Research Fellow (UK Visa Sponsorship Available)

Job Description

Role Summary

We are seeking a motivated and collaborative postdoctoral Research Fellow to join a major UKRI-funded interdisciplinary programme focused on strengthening climate resilience among farming and pastoralist communities across eastern Africa. Working closely with Principal Investigator Dr Anna Rabinovich, you will contribute to the Social Psychology workstream, designing and evaluating a group-based intervention that helps communities implement nature-based solutions to land degradation. The role offers the chance to shape high-impact research, work internationally, and engage with community partners and non-academic organisations.

What You Will Do

As part of a diverse international team, you will:

• Develop and deliver research within the social psychology component of the project.
• Implement field studies and test group-based behavioural interventions with community partners.
• Work collaboratively with interdisciplinary colleagues—including environmental scientists, community facilitators and international NGOs.
• Prepare high-quality publications, disseminate findings, and contribute to impact-focused outputs aligned with UKRI guidelines (UK Research & Development information
• Support ethical compliance, data governance, and fieldwork planning, in accordance with:
• UK GDPR/Data Protection: https://www.gov.uk/data-protection
• UK Health and Safety for fieldwork: https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/health-and-safety-guidance-for-the-public-and-private-sectors
• The role requires regular travel to project partner countries Tanzania and Ethiopia.

About You

You will bring:

• A PhD in social psychology, environmental psychology, or a closely related discipline.
• Strong theoretical grounding in social psychological processes.
• Excellent quantitative skills and a track record of high-quality academic writing.
• Ideally, previous experience in interdisciplinary research, cross-cultural collaboration, and/or field data collection.
• Strong organisational abilities, initiative, and confidence working in dynamic, sometimes unpredictable environments.
• Exceptional teamwork and communication skills, with the ability to work effectively across national, disciplinary, and cultural boundaries.

About the School of Psychology

The School of Psychology at Sussex combines over fifty years of pioneering work with a commitment to driving positive societal change. Since its formal establishment in 2009, the School has grown into one of the UK’s largest and most influential psychology communities, spanning biological, cognitive, developmental, clinical, and social psychology.

Guided by values of kindness, integrity, inclusion, collaboration, and courage, we champion impactful research and innovative teaching. The School proudly holds a Silver Athena Swan Award, recognising our commitment to gender equality in higher education

Why Join Us?

Sussex offers a welcoming and collaborative environment on a spacious campus at the edge of the South Downs. Staff benefit from excellent transport links—including a train station five minutes from campus—dedicated cycle routes, and a cycle-to-work scheme.

As an international research-led institution, our people are central to our success. We are committed to creating a supportive and inclusive workplace where staff at all career stages can thrive.

You can explore:

Reward and benefits

Equality, diversity and inclusion at Sussex

Further Information

How to Apply:
Full details are available on our vacancies website.

Visa Sponsorship:
This position is eligible for Skilled Worker sponsorship if appointed at Grade 7.4 and full time. For guidance on eligibility, salary thresholds, and sponsorship rules, refer to the UK Skilled Worker Visa guidance:.

• Closing Date: 2 December 2025, 15:59
  Start Date: As soon as possible
  Interview Date: To be confirmed
  Duration: 9 months or until 11/02/2027, whichever is sooner.

The University of Sussex welcomes applicants from all backgrounds and particularly encourages applications from women and minoritised ethnic groups under-represented in STEMM disciplines.