Job Description

The Post

A cross-disciplinary team of researchers led by the University of Stirling, with partners at the Max Planck Institute for Chemistry (Germany) and McMaster University (Canada), are working on a project funded by the Human Frontiers Science Program to investigate the mechanisms that underpin the expression of emotional body odours, such as the smell of fear.


Many species, including humans, produce distinct odors when alarmed, but the mechanisms are barely understood. First, the chemical compounds involved remain unidentified in most species, including humans. Second, the source and mechanisms involved in the release of alarm odor molecules are unknown. The most likely source is the skin microflora, which mediates several other social odors. The project aims to elucidate the chemical and microbial mechanisms that underpin the rapid communication of acute emotion in humans (and, perhaps, other species).


As part of this project, Psychology, Faculty of Natural Sciences is offering a fixed-term (36 months) full-time Postdoctoral Research Fellow position. You will work closely with Professor Roberts to design and implement psychological experiments that induce emotional states in participants, and to assist the other team members in their work to measure changes in the chemistry of body odour and microbial activity as a result of emotional change.



The post holders will join the Behaviour and Evolution Research Group in the Division of Psychology at Stirling https://www.stir.ac.uk/about/faculties/natural-sciences/our-research/research-groups/behaviour-and-evolution-research-group/.

Description of Duties

The successful applicant will be responsible for running the day-to-day aspects of the project. Principally, in this role you will:


Design psychological experiments that induce emotional states in human participants Run experiments involving human participants, from recruitment to data collection of mood changes and psychophysiological indicators of arousal Ensure that the work is completed with rigour and with due consideration to ethical standards Analyse the resulting datasets Have regular meetings with team members to track progress, resolve any theoretical, technical, or analytical issues, and discuss dissemination strategies Disseminate the findings through publications, conference presentations, and public engagement

Essential Criteria

Qualifications


PhD in psychology or biology

Research & Skills


Research experience in designing experiments involving human participants, including experience of applying for and obtaining ethical permission for such research Demonstrable expertise in analysing quantitative datasets (in SPSS and/or R) Evidence of excellent oral and written communication skills Evidence of research productivity, such as writing papers for publication or report writing
Attitude & Behaviour


Desire to work in a cross-disciplinary team Proven ability to establish rapport and interact effectively with colleagues Evidence of self-motivation and the ability to work independently/ manage own academic research and associated activities Willingness to travel to the laboratories of the collaborators, where necessary

Desirable Criteria

Excellent knowledge and skills in a relevant topic, such as emotion or olfaction Experience of using a Burghart olfactometer and/or conducting EEG experiments Experience in carrying out both independent and collaborative research A developing body of publications in high-impact journals

Additional Information

Full time

Fixed term for 36 months

The closing date for applications is midnight on Thursday 30 October 2025.

Interviews are expected to take place on Monday 17 November 2025.



There is an expectation that work will be undertaken in the UK.


For the purposes of sponsorship, this role may be eligible depending on candidate circumstances and is a postdoctoral role under SOC code 2119.



The University of Stirling recognises that a diverse workforce benefits and enriches the work, learning and research experiences of the entire campus and greater community. We are committed to removing barriers and welcome applications from those who would contribute to further diversification of our staff and ensure that equality, diversity and inclusion is woven into the substance of the role. We strongly encourage applications from people from diverse backgrounds including gender, identity, race, age, class, and ethnicity.

Behaviours and Competencies

The role holder will be required to evidence that they can meet the qualities associated with the following behavioural competencies, as detailed within the AUA Competency Framework.

Managing self and personal skills

Being aware of your own behaviour and mindful of how it impacts on others, enhancing personal skills to adapt professional practice accordingly.

Delivering excellent service

Providing the best quality service to external and internal clients. Building genuine and open long-term relationships in order to drive up service standards.

Finding solutions

Taking a holistic view and working enthusiastically to analyse problems and to develop workable solutions. Identifying opportunities for innovation.

Embracing change

Being open to and engaging with new ideas and ways of working. Adjusting to unfamiliar situations, shifting demands and changing roles.

Using resources effectively

Identifying and making the most productive use of resources including people, time, information, networks and budgets.

Engaging with the wider context

Enhancing your contribution to the organisation through an understanding of the bigger picture and showing commitment to organisational values.

Developing self and others

Showing commitment to own ongoing professional development. Supporting and encouraging others to develop their professional knowledge, skills and behaviours to enable them to reach their full potential.

Working together

Working collaboratively with others in order to achieve objectives. Recognising and valuing the different contributions people bring to this process.

Achieving Results

Consistently meeting agreed objectives and success criteria. Taking personal responsibility for getting things done.

About Us

The Faculty of Natural Sciences (FNS) encompasses the Divisions of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Computing Science and Mathematics, Psychology, and the Institute of Aquaculture. FNS is a distinctive academic arena where new fundamental understandings of the complex and challenging inter-relationships between human behaviours, technologies, biological and environmental systems are created, explored, and tested. The most recent national assessment of research - REF2021 -confirmed that 80% of our research is classed as world leading and internationally excellent. It is supported through UK Research Councils, European Union, and a range of research charities We work with businesses and public service organisations both at home and overseas to achieve direct and positive outcomes for society across a range of critical problems. Substantial investment aligned with the City, Region, and Growth deals is supporting major new infrastructure developments linked to the Faculty including Scotland's International Environment Centre and the National Aquaculture Technology and Innovation Hub.

Psychology

Stirling Psychology delivers world class scientific research, coupled with innovative and reflective research-led teaching. In REF2021, we were rated 2nd in Scotland for research impact. We aim to foster basic research in the science of mind and behaviour, linked to direct impacts for society. Our research strategy focuses on the development of inter-disciplinary multi-methods approaches and our academics work collaboratively across three research themes: Cognition in Complex Environments; Behaviour & Evolution; and Health and Behaviour Change. A common thread across our research projects is a desire to develop theoretical understanding of behaviour in complex real-world settings. Psychology has invested heavily in research infrastructure, including our own Kindergarten. Purpose built laboratories provide support for health, human electrophysiology, face and vision research, mobile technology, virtual/augmented reality, and recent investment in a Lifespan Laboratory facilitate developmental and comparative research.

The University

The University of Stirling is committed to providing education with a purpose and carrying out research which has a positive impact on communities across the globe. Driven by our mission to be the difference, we are addressing real issues, providing solutions, and helping to shape society.



The University has more than 17,500 students globally and employs 1,800 staff, with more than 140 nationalities represented within our community. Our campus environment is ranked first in the UK and top 10 in the world, and our sports facilities rank first in the UK and second in the world (International Student Barometer 2024, wave two), reflecting our long-standing designation as Scotland's University for Sporting Excellence.



We were shortlisted for University of the Year 2024 at the Times Higher Education Awards and are proud holders of a Silver institutional award from the Athena Swan Charter, in recognition of our commitment to advancing gender equality. We have an overall five-star rating in the QS Stars University Ratings and are ranked top 30 in the UK for postgraduate teaching and learning (Postgraduate Taught Experience Survey 2024). In recognition of our excellence in business education, we are accredited by AACSB International.



Eighty-seven per cent of our research has an outstanding or very considerable impact on society, with more than 80% rated either world leading or internationally excellent (Research Excellence Framework 2021), and we are ranked among the top 100 institutions in the world for our contribution to meeting 10 of the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals. We have twice been recognised with a Queen's Anniversary Prize; for our Institute for Social Marketing and Health (2014) and our Institute of Aquaculture (2019).



Alongside partners, the University spearheads the 214 million Stirling and Clackmannanshire City Region Deal - which will deliver three major University-led projects: the National Aquaculture Technology and Innovation Hub, Scotland's International Environment Centre, and the Intergenerational Living Innovation Hub. We are also a central partner in the Forth Valley University College Health Partnership.

www.stir.ac.uk

Job Reference: FAC02074