At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead innovative behaviour-change projects to reduce speeding while driving.
- Company: Join a national hub for behavioural research, co-led by UCL and the University of Edinburgh.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, 25 days annual leave, and comprehensive health benefits.
- Other info: Flexible working arrangements and opportunities for professional development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on road safety and contribute to cutting-edge behavioural science.
- Qualifications: PhD in psychology or behavioural science with a focus on behaviour change.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Contract role: 24 months for duration of the project (1st July 2026 – 30th June 2028)
We are seeking a high-performing Post-Doc Research Assistant to support the design, delivery and evaluation of a major behaviour-change initiative to reduce speeding while driving, as part of the ESRC-funded Behavioural Research UK (BR-UK) programme. This role is essential to ensure continuity, quality and full delivery of the programme.
Behavioural Research UK (BR-UK) is a national leadership hub designed to build capability, co-ordination and innovation in behavioural research across the UK. Co-led by the UCL Centre for Behaviour Change and the University of Edinburgh, BR-UK is funded through a £10 million ESRC investment and brings together leading researchers, government partners and public sector organisations to strengthen the UK’s behavioural science ecosystem. Its vision focuses on improving the quality, impact and integration of behavioural research through collaboration, capability-building and the translation of evidence into policy and practice.
The successful candidate will provide expertise in behaviour change, intervention design and stakeholder co-ordination, working closely with internal colleagues and external partners. The candidate will also have the opportunity to contribute to TRL’s wider research and consultancy activities throughout the fixed term.
The successful candidate will be based at TRL Headquarters in Wokingham, Berkshire or Woolwich, London. You will be expected to attend either site when required, but we welcome flexible and hybrid working arrangements. You should be willing to travel within the UK for the delivery of the intervention and other stakeholder engagement activities.
Key responsibilities
- Lead the design and delivery of behaviour-change interventions aligned to programme objectives.
- Co-ordinate stakeholder engagement and manage relationships with internal teams and external partners (such as UCL, Driving for Better Business (DfBB), fleet organisations).
- Support the planning and implementation of data-collection activities throughout the development and deployment phases.
- Carry out analysis and lead programme reporting from mid-2027 onwards, producing high-quality insights, publications and outputs suitable for a range of stakeholder audiences.
- Contribute to knowledge-sharing and upskilling within the team, supporting wider business capability development in behavioural science and technical delivery.
What we’re looking for
Essential skills and experience
- PhD (or equivalent experience) in psychology, behavioural science or a closely related field, with a strong focus on behaviour change.
- Strong grounding in behaviour change, especially models such as COM-B and associated tools like the Behaviour Change Wheel.
- Experience in outward-facing relationship building and delivering research with organisations in applied settings such as commercial or public sector.
- Excellent communication skills and ability to distil complex issues into simple and compelling messages.
Desirable skills and experience
- Collaborative approach and ability to influence across teams and with external stakeholders.
- Background in other areas of behavioural sciences such as wider psychology (for example organisational psychology, transport psychology).
- Strong grounding in analysis methods for experimental designs such as regression, analysis of variance, and related statistical and machine learning techniques.
Benefits
Our comprehensive benefits package, competitive salary, 25 days' annual leave, matched pension, life assurance cover, group income protection, healthcare cash back scheme, support for professional memberships and study (and more) is designed to help you thrive personally and professionally.
Postdoctoral Research Assistant in Wokingham employer: TRL
At TRL, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment that fosters collaboration and innovation in behavioural research. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through our comprehensive benefits package, including competitive salaries, generous annual leave, and support for professional development, all while promoting flexible working arrangements at our Wokingham or Woolwich locations. Join us in making a meaningful impact on road safety and behaviour change initiatives across the UK, as part of a dedicated team that values your expertise and contributions.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Postdoctoral Research Assistant in Wokingham
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your contacts in the behavioural science field and let them know you're on the lookout for opportunities. You never know who might have a lead or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of behaviour change models like COM-B. Be ready to discuss how your expertise aligns with the role and the programme objectives. Show them you’re the perfect fit!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just wait for job postings! Keep an eye on our website and apply directly through it. This shows initiative and gives you a better chance of standing out from the crowd.
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after interviews with a thank-you email. It’s a simple gesture that keeps you fresh in their minds and shows your enthusiasm for the role. Plus, it’s a great way to reiterate your interest in contributing to the BR-UK programme!
We think you need these skills to ace Postdoctoral Research Assistant in Wokingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in behaviour change and stakeholder engagement. We want to see how your skills align with the role, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant projects!
Showcase Your Communication Skills:Since excellent communication is key for this role, use your application to demonstrate how you can distil complex ideas into simple messages. We love clear and compelling writing, so keep it engaging and straightforward!
Highlight Your Research Experience:Don’t forget to mention any previous research projects or consultancy work you've done, especially those related to behavioural science. We’re looking for someone who can lead and deliver impactful interventions, so share your successes!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way to ensure we receive all your details correctly and gives you a chance to explore more about us and the role!
How to prepare for a job interview at TRL
✨Know Your Behaviour Change Models
Make sure you brush up on key behaviour change models like COM-B and the Behaviour Change Wheel. Be ready to discuss how you've applied these in your previous work or research, as this will show your depth of knowledge and relevance to the role.
✨Showcase Your Stakeholder Engagement Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully built relationships with stakeholders in past projects. Highlight your communication skills and ability to distil complex issues into simple messages, as this is crucial for coordinating with internal teams and external partners.
✨Demonstrate Analytical Expertise
Familiarise yourself with analysis methods relevant to the role, such as regression and analysis of variance. Be prepared to discuss any experience you have with statistical or machine learning techniques, as this will be key for programme reporting and insights generation.
✨Emphasise Your Collaborative Approach
This role requires a collaborative mindset, so think of examples where you've influenced teams or worked across departments. Show that you're not just a lone wolf but someone who thrives in a team environment and can contribute to wider business capability development.
