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Assistant Professor in Behavioural Science
Advertiser: Warwick Business School, University of Warwick
Field(s) of specialization: Experimental Economics - Behavioral Economics
Position type(s): Assistant Professor
Location of job: Gibbet Hill Road, Coventry, CV4 7AL, United Kingdom
Degree required: Doctorate
Job start date: Flexible
Job duration: Continuing/permanent
Letters of reference required: 3
Application deadline: 7 Dec 2025 midnight UTC (accepting applications)
Posting end date: 7 Dec 2025
Ad text:

WBS is a research-led, triple-accredited university-based business school with a portfolio of world-class programmes.

We are continuing our search for outstanding academics to join our faculty. Applications are invited at the level of Assistant Professor in Behavioural Science.

We are looking for a scholar who is carrying out world-class research that will have lasting international impact. The successful candidate will be an ambitious and collegial early career scholar who will contribute to research and teaching with the in the Behavioural Science Group. WBS, and Warwick more broadly, is internationally renowned for interdisciplinary work on pure and applied behavioural science, and Behavioural Science is central to one of the University’s Interdisciplinary Research Spotlights

We are open to applications from researchers with a strong background in the behavioural sciences. We are interested researchers who specialise in behavioural or experimental economics; the psychology of judgement and decision making; behavioural change; and the data science of human behaviour.

The successful candidate will have completed their doctoral studies and may have some post-doctoral research experience. In addition, they will have the capacity to publish at the top level, demonstrated by publications or strong working papers. The successful candidate will also have an ambitious future research agenda. A demonstrable ability to teach behavioural science would be an advantage.

Athena SWAN Gold Award

Warwick Business School is committed to supporting staff to achieve their potential. The School currently holds the Athena SWAN Gold Award and the University of Warwick holds an Institutional Silver Award: a national initiative that recognizes the advancement of gender equality, representation, progression and success for all in academia. We are supportive of staff with caring responsibilities including a generous maternity/paternity/adoption/parental leave policy, onsite childcare facilities and the childcare vouchers scheme. We strongly endorse the principles of Athena SWAN, including a supportive and flexible working environment, with commitment from all levels of the organisation in promoting gender equity.

We are an equal opportunities employer and would consider part time and full-time appointments.

Job Description

Job purpose

To publish research of international excellence and teach on the range of high-quality programmes offered by the School at undergraduate, specialist masters, doctoral and MBA levels.

Duties and responsibilities
Research

• Carry out independent research.

• Contribute to the research activities of the department by developing your own research programme, planning and co-ordinating a broad research activity or programme, sustaining an extensive track record of published research findings, maintaining an expert reputation in own subject area at least at national, and usually international level.

• Contribute to the development of research strategies for the department.

• Publish research outcomes in appropriate refereed journals of international standing and publish and disseminate the results of research and scholarship in other outlets.

• Engage in external academic activities in accordance with the department’s research strategy and which enhance the School’s national/international research profile. Such activities may include, for example, delivery of research papers at conferences, membership of committees of academic bodies, external examining, participation in knowledge transfer, development of industrial links and other related activities, and journal editorships.

• Encourage and work with other members of the Group/University on joint research activities (where appropriate) and contribute to relevant research seminars.

• Provide leadership in the relevant subject area.

• Apply for, negotiate and manage research funds to the benefit of the individual’s or others’ research activity and the research standing of the University as measured by, for example, the REF.

• Act as principal investigator and project leader.

• Manage research projects.

• Publication record in line with qualifying for an REF 4* or equivalent rating.

• Contribute to successful research grant applications to support research projects

Teaching and Learning Support

• Engage in teaching at all levels using relevant teaching methods, e.g. lectures, seminars, tutorials, etc., working as part of the teaching team. Please note that teaching on certain postgraduate programmes takes place outside of normal University terms and during some evenings.

• Maintain a broad knowledge of up-to-date research and scholarship in relevant fields to ensure that teaching meets the standard expected within a research-led University.

• Support and comply with the University and departmental teaching quality assurance standards and procedures, including the provision of such information as required by the School or University.

• Develop and apply appropriate teaching techniques and materials, (novel or innovative), which create interest, understanding and enthusiasm amongst students. This will include contribution to regular reflection on the enhancement of departmental curricula.

• Undertake curriculum and course design and deliver material across a range of programmes of study at various levels, using appropriate teaching, learning support and assessment methods, reviewing and improving as required.
• Supervise research students subject to the usual University criteria, including where appropriate joint supervision.

• Supervise undergraduate, postgraduate and MBA student projects, dissertations and, where appropriate, placements and field trips.

• Take responsibility for academic duties (i.e. setting examination questions, marking, invigilation and pastoral support of students) required to sustain the delivery of high-quality teaching.

• Co-ordinate and undertake pastoral support for students within the programme, course or modules for which the post holder is responsible, liaising where necessary with other University agencies such as the Senior Tutor’s Office.

Administration and Other Activities:

• Contribute to the efficient management and administration of the Department, by performing administrative duties as allocated by the Dean and by taking on appropriate Departmental responsibilities. Such duties may include, for example, Senior Tutor or Head of Teaching

Programme.

• Act as a personal tutor for a mix of undergraduate and postgraduate students, liaising where necessary with other University agencies such as the Personal Tutor’s office.

• Provide leadership to those working within programme areas, as course leader or equivalent, by for example, co-ordinating the work of others to ensure that courses are delivered effectively or organising the work of a team by agreeing objectives and work plans.

• Contribute to the development of teams and individuals through the appraisal system and providing advice on personal development.

The duties and responsibilities outlined are not intended to be an exhaustive list but provide guidance on the main aspects of the job. You will be required to be flexible in your duties, and to ensure compliance with health and safety and equal opportunities in all aspects of work.


Person Specification

The Person Specification focuses on the knowledge, skills, experience and qualifications required to undertake the role effectively. This is measured by (a) Application Form, (b) Test/Exercise, (c) Interview, (d) Presentation.

Essential Criteria 1

A PhD or equivalent in a relevant field or near completion (a) (b)

Essential Criteria 2

The potential for internationally recognized research, demonstrated with publications or strong working papers. (a) (b) (c)

Essential Criteria 3

Understanding of equal opportunity issues as they may impact on areas of teaching (a) (b) (c)

Essential Criteria 4

Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to relate well to colleagues and different kinds of students (a) (b) (c)

Essential Criteria 5

Ability to perform to required deadlines and to initiate, plan, organise and deliver programmes of work (a) (b)

Essential Criteria 6

Evidence of ability in teaching (a) (b) (c)

Essential Criteria 7

Willingness and ability to take the lead on research grant applications to support research projects (a) (b) (c)

Essential Criteria 8

Engaged in continuous professional development (a) (b)

Essential Criteria 10

Willingness and ability to contribute as a good citizen and to undertake relevant administrative and managerial duties (a) (b)

Desirable Criteria 1

Evidence of the ability to work independently in research (a) (b) (c)

Further Particulars

For further information about the University of Warwick, please read our University Further Particulars.

Warwick Business School (WBS) is a world-class business school at the heart of a world-class University, challenging assumptions and championing business as a force for good. From the pioneering research we undertake, to the students we help to shape, we are for the Change Makers who will impact the world for the better.

We were the first UK business school to be triple accredited by the major bodies (EQUIS, AMBA, AACSB) and our courses consistently rank highly – view all of our rankings here.

However, we’re more than our rankings and we’re proud to be different. We’re down to earth and approachable, and we want WBS to feel like home to our students, our staff and our alumni community. We look to provide a stimulating and fulfilling work environment for all, one where you will feel supported and encouraged to grow professionally, developing your knowledge, skills, confidence and career.

Our vision

Our vision is to be Europe’s leading University-based business school, developing transformational ideas and people that shape how we do business. This vision is supported by our three-fold mission:

1. To develop cutting-edge research that leads debate and deepens our understanding of the practice of business and management

2. To provide a transformational learning experience, enabling our stakeholders to realise their full potential

3. To work in partnership with policy and practice, both in terms of our research and teaching activities, to catalyse the impact of our work.

Everything we do is underpinned by our CORE values and driven by a commitment to a Change Maker mindset. We look for this shared commitment across our staff and student community.

· Change Makers see the bigger picture. Thinking beyond themselves and their environment, they’re open to other viewpoints and consider the ripple effect of what they do on a personal, social, and commercial level. They’re driven by having the biggest positive impact and a focus on the greater good.

· Change Makers challenge the norm. Challenging the status quo and not just accepting things at face value is when real impact and change can be delivered.

· Change Makers have the drive as well as the vision. It’s one thing having a vision but having the drive and work ethic to realise a vision is another matter. Change Makers relentlessly pursue every possible solution in order to achieve their goals.

Our CORE Values

· We challenge, we embrace different perspectives, and we think creatively to build our future.

· We’re open to different perspectives, talking to stakeholders, listening to feedback, embracing change and pushing forward for the better.

· We’re not satisfied with standing still and never stop looking for ways to improve. Constantly evaluating, we don’t stop when we’ve achieved one thing; we use all of our initiative, drive and resourcefulness to achieve more.

· At a world class university and a globally recognised business school, excellence is a given. There are no half measures at WBS.

About the University

Born in the 60s with a mindset of boldness, imagination and collaboration, the University of Warwick is a world-leading research-intensive university with the highest academic and research standards. We’re one of the world’s top universities, ranked 67th in the world and 10th in the UK*, with 92% of our research assessed to be ‘world leading or internationally excellent’**.

You'll be joining a diverse, innovative and globally connected community committed to igniting real world progress. Here at Warwick, we offer you opportunities to follow your ambitions if you bring the energy and determination to succeed.

*QS World University Rankings 2024

** Research Excellence Framework 2021

To find out more about us visit our website.

What we offer

We will provide you with a great range of benefits, which include an attractive pension scheme, 219 hours holiday plus Christmas closure, excellent learning and development opportunities, and savings on a wide range of products and services. We offer a generous maternity/paternity/adoption/parental leave policy, and onsite childcare facilities.

We recognise the importance of a healthy work/life balance and offer you access to flexible working, for more information click here.

We are proud to say that we are a Living Wage employer.

If you are considering relocating to the UK, read our Relocation Guide to find out more about what Warwick has to offer and what might be involved in the process.

Our Commitment to Inclusion

Warwick is committed to building an organisation of mutual respect and dignity, promoting a welcoming, diverse, and inclusive working and learning environment. We recognise that everyone is different in a variety of visible and non-visible ways, and that those differences are to be recognised, respected, and valued. Where possible, we go beyond legislation to provide a place where everyone can thrive, supporting all staff to achieve their full potential. We aspire to remove economic, social, and cultural barriers that may otherwise prevent people from succeeding.

We therefore welcome and encourage applications from all communities regardless of culture, background, age, disability, sex/gender, gender identity or expression, ethnicity, religion/belief, or sexual or romantic orientation. To find out more about our social inclusion work at Warwick visit our webpage here.

The University currently holds a Race Equality Charter Bronze Award, Athena Swan Gold Award and a Disability Smart Bronze Award.

Warwick Business School has become the first business school in the UK to be awarded Gold Level Athena Swan status for its work on improving gender equality.

Further information on all of the University's Awards and Accreditations can be found here. The University of Warwick is also one of the six founder institutions of the EUTOPIA European University Alliance.

Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS)

The University of Warwick is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all those we work with.

In line with the DBS Code of Practice, the successful candidates for any roles involving regulated activity, will be subject to a DBS check at the appropriate level. The University will take all necessary measures to ensure that any individual subject to a barring order does not undertake any work with the barred group specified (i.e. children and/or adults).

We expect all employees, volunteers, and partners to share our commitment to safeguarding.

Rehabilitation of Ex-Offenders

The University undertakes not to discriminate against anyone who makes a disclosure relating to a conviction. The information disclosed at application stage is only visible to the central DBS team (i.e. not recruiting managers) to ensure there is no bias during the shortlisting process.

Right to work in the UK

We wish to advise applicants that this role is not eligible for sponsorship for a Skilled Worker visa. If you do not yet have the right to work in the UK you will need to check the UK Government Website to see if you are eligible to obtain the right to work in the UK through one of the other UK immigration routes before you make your application.

How to Apply

To apply, please click ‘Apply’ below and submit an application form by the closing date.

Closing Date

December 7th 2025

Application procedure
To apply for this position, log in and choose your Applicant role (or, if you have no account, create one).
Submission materials required
  • Cover letter
  • Curriculum vitae
  • Job market paper
  • Video presentation of job market paper (optional)
  • Additional paper (optional)
  • Other material (in one file) (optional)
  • Additional paper (optional)
  • Letters of reference: 3
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