Job Description
About the Department
The Research Department of Behavioural Science and Health at UCL investigates how human behaviour influences health and wellbeing. Our research spans public health topics such as alcohol and tobacco use, heart disease, cancer, obesity, and the social determinants of health.
This role sits within Professor Daisy Fancourt’s Social Biobehavioural Research Group, which examines the effects of social behaviours and connections on health outcomes. The group’s research includes both social deficits (loneliness, social isolation, impacts of COVID-19 lockdowns) and social assets (social networks, cultural engagement, community participation, nature engagement, and social prescribing). Further information: UCL Behavioural Science & Health
Role Overview
We are seeking a Research Fellow to contribute to a €2 million Horizon Europe project examining how engagement with arts and culture influences health. This collaborative project involves partners across Europe, as well as UNESCO and the World Health Organization.
Your key responsibilities will include:
- Leading systematic reviews of the arts-and-health evidence base
- Producing evidence gap maps and liaising with web developers to create interactive online tools
- Preparing summary reports and policy briefs highlighting evidence strengths, limitations, and gaps
- Supporting the dissemination of findings to researchers, policymakers, and the public
- The role offers the opportunity to translate research into actionable public health policy, influencing both national and international arts-and-health strategies.
Candidate Profile
We are looking for applicants who:
- Hold a PhD in psychology, social science, biomedical science, or a relevant discipline
- Have experience leading large-scale systematic reviews of quantitative data
- Are familiar with tools such as PROSPERO, Covidence, Rayyan, or Elicit for literature screening, data extraction, and quality appraisal
- Can produce high-quality peer-reviewed publications
- Demonstrate excellent communication skills and the ability to meet tight deadlines
- A proactive, organised, and collaborative approach is essential, as is the ability to work across disciplines and with international partners.
Appointment Details
- Start date: 1 April 2026
- Initial funding until 31 March 2028, externally supported
Appointment at Grade 7 requires a PhD; if not held, appointment will be at Grade 6B (£39,148 – £41,833), with backdating to Grade 7 (£45,103 – £52,586) upon PhD submission
Eligible for Skilled Worker Visa or Global Talent Visa:
- Skilled Worker visa
- Global Talent visa:
- Right to work in the UK
- Working in the UK guidance
- Immigration sponsorship guidance
Benefits
UCL offers a wide range of benefits:
- 41 days annual leave (27 days + 8 bank holidays + 6 closure days)
- Option to purchase 5 additional days’ leave
- Defined benefit CARE pension scheme
- Cycle to work and season ticket loan schemes
- Immigration and relocation support (where applicable)
- On-site nursery and gym
- Enhanced maternity, paternity, and adoption pay
- Employee Assistance Programme and discounted medical insurance
- Flexible working, part-time arrangements, and job-sharing may be considered where possible.
Equality, Diversity & Inclusion
UCL is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive environment. We particularly encourage applications from groups underrepresented in research and academia, including:
- Black, Asian, and ethnic minority candidates
- Disabled individuals
- LGBTQI+ and gender-diverse candidates
- Women in senior research roles
- Our department has an Athena SWAN Silver Award for gender equality initiatives.
How to Apply
Applicants should:
- Complete the UCL online application form
- Use the personal statement section to demonstrate how they meet essential and desirable criteria
- Attach a CV and any supporting documentation