Research Fellow in Psychology

Contract type: Fixed term (To 28^th February 2026 - to complete specific time limited work)

This role will be based on the university campus, with scope for it to be undertaken in a hybrid manner. We are also open to discussing flexible working arrangements.

Are you interested in improving the long-term development and life chances of children born into disadvantaged communities? Do you have knowledge and experience of working on feasibility studies?

We are recruiting a Research Fellow to work on the ‘My First 1000 Days’ project, a project aimed at improving the long-term development and life chances of children born into some of Britain’s most disadvantaged communities. Funded by a substantial donation from an individual donor, the project will harness expertise from research groups across the University and work with a range of regional and international partners. This project has differing workstreams that represent a holistic approach to the crucial first 1000 days of a child’s life. The project will determine the feasibility of implementing group care with new parents/caregivers and their 0–2-year-olds in Leeds. It is anticipated that the project outcomes will influence and inform national policy, especially around how supporting early parenting can impact language and cognitive development, healthy behaviours, and support the flourishing of disabled children.

You will be responsible for the My First 1000 Days research activities which will include setting up and implementing a feasibility study and undertaking qualitative and quantitative evaluations. You will report to Professor Jason Halford.

The University of Leeds is one of the top 75 universities in the world. We have a truly global community, with more than 39,000 students from 170 different countries and over 9,000 staff of 100 different nationalities. Established in 1904, we have a strong tradition of academic excellence, reflected in first-class student education, along with world-leading research that has a real impact around the globe.

What we offer in return

26 days holiday plus approx. 16 Bank Holidays/days that the University is closed by custom (including Christmas) – That’s 42 days a year!

Generous pension scheme plus life assurance– the University contributes 14.5% of salary.

Health and Wellbeing: Discounted staff membership options at The Edge, our state-of-the-art Campus gym, with a pool, sauna, climbing wall, cycle circuit, and sports halls.

Personal Development: Access to courses run by our Organisational Development & Professional Learning team, and self-development courses including languages, Creative Writing, Wellbeing Therapies and much more.

Access to on-site childcare, shopping discounts and travel schemes are also available.

And much more!

Please note that this post may be suitable for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker visa route but first-time applicants might need to qualify for salary concessions. For more information please visit: www.gov.uk/skilled-worker-visa.

For research and academic posts, we will consider eligibility under the Global Talent visa. For more information please visit: www.gov.uk/global-talent

If you are looking for a role that will give you experience of working on a busy research project and as part of a large multidisciplinary team, apply today.

To explore the post further or for any queries you may have, please contact:

Professor Jason Halford, Project Principal Investigator & Head of School of Psychology

Email: J.Halford@leeds.ac.uk

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