Job Description

Position Details

School of Psychology

Location: University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham UK

Full time starting salary is normally in the range £36,636 to £46,049 with potential progression once in post to £48,822

Grade: 7

Full Time, Fixed Term contract up to October 2027

Closing date: 7th October 2026

Background

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

Informal enquiries to Elaine Fox, email: e.fox.3@bham.ac.uk

Use of AI in applications: We want to understand your genuine interest in the role and for the written elements of your application to accurately reflect your own communication style. Applications that rely too heavily on AI tools can appear generic and lack the detail we need to assess your skills and experience. Such applications will unlikely be progressed to interview.

We believe there is no such thing as a 'typical' member of University of Birmingham staff and that diversity in its many forms is a strength that underpins the exchange of ideas, innovation and debate at the heart of University life. We are committed to proactively addressing the barriers experienced by some groups in our community and are proud to hold Athena SWAN, Race Equality Charter and Disability Confident accreditations. We have an Equality Diversity and Inclusion Centre that focuses on continuously improving the University as a fair and inclusive place to work where everyone has the opportunity to succeed. We are also committed to sustainability, which is a key part of our strategy. You can find out more about our work to create a fairer university for everyone on our website.