Research Fellow in Applied Psychology (024819-R)

We are excited to advertise a postdoctoral position for an individual who will be a key research scientist in a multidisciplinary project. The overall project is a collaboration between the University of Surrey and the Glasgow School of Art, working alongside Fitzpatrick Referrals Ltd.

The Project & the Role

In this project, we aim to develop an interactive visual tool to support reflective teaching and training among veterinary surgeons, nurses and veterinary students regarding the risk of pathogen spread in a veterinary setting. The post-holder will lead on a work package that will study veterinary staff and users, looking at their perceptions of infection prevention and control (IPC), their behaviours that may contribute to or prevent the spread of pathogens, and fundamentally, the drivers of these behaviours. A key part of this role is then assessing whether the tool has successfully altered people’s perceptions and behaviours towards IPC.

We are looking for a motivated and enthusiastic individual with excellent quantitative data analysis and communication skills, both verbal and written (ideally evidenced by authorship of peer-reviewed publications), who is both able to work independently and liaise with colleagues. Your PhD would ideally be in Psychology, but related disciplines may be considered (e.g. Behavioural Sciences, Health Science, and Social Science). As empirical research will be undertaken in a veterinary context, the individual must be comfortable around domestic animals and is happy to witness open surgery (e.g. does not feel faint at the sight of blood).

The University of Surrey

The post-holder will be based in the School of Psychology at the University of Surrey, but will work closely with colleagues in the School of Veterinary Medicine and the Glasgow School of Art.  The University of Surrey is an ambitious, research-led organization. We are committed to research excellence and to the application of our research for the benefit of society through our enterprising and forward-thinking spirit. The University of Surrey is amongst the highest achieving universities in the United Kingdom, having been awarded the Times/Sunday Times University of the Year Award for 2016. We are ranked in the top 10 in the Guardian University Guide 2018.

The School of Psychology has a long-standing reputation for its vibrant and supportive research and teaching environment. The School has a strong track record of innovation in Psychology, from the discovery of the McGurk effect, to the first Centre for Environmental Psychology, the shaping of cross-European approaches to food labelling, changing educational approaches to national identity, and the ongoing development of mobile neuro-assessment. The School is ranked 8th in the Guardian UK University Guide 2017 reflecting its high quality student experience. The School currently houses 500+ UG students, 100+ Masters and 150+ taught Doctorate and PhD students and more than 70 staff. Over the past two years, the School has recruited more than 20 new academic staff from world-leading universities, with plans for further expansion.

In addition to your salary, you will receive pension contributions via the Universities Superannuation Scheme, a generous annual leave entitlement, an attractive research environment, and access to a variety of staff development opportunities. Our benefits package also includes an exclusive discounted membership package to the Surrey Sports Park and an on-site Nursery.

For any general enquiries, please email Dr Kayleigh Wyles (k.wyles@surrey.ac.uk).

Closing Date: 17 Jul 2019
Category: Research & Teaching