Research Fellow in Psychology of Gratitude - AR3222

Start date: 1 June 2026

Full time Fixed term: 24 months

Applications are sought for a Research Fellow (postdoc) in Psychology of Gratitude to specialize in the psychological study of gratitude and religious phenomena, to work with Principal Investigator (PI) Dr Mara van der Lugt and Co-Investigator Dr King-Ho Leung (King’s College London), alongside a team of psychology consultants, conducting research at the Centre for Ethics, Philosophy and Public Affairs (CEPPA) at the Department of Philosophy. This will be a two-year, full time research job.

The postdoc will work on a 33-month project (2025-2028) funded by the John Templeton Foundation, entitled  ‘Existential Gratitude and Spirituality’ (ExGS). 

The project explores the possible differences between existential gratitude and everyday gratitude. Unlike everyday gratitude (e.g., thanking someone for a favor), existential gratitude pertains to gratitude for one’s existence or even existence in general.

This project explores questions such as the following:

• How might existential gratitude differ from other forms of gratitude? Is it actually ‘gratitude’?
• How does existential gratitude differ from/relate to theistic gratitude to God (as the giver or creator of existence to whom one might be grateful)?
• Is existential gratitude compatible with atheism/non-theism?
• Can one be existentially grateful without a deity to be grateful to?
• How does existential gratitude relate to human happiness and flourishing?

We are seeking a psychologist trained in cognitive, social, personality, and/or positive psychology to survey existing psychological research on gratitude, to identify possible gaps and whether a distinction is made between existential and everyday gratitude. The psychologist will work closely with the project team and is expected to engage in interdisciplinary discussions between philosophy and psychology.

Please find the full project description here: https://www.templeton.org/grant/existential-gratitude-and-spirituality

The post is available for 24 months starting on 1st June 2026 and will run from Year 2 to the final Year 3 of the ExGS project. The postdoc will have completed a PhD in psychology by the time of the application or will have it completed before the starting date of the job.

Please see the Further Particulars for more details concerning essential and desirable attributes and full list of benefits.

For further information and enquiries email ExGS PI, Dr Mara van der Lugt (mvdl@st-andrews.ac.uk) or Dr King-Ho Leung (king-ho.leung@kcl.ac.uk).

Applications are particularly welcome from women, people from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) backgrounds, and other protected characteristics who are under-represented in professional posts at the University.  

Equality, diversity and inclusion are at the heart of the St Andrews experience and form a central pillar of the University Strategy. We strive to create a fair and inclusive culture demonstrated through our commitment to diversity awards (Athena Swan, Carer Positive, LGBT Charter and Race Charters). We celebrate diversity by promoting profiles of BAME, LGBTIQ+ staff and supporting networks including the Staff BAME Network; Staff with Disabilities Network; Staff LGBTIQ+ Network; and the Staff Parents & Carers Network. Full details available online: https://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/hr/edi/

Closing date: 25 January 2026

Interview date: March 2026 (TBC)

Job Description (Further Particulars): AR3222RS FPs.pdf

Please quote ref: AR3222RS

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