Research Associate in Organisational Psychology

We seek a highly skilled post-doctoral researcher to work on a project about decision-making and psychological biases of safety inspectors in the context of risk regulation. This is a two-year project funded by the University of Manchester Humanities Faculty Investment Fund. The successful candidate will be based in Alliance Manchester Business School and work with colleagues at The University of Manchester led by Dr Sara Willis, Professor Sharon Clarke and Professor David Holman. This is a collaborative project with three UK risk regulators and offers an exciting opportunity to conduct multi-method research with these external stakeholders.

The main aim of this project is to work with three UK safety regulators to enhance decision-making within safety inspections. In particular, the research focuses on ways in which psychological biases influence how safety inspectors conduct their work and form decisions. While there is evidence that safety decision-making can be adversely affected by psychological biases, little theoretical or empirical attention has been paid to understanding this in the context of regulation. As part of this project, we will design a training programme, which supports safety inspectors to understand how psychological biases might affect their inspections, and develop strategies to minimise any adverse effects.

The successful will contribute to all stages of the project including review of the literature, design, delivery and evaluation of a training programme, academic and industry dissemination of the findings.

The post-holder would join the Organisational Psychology group, based within the People, Management & Organisations (PMO) Division of the Alliance Manchester Business School. The group has a vibrant research community, with an outstanding reputation for high quality, impactful research. The group is highly supportive of the career and professional development of colleagues.

What You’ll Need

A PhD (or equivalent), or other postgraduate degree, in occupational / organisational psychology or closely related discipline. Research experience in occupational / organisational psychology or closely related discipline. Skills and experience in the collection, management, analysis and reporting of both quantitative and qualitative data. Experience of using relevant data analysis software (e.g., SPSS, MPlus, NVivo). Knowledge or experience of safety risk regulation would be an advantage.

The post requires BPSS (Baseline Personnel Security Standard) security clearance (which involves a check of identity, employment history over the past 3 years, national and immigration (right to work) status, unspent criminal record and time spent abroad over the past 3 years).

Rewards and Benefits

Working at a large successful university brings with it a range of benefits including competitive pension scheme, generous holiday allowance plus 4 closure days and training and development opportunities. The working environment is flexible and friendly, including the opportunity for flexible working. Part-time or job share arrangements would be considered for the right candidate.

Interviews

Interviews will be conducted remotely via video conference.

As an equal opportunities employer we welcome applicants from all sections of the community regardless of age, sex, gender (or gender identity), ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation and transgender status. All appointments are made on merit.

Our University is positive about flexible working – you can find out more here

Blended working arrangements may be considered

Please note that we are unable to respond to enquiries, accept CVs or applications from Recruitment Agencies.

Enquiries about the vacancy, shortlisting and interviews:

Name: Dr Sara Willis

Senior Lecturer in Organisational Psychology

Email: Sara.willis@manchester.ac.uk

Name: Professor Sharon Clarke

Email: Professor of Organisational Psychology

sharon.clarke@manchester.ac.uk

Name: Professor David Holman

Email: Professor of Organisational Psychology

david.holman@manchester.ac.uk

General enquiries:

Email: People.Recruitment@manchester.ac.uk

Technical support:

https://jobseekersupport.jobtrain.co.uk/support/home

This vacancy will close for applications at midnight on the closing date.

Please see the link below for the Further Particulars document which contains the person specification criteria.