At a Glance
- Tasks: Join a dynamic team researching climate resilience and conduct impactful surveys across 15+ countries.
- Company: Be part of the University of Bath's innovative research centre focused on climate change.
- Benefits: Enjoy generous leave, pension schemes, professional development, and local discounts.
- Other info: Flexible part-time role with excellent career growth and a commitment to diversity.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in understanding how climate change affects life choices globally.
- Qualifications: PhD in psychology or related field with strong quantitative research skills required.
The predicted salary is between 38784 - 46049 € per year.
An exciting opportunity has arisen to join the UK Centre for Climate Change and Social Transformations (CAST). CAST is a global hub for understanding the crucial role that people play in fighting climate change. We are a cross-institutional research centre with world-leading expertise in environmental psychology, behaviour change, public engagement, policy, governance, education, and more. Our Centre is a vibrant community, committed to doing impactful research and to promoting an inclusive and positive working environment.
We are seeking a Research Associate to contribute to a major new research programme funded by a philanthropic organisation, on People-Centred Climate Resilience (PCR). The four-year programme aims to accelerate transformative, equitable, climate-resilient, low-carbon behaviour change by integrating individual and systemic approaches, developing and testing innovative composite interventions, and empowering diverse communities and stakeholders to drive sustained societal transformation across scales and sectors.
Your role will principally involve conducting a longitudinal cross-national survey on life choices, including survey design, data collection and analysis, and disseminating findings to create impact. This project will explore the little-examined area of how climate change influences individuals’ life choices, such as where to live, what career to follow, and whether and when to have children. You will undertake a large cross-national longitudinal survey of 15+ countries to explore the relative salience of climate change versus other factors in these major life choices.
You will have a PhD or equivalent in a relevant subject (e.g. psychology) with strong quantitative research skills, including survey design and statistical analysis. You will also have detailed specialist knowledge in climate-relevant attitudes and behaviours. You will have published in high-quality journals, have excellent communication and organisation skills, and be able to meet required deadlines.
This part-time (0.6 FTE) post is available for a fixed-term period of 42 months, planned to start from 1st October 2026. 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’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:
- 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
- Employee assistance services through Health Assured, including access to the Wisdom app
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, and a suite of tools, resources and frameworks that enable you to be at your best and thrive.
Closing Date: 16 Jun 2026
Department: Education & Research
Salary: £38,784 to £46,049
Research Associate (ED13667) - 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 promotes professional growth. With generous benefits such as a substantial annual leave allowance, employer-contributory pension schemes, and extensive development opportunities, employees are supported in achieving a healthy work-life balance while contributing to impactful research on climate change. Located in the beautiful city of Bath, staff enjoy local discounts and a family-friendly workplace, making it an ideal environment for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Research Associate (ED13667) - Bath, BA2 7AY
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your field, especially those connected to climate change research. Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about asking for informational interviews. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Prepare a portfolio or a presentation that highlights your research work, especially any publications or projects related to climate resilience. This will give you an edge during interviews and show that you’re serious about making an impact.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Get a friend or mentor to do mock interviews with you. Focus on articulating your thoughts on climate change and how your research can contribute to societal transformation. The more comfortable you are, the better you'll perform when it counts.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, you’ll find all the latest opportunities at StudySmarter that align with your passion for climate change and research.
We think you need these skills to ace Research Associate (ED13667) - 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 experience in climate change research and quantitative methods, as this will show us that you understand what we're looking for.
Showcase Your Skills:Don’t just list your qualifications; demonstrate how your skills in survey design and data analysis can contribute to our exciting research programme. We want to see how you can make an impact!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon where possible. This helps us quickly grasp your qualifications and enthusiasm for the role.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our official website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands and shows us you're serious about joining our team at CAST.
How to prepare for a job interview at University of Bath
✨Know Your Research
Make sure you’re well-versed in the latest research related to climate change and social transformations. Familiarise yourself with CAST's work and be ready to discuss how your background aligns with their goals, especially in areas like environmental psychology and behaviour change.
✨Showcase Your Skills
Prepare to demonstrate your quantitative research skills, particularly in survey design and statistical analysis. Bring examples of your previous work or publications that highlight these abilities, as they’ll want to see how you can contribute to their longitudinal cross-national survey.
✨Engage with Their Values
CAST values diversity and inclusion, so be prepared to discuss how you can contribute to a positive working environment. Share your thoughts on equity in climate resilience and how you’ve engaged with diverse communities in your past work.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the role and the research programme. Inquire about the specific challenges they face in understanding climate change’s impact on life choices, and express your enthusiasm for contributing to solutions. This shows your genuine interest and proactive mindset.