At a Glance
- Tasks: Conduct innovative research and teach the next generation of psychologists.
- Company: Join a leading psychology department known for research excellence.
- Benefits: Permanent position with career progression, generous research support, and teaching development.
- Other info: Vibrant research culture with access to state-of-the-art facilities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in psychology while advancing your academic career.
- Qualifications: PhD in Psychology or related field, with strong research and teaching skills.
The predicted salary is between 27000 - 30000 £ per year.
We welcome applications from candidates with disabilities, neurodiversity and long‑term health conditions, and we are committed to ensuring fair treatment throughout the recruitment process. We will make adjustments to support the recruitment and interview process wherever it is reasonable to do so, and, where successful, adjustments will be made to support people within their role.
About the Department
The Department of Psychology is an internationally recognised centre of research excellence and interdisciplinarity across the breadth of psychological and behavioural science. The Department’s research groupings reflect our major areas of activity: Cognitive Neuroscience, Developmental Science, and Quantitative Social Psychology. Each research group also leads a taught master’s programme, extending our research strengths into the next generation. In addition, the Department houses several university research centres in neurodiversity and development, vision and visual cognition, learning and memory, and behavioural science underpinning our collaborative and interdisciplinary approach to large scale challenges. The department also has strong links with other centres and institutes across the University including the Wolfson Research Institute for Health and Wellbeing, the Institute of Advanced Study, the Behaviour, Ecology and Evolution Research Centre, the Biophysical Sciences Institute, and the Centre for Research into Inner Experience.
Our vibrant research culture features a departmental weekly research seminar series, regular training opportunities, and a commitment to open science. The Department houses extensive research facilities, including dedicated EEG, TMS, tDCS, fNIRS, eye tracking, virtual reality, and psychophysiology labs, a whole‑body motion capture lab, a fully equipped molecular diagnostics lab, an echo‑attenuated chamber, and a suite of observation labs. All staff have access across the full range of research facilities, supported by award‑winning IT staff and mechanical technicians.
We offer prestigious undergraduate programmes such as Psychology (C800) and Psychological and Behavioural Science (C807), and we plan to launch a BPS‑accredited MSc Psychology (Conversion) programme. We are committed to research‑led and small group teaching and embrace active pedagogy. This academic post offers an exciting opportunity to make a major contribution to the development of internationally excellent research and teaching, while providing unrivalled opportunities for career progression within a progressive institution.
Assistant Professors on the Education and Research track are expected to focus on research and teaching. They are also expected to engage in wider citizenship to enhance their own development, support the department and discipline, and contribute to the wider student experience. Academic colleagues are supported to publish excellent research with a focus on high‑quality outputs rather than quantity. We aim to support your research through resources to attend conferences, generous research leave, dedicated grant‑writing support, and a designated mentor. Durham University is committed to ensuring outstanding teaching quality, stimulating learning environments, and innovative curricula for all our students. You will be supported to develop your teaching expertise and skills. We offer a reduced probation period of one year for our Assistant Professors; thereafter, subject to satisfactory performance, your position will be confirmed as permanent.
Key responsibilities
- Conduct high‑quality, original, and rigorous research.
- Develop clear plans for the pursuit of national and international funding opportunities to support research and end‑user engagement.
- Play a role in relevant teaching and research supervision, contribute to ongoing curriculum development, and support the design and delivery of high‑quality online and blended learning programmes using digital pedagogies and technologies.
- Contribute to enhancing the quality of the research environment in the department, the wider university and beyond through collaborative research activity.
- Show willingness to contribute to the administrative work, citizenship and values of the department.
- Deliver lectures, seminars and tutorials at undergraduate and taught postgraduate levels, and engage in related activities such as assessment.
- Contribute to attracting and supervising research students, and enhance the department’s commitment to its vibrant and inclusive postgraduate culture.
- Carry out other duties as specified by the Head of Department.
Person Specification
Candidates must have completed a PhD and should in their cover letter outline their experience, skills and achievements to date, demonstrating that they meet the essential criteria.
Research
- Qualifications – a good first degree and a PhD in Psychology, Neuroscience, Machine Learning, Computer Science or a related subject.
- Outputs – evidence of high‑quality outputs, some of which is recognised as internationally excellent or world‑class. Applicants are asked to submit four research papers with their application. They may also provide additional evidence such as external peer review of outputs.
- Personal research plan – evidence of a personal research plan that supports and enhances the department’s ambition to strengthen its profile in modern computational or data‑driven methodologies to address research questions in psychology and/or neuroscience.
- Income generation – evidence of contribution to the development of high‑quality competitive funding applications and externally funded research, appropriate to career stage, role and opportunities.
Education
- Quality – evidence of developing and delivering effective and engaging teaching, within the psychology curriculum.
- Innovation – experience and achievements that demonstrate contribution to new programme development and innovation in the design and delivery of high‑quality teaching and assessment.
- Strategic – evidence of strategic teaching development and the potential to engage in the design of excellent teaching programmes in psychology that are research‑informed and led.
Services, Citizenship and Values
- Active engagement in administrative and citizenship requirements, fostering a respectful environment, including contributing to a welcoming environment in which colleagues feel included and valued.
Essential Services, Citizenship and Values Criteria
- Citizenship contribution – experience and achievements demonstrating effective engagement with administrative and service activities of an academic department, faculty or university.
- Leadership – experience, skills or achievements demonstrating the ability to provide leadership in supporting the administrative functioning of an academic department, faculty or university.
- Collegiality and collaboration – experience and achievements showing collaborative, constructive and respectful working with others.
- Communication – excellent oral and written communication skills, engaging diverse audiences.
Desirable Criteria
- Digital and online teaching – experience and achievements in designing and delivering high‑quality online or blended learning using innovative digital pedagogies and technologies.
- PhD supervision – involvement in the provision of excellent supervision for PhD students.
- Research impact and translation – experience in generating, enabling or planning for research impact beyond academia.
- Research leadership – experience and achievements in leading research groups and mentoring early‑career researchers.
- Income generation – evidence of engagement in the development of successful research projects and quality research grant proposals.
Contact Information
Department contact (academic enquiries): Professor Markus Hausmann, Head of Department.
Recruitment technical difficulties: For general queries: call (UK) or (outside UK), 09:00‑17:00 Monday‑Friday UK time.
How to Apply
We prefer to receive applications online. In submitting your application Durham University will process your data in accordance with the University Privacy Statement for Job Applicants.
What to Submit
- A CV
- A covering letter that clearly explains how you meet each of the criteria listed above, with specific examples.
- A personal research plan.
- Four of your most significant pieces of written work, preferably published or submitted since 2020.
Referees
You should provide 3 academic referees, preferably including your most recent employer or PhD supervisor. The majority should be from universities other than your own. Referees will be requested for shortlisted candidates.
Next Steps
All applications will be considered and shortlisted candidates will be invited to interview. Interviews may be held over two days and may be virtual or in‑person.
Assistant Professor (Research & Education) employer: Durham University
Durham University is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant academic environment that fosters collaboration and innovation. As a Postdoctoral Research Associate in Anthropology, you will benefit from extensive professional development opportunities, a supportive work culture, and the chance to contribute to impactful research that shapes understanding of diverse cultures. Located in a historic city, the university provides a unique setting for both personal and professional growth.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Professor (Research & Education)
✨Get Involved in Local Psychological Communities
Join local psychology associations or groups where professionals gather. Whether it’s workshops, conferences, or social events, connecting with others in the field can lead to job opportunities and insider info on unadvertised openings.
✨Leverage University Career Services
If you’re a recent graduate, don’t forget to tap into your university’s career services. They often have exclusive partnerships with organisations looking for fresh talents, plus access to internships that could lead to full-time roles.
✨Showcase Your Skills Online
Create a blog or a LinkedIn page where you share insights about psychology theories or current trends. This not only showcases your knowledge but can help you connect with like-minded professionals and potential employers.
✨Apply Directly Through Our Website
When you find a role like Assistant Professor (Research & Education) at Durham University, make your application stand out by applying directly through our website. This gives you a better chance to be seen by hiring managers. Plus, tailor your application to highlight your passion for psychology and relevant experiences!
We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Professor (Research & Education)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV with Relevant Experience:In psychology, it’s crucial to highlight your relevant experience, such as internships, research projects, or any volunteer work in mental health settings. Make sure to include specific roles and responsibilities, demonstrating how you've applied theoretical knowledge in real-world situations—this is what gets us excited!
Show Off Your Academic Achievements:Given the nature of psychology, we want to see your academic journey laid out clearly. Include your degree(s), grades, and any specialised courses or certifications that set you apart. If you've got published papers or presentations at conferences, be sure to mention them—it shows your commitment to the field!
Personal Statement: Make It Count:Your personal statement is your chance to shine! Share insights about why you’re passionate about psychology and how this role at Durham University connects with your career goals. Be honest about your motivations and what you hope to learn—this is key for a full-time position and helps us gauge your fit in our team!
Focus on Soft Skills in Your Application:Psychology is as much about people as it is about theories. Highlight your soft skills such as communication, empathy, and teamwork in your application. These traits are essential in our field and will help us see how you connect with others, so don't hold back in showcasing them!
How to prepare for a job interview at Durham University
✨Brush Up on Key Psychological Theories
Before stepping into the interview with Durham University, revisit key psychological theories that are relevant to the role, like cognitive behavioural therapy or humanistic psychology. Expect to discuss these during your interview, as they want to see how you apply theory to practice.
✨Bring Real-Life Case Studies
Prepare a couple of case studies or anecdotes that demonstrate your practical experience in psychology. Whether it’s handling a difficult client or designing a psychological assessment, these stories will highlight your skills and help you stand out in your full-time interview.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Ethical Guidelines
Get comfy with the ethical guidelines set by the British Psychological Society. Be ready to chat about how you ensure ethical practice in your work, as this is crucial in the psychology field, and Durham University will be keen to know you’ve got integrity.
✨Showcase Your Continuous Learning
Since you're going for a full-time gig, it’s essential to demonstrate your commitment to ongoing professional development. Bring up any workshops, courses, or readings you’ve engaged in recently. This shows Durham University that you’re not just there for a job, but genuinely passionate about the field.
