About this role
You will either have completed, or be close to completing, a PhD in Psychology or a related social science discipline and have experience conducting research with children and young people. You will be confident working in school settings and enjoy building positive relationships with children, teachers, parents and external partners.
Drawing on environmental psychology, behavioural science and education research, Water Warriors will work with primary schools to co-design and test engaging learning resources, teacher training and pupil-led activities that encourage water-efficient behaviours. The project will also generate evidence about how children can act as influential messengers within households, creating measurable reductions in water use and supporting long-term environmental sustainability.
As a Research Fellow, you will play a key role in delivering the project. You will work closely with schools, children, teachers, water companies and other project partners to support co-design activities, project delivery, evaluation and stakeholder engagement. You will contribute to data collection and analysis, project reporting, dissemination activities and the development of high-quality research outputs. You will also contribute to research publications, conference presentations and dissemination activities arising from the project.
This is an excellent opportunity to join a highly collaborative project with real-world impact and to contribute to innovative research at the intersection of environmental psychology, education and sustainability.
About you
You will have experience of conducting research in a relevant discipline such as psychology, education, environmental studies, sustainability, geography, social sciences or a related field.
Most importantly, you will have experience of working directly with young children and be confident engaging pupils in primary school settings. You will understand how to communicate effectively with children and educators and be committed to creating inclusive and engaging learning experiences.
You should also demonstrate:
- Experience of designing and conducting qualitative research, including collecting, managing and analysing qualitative data. Experience of quantitative methods would also be advantageous.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Strong organisational and project management skills.
- The ability to build positive working relationships with a range of stakeholders.
- Experience of working within multi-partner projects and building relationships with external stakeholders, including schools, water companies, consultancies or community organisations.
- A commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion in research and practice.
It would be particularly advantageous if you have:
- Experience of working with schools, teachers or educational settings.
- Knowledge of behaviour change, environmental psychology, sustainability or environmental education.
- Experience of co-design, participatory research or public engagement.
- Experience of working with external partners, including public sector organisations, charities, community groups or utility providers.
- Experience of stakeholder engagement and partnership working with organisations such as water companies.
- Knowledge of safeguarding and ethical processes related to working with children.
We are looking for a collaborative and enthusiastic researcher who is passionate about helping young people contribute to environmental solutions and who enjoys working across research, education and practice.
Where you will be working
UWE Bristol is a campus-based University, with vibrant campus communities that are central to student life.
In this role, you'll be based at our modern Frenchay Campus, where we've invested in state-of-the-art facilities designed to help both staff and students succeed.
You will spend some of your time on campus but the role involves regular travel to schools and partner organisations across Yorkshire, Eastern and Southern England and includes overnight stays where required.
There may also be the opportunity to work from home when project activities permit.
Why UWE Bristol?
We are one of the largest providers of Higher Education in the South West with 38,000 students and 4,000 staff from right across the globe. Based in vibrant Bristol, our ambitions are to make a positive difference to our planet, transforming futures through action and solving real-world challenges.
Water Warriors aligns closely with these ambitions. The project addresses one of the UK's most significant environmental challenges by developing innovative approaches to reducing water demand and fostering environmental stewardship among future generations. Working alongside researchers, educators and water-sector partners, you will help generate evidence that could shape future approaches to household water efficiency.
We offer a wide range of employee benefits including progressive pay rates, generous annual leave, pension schemes, retail savings, onsite nursery facilities and opportunities for training and professional development.
Add your individuality to ours
UWE Bristol recognises the power of a truly diverse university community.
We're part of a vibrant, multicultural city and welcome talented people from all backgrounds. Diversity is our strength, enhancing creativity, decision-making and problem-solving. Join our supportive community and thrive.
As a Disability Confident employer, we encourage applications from disabled and neurodivergent candidates.
Further information
This post requires an Enhanced DBS check due to the nature of the work with children, schools and families.
If you would like to speak to us to find out more about this role, please contact Dr Sara-Jayne Williams, Associate Professor in Environmental Psychology, via email at [email protected].
Interviews are expected to take place at our Frenchay Campus.
This is a 0.75 FTE fixed-term post for 18 months
Salary offers are made in line with the University's salary assessment guidelines, reflecting your relevant skills and experience in parity with colleagues.
Right to Work in the UK
If offered a role, you will need to provide valid documentation confirming your right to work in the UK before employment begins.
Please note that UWE Bristol does not cover any visa or health surcharge costs.
Next Steps
We'd love to hear from you. If this role excites you, please complete our application form and tell us how your skills and experience meet the criteria listed in the Person Specification, using clear and relevant examples wherever possible.
