Prof Anna Rabinovich and Dr Bayu Dume interviewing a Dedo farmer

We are excited to share that our team at the University of Sussex is recruiting a Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Social Psychology to join our UKRI-funded project on strengthening climate resilience among farming and pastoralist communities in Eastern Africa.

This project brings together researchers, practitioners, and local communities in Tanzania and Ethiopia to co-develop and implement nature-based solutions (NbS) to land degradation. Our work looks not only at ecological restoration, but also at the social and psychological processes that enable people to take collective action and sustain environmental change.

The postdoc will play a central role in this effort, helping us test a group-based intervention designed to support communities as they put their chosen NbS into practice. It’s hands-on, collaborative research with real-world impact, and we’re looking for someone who is excited by that challenge.

Who we’re looking for

You’ll need a PhD in social or environmental psychology (or a closely related field), strong quantitative skills, and a solid grounding in social psychological theory. Field experience and cross-cultural work are big advantages, as is the willingness to travel to Tanzania and Ethiopia.

Just as important are the qualities that help make interdisciplinary, community-based research successful: curiosity, communication, adaptability, and the ability to work well as part of a diverse team.

Why join us?

You’ll become part of the vibrant School of Psychology at the University of Sussex, a community known for its interdisciplinary spirit and commitment to tackling global challenges. Our campus borders the beautiful South Downs, and we’re proud to foster an inclusive environment guided by kindness, collaboration, and integrity.

We strongly encourage applications from women and Black and minority ethnic candidates, who are currently underrepresented in STEMM fields at Sussex.

Want to learn more?

If you have questions about the role, you can contact Dr. Anna Rabinovich at a.rabinovich@sussex.ac.uk.

Applications are open until 2 December 2025.
Apply via the official vacancies page.

This work is supported by UK Research and Innovation Building a Green Future strategic theme, Building a Secure and Resilient World strategic theme, Natural Environment Research Council, and the Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (grant number NE/Z503447/1).

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