University of Portsmouth
UKHyRES Research Fellow
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UK-HyRES Research Fellow in Social Science
School of Psychology, Sport and Health Sciences University of Portsmouth
The UK-HyRES Research Fellow will work on a 32-month fixed-term project (October 2026–May 2029) under the supervision of Prof. Chris Jones, focusing on the social dimensions of hydrogen acceptance and innovation. This role is based in the School of Psychology, Sport and Health Sciences, with secondary placement hosted by the Energy, Climate & Resilient Futures theme.
About the Role
This position is part of the EPSRC-funded UK-HyRES project, aligning with Hydrogen and Alternative Liquid Fuels (ALFs) research led by University of Bath, in collaboration with Universities of Portsmouth, Surrey, St Andrews, Sheffield, Warwick, and UCL. The project examines:
- Technical challenges in hydrogen generation, transport, storage, and end-use
- Crosscutting themes, including economic, environmental, safety, and social acceptance perspectives
At Portsmouth, the role will focus on the ‘social theme’, exploring societal perceptions of hydrogen acceptability:
- Analysing how different stakeholders (e.g., general publics, policymakers) view hydrogen transition
- Conducting interdisciplinary research, policy engagement, and knowledge exchange
- Collaborating with partner institutions to shape the UK’s hydrogen future
Key Responsibilities
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Research leadership:
- Conduct qualitative and quantitative social science research on hydrogen acceptance, targeting environmental change and technology adoption.
- Design methodologies (e.g., surveys, interviews, focus groups) and analyse data, producing impactful outputs.
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Collaboration and dissemination:
- Engage with project partners to co-develop findings, policies, and reports.
- Present research to academic audiences (journal publications, conferences) and non-academic stakeholders (industry, policymakers).
- Contribute to bid writing for future funding opportunities.
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Networking and community building:
- Actively participate in workshops, seminars, and interdisciplinary discussions.
- Help foster a UK-wide network on hydrogen social dimensions.
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- Project management:
- Ensure timely delivery of outputs under supervision.
- Assist in monitoring progress and risk/oversight reporting to Prof. Chris Jones.
Requirements
Essential Criteria
- A PhD in Psychology or a cognate discipline (e.g., Sociology, Anthropology, Environmental Studies) with a track record in:$
- Environmental behaviour change, sustainability psychology, or technology acceptance.
- Evidence of quantitative and qualitative research experience, with published or peer-reviewed outputs in social science or sustainability domains.
- Strong communication skills for academic and non-specialist audiences (e.g., conference presentations, policy briefs, public engagement).
- Proven ability to collaborate across disciplines and bid for research funding.
- Proficiency in analysis software (e.g., R, SPSS) and qualitative data tools (e.g., NVivo).
- Self-motivated with a proven ability to work autonomously within an interdisciplinary team.
Desirable
- Experience in energy transition research, public perceptions of technological change, or sustainable futures.
- Networking in UK Higher Education or industry (e.g., Industrial Strategy Challenge Fund projects).
- Prior involvement in policy advisory or knowledge exchange initiatives.
About You
We seek a **driven researcher with:
- Exceptional project management skills to balance multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment.
- Leadership in fostering collegiality and sharing insights across teams.
- Ingenuity to tackle complex social dimensions of technology adoption.
- Adaptability to thrive in an evolving research landscape.
Positions Specifications
- Grade: Senior Lecturer/equivalent or equivalent.
- Salary: Contractual rate aligned with EPSRC/H&E Civil Service grading.
- Salary progression: Incremental progression within scale, plus subjective enhancement for exceptional candidates (unless justifiable by external benchmarking).
- Working pattern: Monday–Tuesday (flexibility to be discussed for hybrid or other arrangements).
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Benefits
- Competitive salary, with annual increments.
- Generous pension scheme, rated as top-tier.
- Leave entitlement: 32–35 days + bank holidays + Christmas closure (10th December–4th January).
- Family-friendly policies: Inclusive of flexible working arrangements.
- Staff discounts: University-wide, including public transport, hotels, and retail partners.
- Lifestyle perks: Gym membership, food schemes, campus social activities, and use of Library facilities.
- Development opportunities: Expert mentoring, entrepreneurial training (via Entrepreneurs in Residence programme), and learning discounts.
- Wellbeing support via tailored programmes and activities.
Contract Details
- Tenure: Fixed-term contract (01 October 2026–31 May 2029).
- Interviews: Scheduled for 20 July 2026 (tbc; applications may be considered before closing).
- Internal applicants: Possible under Secondment Policy (requires approval).
Additional Information
- University commitments: Adherence to the University’s ED&I values and equality standards.
- Visa requirements: Candidates must demonstrate the right to work in the UK, or have the intention/responsibility to obtain visas before appointment.
- Application deadline: (Not defined; early application recommended—otherwise rights reserved).
How to Apply
- For further details, review the UK-HyRES project website.
- Contact Prof. Chris Jones: chris.jones1@port.ac.uk if queries persist.
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