The Role

We are seeking a highly motivated researcher with a passion for delivering high-quality research to enhance Defence capabilities. You will draw upon your psychology research expertise in one or more of the following or related fields; cognitive science, engineering psychology, organisational psychology, performance psychology, work analysis, vision sciences, and human factors, to drive the development of warfighters resilience and performance and/or human-centred design of warfighter systems. The warfighting systems of particular interest are human-autonomy and human-AI teaming.

You will apply your research skills to initiate, plan, execute and deliver applied research activities that contribute to larger research programs, and ensure the quality and integrity of research outputs.

As a leader of small teams, and team member, you will conduct applied research in one or more of a variety of topics including, human–machine teaming, decision-making and decision support, automation and autonomous systems, team and command-and-control effectiveness, human performance optimisation, and resilience under operational stress. Your expertise will enable the identification of science and technology trends that will shape the exploration of novel concepts to enhance warfighting capabilities.

You will work productively within multidisciplinary teams that will include ADF operators and stakeholders, scientists and engineers within Defence, academia, industry and international defence scientists. You will be required to plan and conduct applied research that can be translated into timely, actionable outputs that directly inform the design of roles, teams, training, procedures, and warfighting systems in order to support the resilience and performance of the warfighter.





About our Team The Human System Performance Branch is responsible for stewarding a number of psychology, physical performance and food science disciplines. Our goal is to centre the warfighter for mission success with research focus areas including Human Robot Teaming, Decision Support Systems, Team Command & Control, Resilient Warfighter and Feeding Systems.

Our Ideal Candidate

Our ideal candidate will have:

- A highly motivated outlook with the ability to self-manage and contribute to a cooperative culture where all staff feel valued and included.
- Strong track record of experimental and/or applied research, in a Defence context, in human performance, complex sociotechnical system design, human factors, or a related field.
- Demonstrated experience in applying human science knowledge to develop warfighter’s resilience and performance, and/or human-centred systems design.
- A strong record in delivery of rigorous science and an ability to apply critical thinking to find creative solutions.
- An active contribution to the scientific community through high quality publications, presentations, or professional engagement.
- Excellent communication skills and the ability to convey complex information to a wide range of stakeholders, partners and audiences.
- The ability to work in close partnerships with ADF stakeholders and the broader ecosystem, including universities, industry and international defence scientists.
- The ability to provide timely and relevant research outputs that clearly and succinctly address ADF stakeholder needs.
- The ability to lead small teams, work independently and as a member of multidisciplinary teams.
- The flexibility to quickly adapt to new and unforeseen circumstances, including evolving Defence priorities.

Security Clearance:

Applicants must be able to obtain and maintain a security clearance at “Negative Vetting Level 1”.

📌 Research Psychology (Edinburgh)
🏢 Department Of Defence
📍 Edinburgh