We are seeking to appoint a postdoctoral research fellow with knowledge in applied psychology, specifically in studying perceptions and behaviours relating to plastic pollution. This is part of the EU funded Preventing Plastic Pollution Project. This post will concentrate on work to identify and evaluate behavioural changes needed to reduce plastic pollution. This is a full-time position working 37 hours per week on a fixed-term basis until March 2023.
You will apply social and behavioural research methods to a) co-create instruments and methods to elicit perceptions and behaviour patterns relating to plastic use and waste management, implement these tools, analyse data and write up results, and b) support training programmes to increase capacity in psychological and behavioural research among our partner organisations. You will work primarily with Dr Kayleigh Wyles (School of Psychology,) and Professor Richard Thompson (School of Biological and Marine Sciences) together with partners in the UK and France; Queen Mary University of London (project lead), the Rivers Trust, Westcountry Rivers Trust, South East Rivers Trust, Plymouth City Council, Defra, Environment Agency, LACOCEA Conseil Expertise et Analyses, Syndicat mixte établissement public de gestion et d’aménagement de la baie de Douarnenez, Agence Française de la Biodiversité, Brest metropole, Centre national de la recherche scientifique, Conseil départemental de la Manche, Institut français de recherche pour l'exploitation de mer, Syndicat de bassin de l’Elorn, ACTIMAR, and Brest’aim. You will also be part of the International Marine Litter Research Unit that covers a wide range of other projects.
Through the preparation of high quality publication materials for refereed journals and presenting results at conferences and appropriate events, you will disseminate the findings and take a lead in presenting the research.
Candidates must have a PhD in a relevant field including but not limited to Psychology, Social or Behavioural Sciences, or equivalent research experience and knowledge. Candidates from a natural sciences background are encouraged to apply if they can demonstrate experience of conducting research with people. You will have knowledge of behaviour change principles as well as evaluation methods. You will have experience of designing and implementing qualitative and quantitative interview, survey and/or observations tools that capture perceptions, attitudes, beliefs and/or behaviours of a range of social groups, analysing and writing up results. You will have professional / academic level English language skills, both verbal and written, including a proven record of quality research publications at, at least, 2-3* with respect to the Higher Education Funding Council for England’s Research Excellence Framework (REF). Publications in the domain of social and behavioural sciences are especially desirable.
Due to the nature of the project, we expect experience in or openness to working across disciplines, sectors, and cultures, with excellent interpersonal skills. You must also have very good organisational and time management skills with meticulous attention to detail. In addition you must have successful team leadership skills with the ability to work well within a team.
For an informal discussion to find out more about the role then please contact Dr. Kayleigh Wyles by email Kayleigh.Wyles@plymouth.ac.uk and/or Prof Richard Thompson r.c.thompson@plymouth.ac.uk.
We offer a competitive salary package and a generous pension and holiday scheme. We also offer a range of other benefits, including ongoing development opportunities.
Interviews are expected to take place on Friday 16th July 2021 and you will be notified if you have been shortlisted or not.
Flexible working options including job share will be considered.
Please note, due to the COVID-19 pandemic the University is currently implementing a number of safety measures as per Government advice therefore the successful applicant may be required to work from home in the first instance.
The University of Plymouth is a diverse, welcoming community where everyone makes a difference and is encouraged to bring their whole selves to work. To find out more about our inclusive community, initiatives such as Athena Swan and the Race Equality Charter and our range of benefits / support mechanisms such as flexible working, staff networks and enhanced maternity, paternity & adoption leave please visit our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion webpages
We particularly welcome applicants from under-represented groups such as BAME/BIPOC and LGBT+.
Job Description