Research Fellow(UK Visa Sponsorship Available)

Job Description

Role Overview

The University of Sussex is seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Research Fellow to join a UKRI-funded interdisciplinary project focused on enhancing climate resilience among farming and pastoralist communities in Eastern Africa. Led by Dr. Anna Rabinovich, the project integrates social and environmental psychology to design group-based interventions that implement co-selected nature-based solutions for land degradation.

This position offers the opportunity to collaborate across disciplines and cultures, engage with non-academic stakeholders, and contribute to impactful applied research in the field.

Key Responsibilities

• Contribute to the Social Psychology stream, testing interventions that leverage social psychological processes to support sustainable land use.
• Design, implement, and analyze research, including fieldwork in partner countries (Tanzania and Ethiopia).
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, ensuring effective coordination with colleagues across academic and stakeholder boundaries.
• Produce high-quality academic outputs, including publications, reports, and presentations.
• Provide input into project planning, methodology development, and ethical compliance.

Candidate Profile

Applicants should demonstrate:

• Education: PhD in social psychology, environmental psychology, or a related discipline.
• Research Skills: Strong quantitative research capabilities, expertise in social psychological theory, and excellent academic writing.
• Experience: Fieldwork experience, interdisciplinary research, and cross-cultural collaboration preferred.
• Competencies: Excellent time management, adaptability, initiative, problem-solving, and teamwork skills.
• Communication: Strong verbal and written communication, able to convey complex research concepts clearly.

School Overview

The School of Psychology at Sussex has a rich history spanning over 50 years, covering biological, cognitive, developmental, clinical, and social psychology. Established formally in 2009, the School now stands as one of the largest and most influential academic communities for psychology in the UK.

Values: Kindness, integrity, inclusion, collaboration, courage.
Awards: Silver Athena Swan Award – promoting gender equality in STEMM disciplines.
More info: School of Psychology – University of Sussex

Why Work Here

• Campus: Scenic 150-acre campus near the South Downs with excellent public transport links and cycling infrastructure.
• Culture: Inclusive, research-led international university with strong support for staff development.
• Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working options, reward schemes, and a focus on equality and diversity.

Visa & Eligibility Notes

• Work must be undertaken in the UK.
• SOC Code: Eligible for Skilled Worker Sponsorship if full-time and appointed at Grade 7.4.

Full guidance: UK Skilled Worker Visa