Research Fellow(UK Visa Sponsorship)

Job Description

Role Overview

We invite applications for a postdoctoral Research Fellow to join a major UKRI-funded collaborative project aimed at strengthening climate resilience among farming and pastoralist populations in eastern Africa. Working under the direction of Dr. Anna Rabinovich, you will contribute to the Social Psychology component of the project, which focuses on testing a group-based intervention designed to support communities in adopting co-developed, nature-based solutions to land degradation.

This role offers an exciting opportunity for a researcher who is passionate about real-world impact, enthusiastic about interdisciplinary and cross-cultural collaboration, and comfortable conducting fieldwork with diverse stakeholders.

What You Will Do

• Contribute to the design and delivery of research within the Social Psychology stream of the project.
• Lead quantitative analyses and support the development of evidence-informed interventions.
• Participate in fieldwork in project partner countries (Tanzania and Ethiopia).
• Collaborate with a multidisciplinary team, non-academic stakeholders, and international partners.
• Produce high-quality academic writing for publication and reporting to funders.
• Assist with ethics documentation, data management, and project governance.
• Adapt to evolving project needs and help troubleshoot emerging research challenges.

About You

The successful applicant will bring:

• A PhD in social psychology, environmental psychology, or a closely related discipline.
• Strong grounding in social psychological theory and quantitative methods.
• Exceptional academic writing skills and experience contributing to peer-reviewed outputs.
• Ideally, prior involvement in interdisciplinary research or cross-cultural collaborations.
• Experience of field data collection, especially in international or low-resource contexts.
• A willingness to travel internationally as required (including to Tanzania and Ethiopia).
• Excellent organisation and time-management abilities, especially under tight deadlines.
• A collaborative mindset and strong interpersonal communication skills.
• Creativity, resourcefulness, and the confidence to work autonomously when needed.

About the School

The School of Psychology at the University of Sussex has grown from a rich legacy of groundbreaking scholarship to become one of the UK’s largest and most respected centres of psychological research and teaching.

The School spans biological, cognitive, developmental, clinical, and social psychology, fostering a dynamic and inclusive research culture built on the values of kindness, collaboration, inclusion, integrity, and courage. We are proud holders of a Silver Athena Swan Award, reflecting our commitment to advancing equality in higher education.

Why Sussex?

Our beautiful campus is located next to the South Downs National Park and offers excellent connectivity via Falmer train station and multiple bus routes. Staff benefit from:

• Hybrid working opportunities (as appropriate to the role)
• Cycle-to-work schemes and dedicated cycle routes
• On-site parking at reduced rates
• A thriving international research community
• Extensive staff development and wellbeing support

Sussex is a globally recognised research-intensive institution, and our people—students, researchers, academics, and professional services staff—are at the heart of what makes the University exceptional

Further Information

We strongly encourage applications from candidates who are underrepresented in STEMM disciplines, including women and black and minority ethnic researchers. The University values diversity and welcomes applicants from all backgrounds.

All work conducted must take place within the UK.

• Closing Date: 2 December 2025, 3:59 PM
  Start Date: As soon as possible
  Contract Length: 9 months from appointment or until 11/02/2027 (whichever comes sooner), with potential for extension.