At a Glance
- Tasks: Teach and research in developmental psychology, focusing on child development and mental health.
- Company: Lancaster University, a top-ranked institution with a commitment to diversity and inclusion.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, supportive work environment, and opportunities for career progression.
- Other info: Flexible working arrangements and a commitment to work-life balance.
- Why this job: Join a vibrant community and make a real impact in the field of psychology.
- Qualifications: Strong research and teaching background in psychology, with a focus on developmental areas.
The predicted salary is between 47389 - 56535 £ per year.
Location: Bailrigg, Lancaster, UK
Salary: £47,389 to £56,535 (Full-time indefinite)
Closing Date: Monday 31 August 2026
Interview Date: To be confirmed
Reference: 0680-26-R
The department has recently expanded its portfolio of taught postgraduate programmes, launching two new MSc programmes targeting important areas of developmental psychology: Psychology of Child Development and Education; Child Mental Health. We are seeking to appoint a Lecturer in Developmental Psychology to expand our well-established group and support our Developmental Psychology research and teaching.
All applicants must have a track record of research and teaching excellence, commensurate with stage of career, demonstrated by:
- publications
- research grant acquisition
- engagement and socio-economic impact
- teaching and leadership experience
The Department holds an Athena Swan Silver award and is committed to Lancaster University’s Equality, Diversity and Inclusion strategy and Widening Participation. We welcome applications from people in all diversity groups and seek to provide a work environment that supports the individual needs of each employee and promotes a healthy work-life balance. Applicants are encouraged to detail any career breaks or significant periods of leave (e.g., for caring responsibilities) in their CV.
Our early career lecturers have reduced teaching and administrative allocations and experience success in funding acquisition, teaching awards, and career progression.
Applications should be accompanied by a cover letter (no more than 2 pages), a full CV, and a clear outline (no more than 2 pages) of the programme of research you would undertake should you be appointed. Applications must be made via the online portal; applications by email will not be accepted.
Interviews and selection activity for the position are currently expected to take place during late summer 2026, with a start date in December 2026.
Further details about the Psychology Department at Lancaster:
The Department of Psychology at Lancaster University has a core complement of over 35 members of academic staff and a thriving community of post-doctoral researchers and PhD students across the four research areas of Developmental Psychology, Cognitive Psychology, Neuroscience and Neurocognition, and Social Processes. We embed research reproducibility and R-based teaching across the taught curriculum and actively support open science initiatives.
The Department has a strong tradition of collaborative research across traditional boundaries within Psychology and beyond. We have a research building dedicated to behavioural and neurophysiological testing across the lifespan, supported by Psychology research technicians. One floor houses labs devoted to infant and childhood studies including equipment for EEG/ERP (EGI), fNIRS, eye tracking, fetal 4D scanning, motion tracking and behavioural observation; the other is devoted to adult studies, housing much of our neuroscience equipment (e.g., TMS, EEG, Multi-channel Transcranial electrical brain stimulation, eye-trackers, functional Transcranial Doppler), as well as basic computing labs.
We support our research through personnel as well as facilities. A dedicated technical and resources team support the implementation of our research, including on-site, off-site, and online testing. We have a vibrant adult participant pool through Sona and a large database of families interested in taking part in developmental research. We have well-established relations with local nurseries, schools, hospitals, and charities.
Lancaster University excels in both teaching and research. It is consistently ranked among the top universities in the main UK league tables (The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2026, The Guardian University Guide 2026, and The Complete University Guide 2027). The University has a 5* rating from QS World Rankings and is ranked 164th in the World University Rankings 2026. The University achieved Gold status in the most recent Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF). As a Department, in the last Research Excellence Framework (REF2021) 87% of our outputs were rated as world-leading or internationally excellent; we were ranked 17th for impact, and 29th overall.
The Department promotes cross-fertilization between research and teaching. The success of this approach is reflected in the quality of its BPS-accredited research-led teaching at undergraduate and postgraduate level, including ESRC recognised PhD and Masters programmes within the largest Doctoral Training Programme in the UK.
Please note: unless specified otherwise in the advert, all advertised roles are UK based.
Find out what it's like to work at Lancaster University, including information on our wide range of employee benefits, support networks and our policies and facilities for a family-friendly workplace. The University recognises and celebrates good employment practice undertaken to address all inequality in higher education whilst promoting the importance and wellbeing for all our colleagues. We warmly welcome applicants from all sections of the community regardless of their age, religion, gender identity or expression, race, disability or sexual orientation, and are committed to promoting diversity, and equality of opportunity.
Lecturer in Developmental Psychology employer: Lancaster University
Lancaster University is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and inclusive work environment that prioritises student wellbeing and success. With a strong commitment to professional development, employees benefit from flexible working arrangements and opportunities to lead impactful initiatives in widening participation. Located in the vibrant city of Lancaster, staff enjoy a supportive culture that values diversity and fosters collaboration across disciplines.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Lecturer in Developmental Psychology
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We think you need these skills to ace Lecturer in Developmental Psychology
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 Lancaster 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 Lancaster University
✨Brush Up on Key Psychological Theories
Before stepping into the interview with Lancaster 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.
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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.
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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 Lancaster University will be keen to know you’ve got integrity.
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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 Lancaster University that you’re not just there for a job, but genuinely passionate about the field.
