Postdoctoral Research Fellow
This full-time post is available from 1 December 2026 on a fixed-term basis until 1 June 2028 (18 months) and is funded by the University of Exeter and Smiths Detection strategic partnership.
In line with the University’s fair employment for all principles,, any further funding opportunities identified will be reviewed and discussed during the contract.
The starting salary will be from £43,482 on Grade F, depending on knowledge, skills and experience.
The role is based on the St Luke's Campus at the University of Exeter (hybrid working is possible, subject to details), and some work will take place off campus with project stakeholders in the UK and abroad.
This role may be subject to additional background screening.
The Role
The Faculty of Health and Life Sciences brings together research and education across medicine, health, psychology, and sport and health sciences, with a shared focus on improving health, performance and wellbeing. This post sits within the Applied Cognitive Science team in the Department of Public Health and Sport Sciences, which examines how people perceive, decide and act in demanding real-world environments, using methods spanning psychophysiology, eye tracking, computational modelling and immersive technologies.
This job advert is for a postdoctoral research role working on a research project in the aviation security sector with Smiths Detection. Smiths Detection builds the technology used by many airports to keep their passengers, customers and infrastructure safe from threats. Specifically, they build baggage-scanning technology and train the human operators needed to detect threats inside luggage and cargo.
The current project is interested in understanding what competencies an operator needs to use the technology effectively, how artificial intelligence might facilitate performance, and how we might best select and train the right people for the task. As such, a background in psychology, neuroscience, cognitive science or education is needed.
About You
The post-holder will deliver research projects both in a laboratory setting and in the field with stakeholders. They will then be responsible for disseminating these findings and working with stakeholders to generate real-world impact from the research. The post-holder will be responsible for the day-to-day management of the project, liaising with colleagues at the University of Exeter, partners at Smiths Detection, and stakeholders in the aviation sector. The role is intended to generate new knowledge through research and translate this knowledge into real-world impact.
Applicants will possess a relevant PhD or an equivalent qualification/experience in a related field of study. The successful applicant will have experience in one of the following areas: cognitive science, psychology, artificial intelligence or education, and possess sufficient specialist knowledge in the discipline to develop research programmes and methodologies. The successful applicant will also be able to work collaboratively, supervise the work of others and facilitate the transfer of knowledge into impact for stakeholders.
Please ensure you read the Job Description and Person Specification for full details of this role.
Further Information
Please contact Prof Sam Vine, [email protected].
Transform Your Career and Help Shape a Greener, Healthier, and Fairer Future
Join the University of Exeter, a top 200 Russel Group university (QS & THE World University Rankings 2025), excelling in teaching (triple Gold rating, TEF 2023) and leading groundbreaking research in the beautiful southwest of England.
We are committed to understanding different cultures and perspectives, supporting diverse leadership, and striving for social justice. We encourage applications from all groups underrepresented in our community, including racially minoritised individuals and those with disabilities. Our inclusive, merit based recruitment processes seek to embrace a diverse set of experiences to ensure colleagues feel supported equitably. With over 30,000 students and 7,000 staff from 140 countries, we foster a culture where everyone can thrive.
You can read more about our current accreditations and commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion here, including our commitment to the Armed Forces Covenant.
What we can offer you:
- Freedom (and the support) to pursue your intellectual interests and to work creatively across disciplines;
- Support teams that understand the University wide teaching goals and partner with our academics accordingly;
- An Innovation, Impact and Business directorate that works closely with our academics providing specialist support for external engagement and development;
- Our Exeter Academic initiative supports high performing academics to achieve their potential and develop their career;
- A multitude of staff benefits including sector leading benefits around maternity, adoption and shared parental leave (up to 26 weeks full pay), paternity leave (up to 6 weeks full pay), and a Fertility Treatment Policy;
- A beautiful campus set in the heart of stunning Devon/Cornwall.
How we can help
If you are considering applying and need support to do so, please get in touch with us at
[email protected]. You can request reasonable adjustments within your application or by contacting us. You can also choose to be considered under our Disability Confident Scheme and find out here how this is managed during our recruitment and onboarding process.
