Introduction to YSJ University
York St John is an ambitious, modern university at the heart of historic York. As one of the fastest growing universities in the UK over recent years, we have a strategy emphasising our commitment to widening opportunity through the power of education, and contributing our talents to creating a fairer world, and a more prosperous region. We are putting inspirational learning and impactful research at the heart of this strategy, recognising our academic expertise as our greatest asset.
The school
Psychology is an ambitious and growing academic department at York St John University, and sits within the School of Education, Language and Psychology. Our key areas of research strength are in cognitive and developmental psychology, neurodiversity, and clinical and forensic applications of psychology. In REF2021 over 70% of the Psychology research outputs and 100% of impact were rated as world leading or internationally excellent. Our research groups are interdisciplinary, with active links with the University’s Institute for Social Justice and Institute for Health and Care Improvement. Our research infrastructure includes dedicated Psychology labs and technical support, specialised EEG, VR, eye-tracking and child testing labs, and video-observation equipment and rooms.
Psychology has grown in staff and student numbers at all levels of study in recent years. Our excellent teaching and inclusive ethos provide an exceptional student experience, demonstrated by a consistently strong performance in the National Student Survey. We offer a suite of BPS-accredited Psychology undergraduate degrees, an MSc in Child Psychology and Development, Master of Research (MRes), an MSc Psychology conversion course starting in September 2026 and an accredited professional Doctorate of Counselling Psychology.
The role
We are seeking to appoint a 12-month fixed-term Lecturer in Psychology, with specific expertise in an area of quantitative psychology (e.g. cognitive, biological, or applied psychology) to contribute to our inclusive academic community and further strengthen our research and teaching. This is a 12-month Maternity Cover role. The successful candidate will demonstrate a research profile aligned to our existing research strengths, as evidenced by published outputs. The role will involve teaching across the undergraduate and postgraduate curricula and in a variety of settings, including small-group workshops/seminars and large-group lectures; research student supervision; assessment and feedback; and the provision of pastoral and academic support to students.
Key requirements
It is essential that candidates hold a doctorate at point of application. The successful candidate will have a growing or established research profile aligned with existing areas of strength in the department. Candidates will teach across the British Psychological Society Curriculum including our foundation year and postgraduate provision.
Additional information
For informal enquiries please contact Dr Glyn Hallam (Associate Head of School for Psychology) via email at g.hallam@yorksj.ac.uk, Matthew Coxon (Deputy Associate Head of School) at m.coxon@yorksj.ac.uk, or Melanie Douglass (Programme Leader) at m.douglass@yorksj.ac.uk.
This role is eligible for Skilled Worker Visa sponsorship subject to UKVI criteria being fulfilled. For further information regarding this visa route please visit Skilled Worker visa: Overview - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk).
It is anticipated that the selection process will include an interview and test/assessment, further details will be provided if you are shortlisted for interview.