Research Associate - Behavioural Science Fellowship

Exciting Research Fellowship Opportunity: Investigating Workplace Resilience & Wellbeing for National Security

Are you passionate about workplace resilience, performance, and wellbeing? Do you want to apply your expertise in a high-stakes, impactful environment? We have an exceptional opportunity for an experienced researcher to join a groundbreaking project at the intersection of academia and national security.

We’re looking for a Research Fellow to join forces with the University of Manchester and GCHQ in exploring evidence-based interventions that can enhance workforce resilience, wellbeing, and performance. This is a unique opportunity to work at the cutting edge of research while supporting national security efforts.

What You’ll Be Doing:

• Leading Research: Conduct an in-depth review of existing research on workplace resilience, performance, and wellbeing, producing a comprehensive publishable article and internal reports with actionable recommendations.

• Collaboration: Work alongside world-leading academics at the University of Manchester and expert colleagues at GCHQ, gaining insights into two very different but highly rewarding research environments.

• Publishing & Reporting: Deliver research findings in both academic journal articles (suitable for the Research Excellence Framework) and internal reports that will shape future practices.

What we’re looking for:

• Academic Excellence: A PhD (or equivalent) in a relevant field such as organisational psychology, health psychology, or workplace wellbeing and resilience.

• Research Expertise: Proven experience in independent research, with a particular focus on workplace wellbeing, resilience, or performance, as well as experience in systematic evidence evaluation (e.g., Rapid Evidence Assessments or meta-analyses).

• Passion for Impact: A strong desire to apply your research to solve real-world problems in the context of national security.

• Collaborative Spirit: Ability to work within multidisciplinary teams and manage research projects independently.

Why this role?

• Impactful Work: This role will directly influence national security by contributing to the development of strategies that support the wellbeing of professionals tackling serious and organised crime.

• Mentorship & Support: You’ll be guided by two mentors – one from the University and one from GCHQ – ensuring you receive tailored support throughout your fellowship.

• World-Class Research Environment: Access to the University of Manchester’s prestigious facilities and the unique resources of GCHQ, known for its cutting-edge intelligence work in safeguarding the UK.

• Career Development: Regular personal development reviews and the chance to grow within both academic and national security sectors.

The ideal candidate:

• You hold a PhD (or equivalent) with relevant research expertise.

• You have hands-on experience in workplace wellbeing, resilience, and performance, and are eager to contribute to evidence-based solutions.

• You’re motivated to work in high-pressure contexts, with a clear focus on national security outcomes.

• You thrive in collaborative settings and are comfortable managing complex research projects.

Location:

• The fellow will be primarily based at the University of Manchester, with occasional travel to GCHQ’s Manchester office and other locations across the UK.

Eligibility:

This role requires UK national security clearance. Applicants should carefully review eligibility criteria for this clearance before applying.

Diversity & Inclusion:

At GCHQ, diversity and inclusion are central to our mission. We encourage applicants from all backgrounds, particularly those underrepresented in the workforce. We are proud to hold Disability Confident Leader status and actively promote equality across all areas.

Apply today for this exciting opportunity and be part of a project that will shape the future of national security, workplace wellbeing, and resilience.

For more details and to submit your application, please see the apply link below.

Enquiries about the vacancy, shortlisting and interviews:

Email: bsfellowships@manchester.ac.uk

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

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