Research Associate in Psychiatry or Psychology (Fixed-Term) | University of Cambridge Recruitment 2026

Research Associate in Psychiatry or Psychology (Fixed-Term) | University of Cambridge Recruitment 2026

The Faculty of Divinity, University of Cambridge, invites applications for the position of Research Associate in Psychiatry or Psychology to join an interdisciplinary research team led by Professor Joseph Webster. The position is part of the UKRI-funded project, “Exploring the Grey Zone: A Biopsychosocial Approach to Religious Delusions and Conspiracy Beliefs.”

This is a fixed-term appointment for 21 months, with the expected start date of 1 October 2026.

About the Project

The project explores the intersection of psychology, psychiatry, religion, and social behavior through a biopsychosocial lens. Researchers will investigate religious delusions and conspiracy beliefs, contributing to a deeper understanding of how such experiences emerge, are interpreted, and impact individuals and society.

The selected candidate will work within a highly interdisciplinary environment involving scholars from multiple fields and institutions.

Position Details

Essential Qualifications

Applicants should possess:

• A PhD in Psychiatry, Psychology, or Neuroscience

• Degree-level education in a relevant discipline

• Demonstrated research specialization in Psychiatry or Psychology

• Research expertise in one or more of the following areas:

  • Psychosis

  • Delusional ideation

  • Conspiracist ideation

  • Related mental health and cognitive research domains

Key Responsibilities

The successful candidate will be expected to:

Interdisciplinary Research Activities

• Contribute to the UKRI-funded research project as part of an interdisciplinary team.

• Conduct qualitative analysis and interpretation of research data.

Workshop Coordination

• Plan and organize an interdisciplinary workshop focused on:
  “Meaningfulness, Usefulness, and Pathology.”

Qualitative Research

• Undertake qualitative coding and thematic analysis of autobiographical accounts written by individuals experiencing delusional or conspiracist ideation.

• Analyze interview transcripts collected from research participants experiencing delusional or conspiratorial beliefs.

• Collaborate with researchers from diverse academic backgrounds to interpret findings and produce scholarly outputs.

Why Apply?

This position offers an opportunity to:

• Work at one of the world’s leading universities.

• Participate in a cutting-edge UKRI-funded interdisciplinary research project.

• Collaborate with experts across psychiatry, psychology, religion, and social sciences.

• Contribute to impactful research addressing contemporary questions surrounding belief systems, mental health, and cognition.

Key Highlights

• Organization: University of Cambridge

• Department: Faculty of Divinity

• Position: Research Associate in Psychiatry or Psychology

• Project: Exploring the Grey Zone: A Biopsychosocial Approach to Religious Delusions and Conspiracy Beliefs

• Funding Agency: UKRI

• Duration: 21 Months

• Start Date: 1 October 2026

• Required Qualification: PhD in Psychiatry, Psychology, or Neuroscience

• Research Areas: Psychosis, Delusional Ideation, Conspiracist Ideation

• Location: Cambridge, United Kingdom

Researchers interested in interdisciplinary studies at the intersection of mental health, cognition, religion, and society are encouraged to apply for this prestigious opportunity at the University of Cambridge.