Independent researchers

Stirling Psychology offers a vibrant and supportive environment for independent research fellows working on any aspect within our research groups, and we are always keen to welcome new members.

The University of Stirling’s Division of Psychology is recognised for its high-quality world-leading research. There are three main research groups: Cognition in Complex Environments, Behaviour and Evolution, and Health and Behaviour Change. Much of our work is interdisciplinary, and we collaborate nationally and internationally.

We have a strong track record of hosting fellowships funded through UK, EU and international schemes (including NERC, BBSRC, Royal Society, ERC, ESRC, MRC, Leverhulme Trust, British Academy, NC3Rs, NHS, Wellcome Trust and others). Several previous fellows have gone on to become permanent members of academic staff in the department.

Fellowship applicants interested in joining us at Stirling should contact the head of the relevant research group (Behaviour and Evolution Research Group: pawel.fedurek@stir.ac.uk; Cognition in Complex Environments: a.k.bobak@stir.ac.uk; Health Psychology Research Group: gozde.ozakinci@stir.ac.uk), to discuss their proposed project. We also welcome enquiries from existing fellowship holders interested in relocating to Stirling. If possible, please include a full academic CV.

We can offer you the following support

Pre-application

  • Advice on project suitability and feasibility.
  • Advice on proposal writing.
  • Review of draft proposals.
  • Assistance with interview preparation.

For fellows

  • 1-2-1 mentoring from senior colleagues.
  • Peer support from our Early Career group (ECHO).
  • Opportunities (but no obligation) to gain teaching experience and to supervise BSc/BA, MSc/MA, and PhD project students.
  • Training and personal development.
  • Support for grant proposal development from senior colleagues and research support staff.

Career progression

  • Clear criteria for progression to permanent positions.
  • Notifications of opportunities within the department.

Fellowship schemes

There are a variety of possibilities for fellowships at Stirling. You can find information on the main UK and EU fellowship schemes and we are also very willing to provide support for other internationally funded fellowship schemes (e.g. NSF in the USA).

Early career fellowship schemes