At a Glance
- Tasks: Join an interdisciplinary team to research AI and collective intelligence in real-world applications.
- Company: University of Bath, renowned for its diverse and inclusive environment.
- Benefits: Generous leave, pension schemes, professional development, and local discounts.
- Other info: Full-time role with excellent career growth and a supportive work culture.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on society through cutting-edge research in psychology and technology.
- Qualifications: PhD in relevant fields, strong social psychology knowledge, and programming skills.
The predicted salary is between 38784 - 46049 € per year.
We are seeking a highly motivated and skilled postdoctoral Research Associate to join our interdisciplinary team based within the Department of Psychology at the University of Bath, under the leadership of Professor Laura Smith and embedded within the Bath Institute for Digital Security and Behaviour.
About the role
This role is part of the EPSRC AI for Collective Intelligence (AI4CI) Hub. The Hub’s ambition is to pursue cutting edge research at the intersection between the fields of applied AI and Collective Intelligence across five application domains (Pandemic Resilience, Smart cities, Financial Stability, Health Ecosystems and Environmental Intelligence) and two cross-cutting themes (Human-Centred Design and Infrastructure and Governance). The post-holder will be responsible for developing and delivering a package of work for the human-centered design theme. This theme aims to understand how humans interact and behave in sociotechnical systems, and to address research questions of when, how, and why intelligent agents and collective intelligence can create tipping points for collective behaviour change.
The post-holder will interact closely with our partners in national and local government, as well as the commercial sector, in shaping the research programme. This means you may also have the opportunity to work with distinguished scholars throughout our academic community at Bath and in the AI4CI consortium. There is a strong expectation that you will actively contribute to the strong profile of online behaviour and digital technology research work at Bath and its interdisciplinary ethos through participation in the development and publication of research results in major international conferences and journals. You will also be involved with synthesising and disseminating outputs from relevant work as part of a wider programme of knowledge exchange at the AI4CI hub.
About you
The ideal candidate will have a good knowledge of social psychology, and will be interested in applying social psychological insights to the development and evaluation of systems for collective intelligence, and have a strong commitment to pursuing applied research in a collaborative and inter-disciplinary setting. The ideal post-holder will:
- Have a relevant PhD in Psychology, Human-Computer Interaction, Computational Social Science, Data Science, AI, or a related discipline.
- Have advanced knowledge of social psychology.
- Have advanced skills in quantitative methodologies.
- Have an interest in AI, machine learning, mathematical modelling, and/or digital technology.
- Be familiar with one or more programming languages (e.g., R, Python, HP, Java, or HTML).
- Be proficient in agent-based modelling or be able to demonstrate the capability to learn.
Additional information
The post is full-time for 29 months, to start on 1st September 2026. Informal enquiries can be made to Prof Laura Smith. As a member of Research Staff at the University of Bath, you will be encouraged to take up a minimum of 10 days professional development pro rata per year. A lower grade offer may be made (Grade 6) with comparable reduction in responsibilities and amendment in job title to Research Assistant, if a suitable applicant cannot be found to fill the Grade 7 position. Applicants will need to be within six months of their course completion date and will be promoted to Research Associate once their PhD has been awarded.
We consider ourselves to be a university where difference is celebrated, respected and encouraged. We have an excellent international reputation with staff from over 60 different nations and have made a positive commitment towards gender equity and intersectionality receiving a Silver Athena SWAN award. We truly believe that diversity of experience, perspectives, and backgrounds will lead to a better environment for our employees and students and encourage applications from all genders, backgrounds, and communities, particularly from under-represented groups, and value the positive impact that will have on the university. We are committed to maintaining a safe and secure environment for our students, staff, and community by reinforcing our Safer Recruitment commitment.
What we can offer you
We’re continually expanding our benefits package to better support you and enhance your experience with us and the below is just an example of some of the many great benefits we offer:
- Employee assistance services through Health Assured, including access to the Wisdom app.
- Generous annual leave allowance with an additional 5 discretionary days so that you can enjoy a positive work life balance.
- Generous employer contributory pension schemes.
- Cycle to work scheme.
- Electric vehicle salary sacrifice scheme.
- Staff discount at Team Bath gym.
- Staff benefits include discounted postgraduate tuition and language courses, alongside a wide range of personal and professional development opportunities such as apprenticeships, LinkedIn Learning, and more.
- Local discounts, including free entry to the Holburne Museum in Bath.
- A family-friendly workplace.
- An excellent reward package that recognises the talents of our diverse workforce.
- Relocation allowance.
- Visa reimbursement and Interest-Free Loan to help with the cost of some immigration expenses.
Find out more about our benefits and watch the video to hear from our staff about what makes the University of Bath a great place to work.
Be Well at Bath
We’re committed to creating a health-supporting working environment where everyone can thrive and be at their best. We offer a range of resources to enable you to do that from your first day here, including:
- Staff support groups and networks.
- A network of Staff Wellbeing Champions.
- A suite of tools, resources and frameworks that enable you to be at your best and thrive.
Closing Date: 21 Jun 2026
Department: Education & Research
Salary: £38,784 to £46,049
Research Associate (ED13660) - Bath, BA2 7AY employer: University of Bath
The University of Bath is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant and inclusive work culture that celebrates diversity and fosters professional growth. As a Research Associate, you will benefit from generous annual leave, a supportive environment for personal development, and the opportunity to collaborate with leading scholars in a cutting-edge research hub focused on AI and Collective Intelligence. With a commitment to employee wellbeing and a range of attractive benefits, including relocation assistance and a family-friendly workplace, the University of Bath is dedicated to ensuring a rewarding and fulfilling experience for all staff.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Research Associate (ED13660) - Bath, BA2 7AY
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at the University of Bath, especially those in the Department of Psychology. A friendly chat can give us insider info and maybe even a referral!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by diving deep into the research themes of the AI4CI Hub. Show us you’re not just interested in the role but also passionate about how your skills can contribute to pandemic resilience or smart cities.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your background in social psychology and quantitative methodologies aligns with the human-centered design theme. We want to see your enthusiasm and expertise shine through!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step to engage with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Research Associate (ED13660) - Bath, BA2 7AY
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Research Associate role. Highlight your relevant skills in social psychology and AI, and show us how your experience aligns with our interdisciplinary team at Bath.
Show Your Passion:We want to see your enthusiasm for applied research! In your application, share why you're excited about the human-centered design theme and how you can contribute to the AI4CI Hub's goals.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your writing straightforward and to the point. Use clear language to describe your qualifications and experiences, making it easy for us to see why you’re a great fit for the position.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our official website. It’s the best way for us to receive your materials and ensures you’re considered for the role!
How to prepare for a job interview at University of Bath
✨Know Your Research
Make sure you’re well-versed in the latest developments in social psychology and AI. Familiarise yourself with the Bath Institute for Digital Security and Behaviour's work, especially around human-centred design. This will show your genuine interest and help you engage in meaningful discussions during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Skills
Prepare to discuss your quantitative methodologies and programming skills in detail. Be ready to provide examples of how you've applied these in past projects or research. Highlighting your experience with agent-based modelling or your willingness to learn will set you apart from other candidates.
✨Engage with the Team's Vision
Understand the goals of the EPSRC AI for Collective Intelligence Hub and think about how your background aligns with their ambitions. Be prepared to discuss how you can contribute to their interdisciplinary approach and collaborate effectively with partners in government and the commercial sector.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare insightful questions that reflect your understanding of the role and the department. Inquire about ongoing projects, team dynamics, or future research directions. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also helps you assess if the environment is the right fit for you.
