UKHyRES Research Fellow

This role is based in the School of Psychology, Sport and Health Sciences at the University of Portsmouth. The successful candidate, working under the supervision of Prof. Chris Jones, will take up the post of UK-HyRES Research Fellow to work on a 32-month contract aligned with the UK-HyRES project (ukhyres.ac.uk).

The project is funded by the EPSRC and represents a significant programme of research investment in Hydrogen and Alternative Liquid Fuels (ALFs). The project is led by engineers at the University of Bath, with the support of engineers and social scientists at the Universities of Portsmouth, Surrey, St Andrews, Sheffield, Warwick and UCL. The project is designed to further the research and innovation agenda for Hydrogen and ALFs in the UK by examining the technical challenges relating to their generation, transportation, storage and end-use. Alongside this, there are crosscutting themes devoted to exploring economic, environmental, safety and social acceptance considerations.

At Portsmouth we are specifically leading on the ‘social theme’, exploring the challenges and opportunities relating to the acceptability and acceptance of Hydrogen among different societal actors (including publics). The advertised role presents significant opportunities to engage in social scientific research, but it is also expected that the appointee will play an active role in networking, partnership, dissemination and other related activities; helping to build and maintain a community of interest in the social dimensions of hydrogen futures.

We seek a motivated, creative, and collegial individual with excellent project management, leadership, research and interpersonal skills who can communicate clearly to a wide range of audiences (including academic audiences via journal publication). The successful candidate will hold a PhD in Psychology (or a relevant cognate discipline). They will have experience of conducting and disseminating the findings of both qualitative and quantitative research – particularly in relation to environmental change and/or technology acceptance – as well as a track record in bidding for research funding.

The working pattern for this post is Monday and Tuesday.

The interviews are currently anticipated to be held on 20 July 2026

This appointment is a fixed-term contract from 01 October 2026 to 31 May 2029.

For internal candidates it may be possible to apply for this role under the Secondment Policy . If you wish to apply as a secondee, you must have approval of your line manager in advance of submitting your application form. Please confirm in your application that your line manager has approved this.

If you have any queries regarding this position, please contact Prof. Chris Jones by email: chris.jones1@port.ac.uk

Discover the advantages of joining our university. We offer a range of attractive benefits and opportunities to enhance your work experience:

• Competitive salary, including incremental progression within your scale.
• Generous pension scheme.
• Generous leave entitlement of 32–35 days a year, plus bank holidays, and an additional Christmas closure.
• Family-friendly policies supporting flexible working.
• Staff discounts and loyalty schemes.
• Staff car parking and discounted public travel.
• Excellent training and development opportunities.
• Staff wellbeing programmes.
• Recreation facilities, including discounted gym membership, food on campus schemes, use of the Library and staff social activities.
• Discounted learning.
• Start-up business mentoring from expert entrepreneurs via our Entrepreneurs in Residence programme.
• The perks don’t stop there - click ‘apply’ for further information on My Reward and Benefits

Salary Information:

New appointments will routinely be made to the entry spine point (minimum) for the advertised grade, from where the individual will (in addition to receiving annual cost-of-living-related increases) progress through the pay range to the maximum for the grade, within a reasonable timeframe. This ensures fairness, consistency and transparency in our pay structures. A higher starting salary or market supplement may be available for a truly exceptional candidate when circumstances fully justify a departure from our normal policy.

UKVI Statement

Prior to submitting your application, kindly ensure that you can either demonstrate or acquire the necessary right to work in the UK. If you currently do not possess the right to work in the UK, please be aware that our offer of employment is conditional upon you obtaining it.

ED&​I Statement:

We are committed to upholding the University’s values of being ambitious, open and responsible, in an inclusive working environment that promotes dignity and respect.

Please note that this vacancy may be closed earlier than advertised, so early applications are advised.