Senior Behavioural Research Fellow (CENTRE-UB)

Location: Hybrid working: Candidates will be working from a Cabinet Office site (York, Glasgow, or Bristol) or working from home

Fixed Term contract up to January 2029

Background

The ESRC have invested £17M to develop a National Capability in Behavioural Research, establishing a hub, Behavioural Research-UK (BR-UK), and a new Centre for Doctoral Training Plus, CENTRE-UB. Crucially, this includes building capability in the heart of government in applying behavioural and social science methods, frameworks, theory and evidence to develop strategy, policy and practice. We are seeking an exceptional researcher to lead the development of a new behavioural research capability-building strategy within government. This role will involve the application of behavioural research knowledge, the use of social science research methods, and the application of relevant pedagogies. This post is the first of its kind with the postholder employed within CENTRE-UB and seconded to the Government Skills Directorate (GS), Cabinet Office.

Role Summary

The post holder will be a behavioral researcher with an established national, and developing international, reputation gained through original research work, who has a clear record of impact and knowledge translation. They will be passionate about evidence-based policy making and will be knowledgeable of the conditions for this to happen, particularly through building skills and capability. The successful candidate will take a leading role in further developing existing behavioural science networks within Government and building on early investments. This unique role builds links between academia and government; therefore, the ideal candidate is expected to have doctoral-level qualifications and expertise in conducting behavioural research, and a track record of designing, delivering and/or evaluating training (or teaching) and learning opportunities, preferably in sectors beyond academia.

This post offers unique opportunities for a researcher who wishes to develop their expertise working in a policy environment. There is considerable potential for impact for someone passionate about upskilling others to increase adoption of behavioural research and insights within government. We recognise that the post holder will come with an established research profile that they want to maintain. Therefore, 20% of the time (equivalent to 1 day per week FTE) within this post is allocated to the postholder’s own research. There is the potential to increase this time allocation.

The postholder can be based within a Cabinet Office in York, Bristol or Glasgow, or can be homeworking. UK travel is required with this post. Please see the full job description for details.

Applicants must be able to meet the Civil Service rules regarding nationality found here: https://tinyurl.com/uobgov

Person Specification

Demonstrated excellence at the level of accomplishment expected to meet the promotion criteria for Senior Lecturer in both Research, and Management and Administration, as outlined below. In addition: (i) a higher volume of excellent outputs/inputs in Research, and in research-related Management and Administration than would be expected for a Senior Lecturer in a similar field; and/or (ii) an exceptional quality of outputs in Research and in research-related Management and Administration. 

Informal enquires to Prof. Jess Woodhams (J.Woodhams@bham.ac.uk)

To download the full job description and details of this position and submit an electronic application online please click on the 'Apply' button above.

Valuing excellence, sustaining investment.
We value diversity and inclusion at the University of Birmingham and welcome applications from all sections of the community and are open to discussions around all forms of flexible working.

Closes: 8^th October 2024

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