst, Postdoctoral Researcher, Behavioural Science Research Associate, Social Psychology Research Associate, Psychology Research Associate, may also be considered for this role.