This is an exciting opportunity to be part of a new interdisciplinary European research project (H2020-funded LimnoPlast). You will be employed in the School of Psychology at the University of Plymouth (www.plymouth.ac.uk/schools/psychology) as well as being part of the Marine Institute (www.plymouth.ac.uk/research/institutes/marine-institute) and the interdisciplinary International Marine Litter Unit (www.plymouth.ac.uk/research/marine-litter), working with Profs Sabine Pahl and Richard Thompson OBE. The team has recently won a Queen’s Anniversary Prize for their work on marine microplastics pollution and its impact on the environment and changing behaviour.
This Marie Sklodowska Curie Fellowship research position will train you to obtain a highly competitive and applied PhD. The research focuses on the human dimension in microplastic pollution in freshwater, building upon our recent SAPEA report (www.sapea.info/topics/microplastics/). Specifically, working in an interdisciplinary European research team, you will investigate behavioural aspects of the problem of microplastic pollution and develop and trial interventions targeting behaviour change. In the following the project is described in more detail:
Eligibility criteria:
You must be in the first four years (full-time equivalent) of your research career, have not been awarded a doctoral degree previously and have not resided in the UK for more than 12 months in the last 3 years (except refugees).
This is a full-time position working 37 hours per week on a fixed-term basis for a period of 3 years due to funding, from 1 April 2020. This project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under the Marie Sklodowska-Curie grant agreement No 860720.
You must have a degree in a relevant field, including, but not limited to, Psychology, Social or Behavioural Sciences, or equivalent experience and knowledge in human perception and behaviour. Candidates from a natural sciences background , and those without a Master’s degree, are encouraged to apply if they can demonstrate experience of conducting research with people. You will have knowledge of communication and behaviour change principles as well as evaluation methods. You will have experience of designing and implementing interview and/or survey tools that capture perceptions and behaviour, analysing and writing up results pertaining to perceptions, attitudes, beliefs or behaviours of a range of social groups. You will have potential or a growing track record of research publications. Publications in the domain of social and behavioural sciences are desirable.
We expect experience in or openness to working across disciplines and cultures, with excellent interpersonal skills. You must also have very good organisational and time management skills with meticulous attention to detail, and good verbal and written communications skills. In addition you must have the ability to work well within a team. Applicants with experience in interdisciplinary research and/or with experience of working in Europe, and with additional European languages are particularly encouraged to apply.
Please demonstrate how you meet the essential criteria outlined in the knowledge, qualifications, training and experience elements of the job description in your supporting statement. Please consider the eligibility requirements carefully.
For an informal discussion to find out more about the role please contact Prof. Sabine Pahl by email sabine.pahl@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.
The University of Plymouth is committed to equality of opportunity, promoting a diverse and inclusive culture, demonstrated through our commitment to the gender equality Athena SWAN Charter and as a Stonewall diversity champion. All applications will be judged solely on merit, however, we particularly welcome applications from groups currently under-represented in the workforce, for example black and minority ethnic groups.
University of Plymouth holds a TEF (Teaching Excellence and Student Outcomes Framework) Silver by the Office for Students.
Job Description