Senior Occupational Psychologist

Position Overview

This role invites an experienced Occupational Psychologist to contribute to UK Defence by leveraging occupational psychology expertise within the Air & Space Command. The successful candidate will engage in flexible work arrangements, benefit from generous holidays, a contributory pension, and opportunities for professional development totaling at least five days annually.

The Occupational Psychology Team focuses on developing and validating RAF-specific aptitude testing, understanding personnel attitudes impacting behaviors and decisions, and delivering consultative services tailored to various personnel groups, including Regulars, Reserves, Civil Servants, and families of serving members.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist the Principal Occupational Psychologist in designing, implementing, and validating computer-based aptitude assessments for critical RAF roles.
• Serve as Technical Lead for RAF Continuous Attitude Surveys, ensuring robust delivery, quality, and effective communication of findings.
• Conduct research projects aligned with the team’s agenda and provide leadership for trainee psychologists’ research activities.
• Apply occupational psychology consultancy methodologies to address prioritized personnel challenges, designing and evaluating evidence-based interventions.
• Collaborate with psychologists and subject matter experts across disciplines to develop comprehensive people-oriented solutions.
• Line manage two Higher Psychologists and oversee Higher and Executive Officer Psychologists (including trainees), ensuring quality outcomes.

Experience and Skills Required

• A minimum of four years relevant experience following MSc completion, encompassing selection and assessment work.
• Proficient in diverse research methodologies and statistical analyses, committed to producing high-quality research outputs.
• Ability to respond promptly to urgent advisory requests and manage stakeholders at multiple organizational levels.
• Skilled in integrating evidence from varied sources to underpin evidence-based decisions with sound psychological insights.
• Experience providing technical advice and reviewing research and evidence related to occupational psychology.
• Effective collaboration skills, openness to interdisciplinary teamwork, and commitment to continuous professional development and knowledge sharing.
• Competency with statistical software such as SPSS and proficiency in Excel.
• Highly motivated with strong interpersonal communication skills applicable across all staff levels.
• Desirable expertise includes psychometric test development, cognitive task analysis, and knowledge of cognitive psychology.

Qualifications, Licenses and Memberships

• Essential qualifications: BSc Psychology conferring Graduate Basis for Chartership with the British Psychological Society (BPS) and MSc Occupational Psychology (or equivalent) recognized as Stage 1 by BPS.
• BPS qualifications in Occupational Testing for both Personality and Ability assessments.
• Mandatory registration as an Occupational Psychologist with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).
• Chartered membership of the BPS and full membership of its Division of Occupational Psychology or eligibility to join immediately.
• Desirable memberships include the Register of Qualifications in Test Use (RQTU) and Register of Applied Psychology Practice Supervisors (RAPPS), or willingness to join promptly.

Behaviours and Technical Skills

• Behaviours assessed: Communicating and Influencing, Delivering at Pace, Working Together, Developing Self and Others, Managing a Quality Service, Making Effective Decisions.
• Technical skills assessed focus on Ambassador role capabilities, leadership, engagement and motivation expertise, psychological assessment consultancy, and knowledge sharing.

Compensation and Benefits

• Annual salary of A346,040 plus a contribution of A313,337 towards membership in the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension Scheme (28.97% employer contribution).
• Personalized learning and development tailored to the role.
• Flexible working environment promoting inclusion and diversity.
• Opportunity for hybrid working arrangements subject to role requirements and at least 60% office attendance.

Additional Information

• No relocation expenses provided.
• External new Civil Service hires undergo a six-month probation period.
• Travel expenses for interviews will not be reimbursed.
• A review of pay-related allowances may affect current benefits associated with this post.
• Access to childcare vouchers ceases upon joining MOD; alternative government schemes may be available.
• The Defence working environment is smoke-free with some exemptions; smoking and tobacco use are prohibited in Defence areas.
• Applicants should be truthful in application materials, with a clear policy against plagiarism and inappropriate use of artificial intelligence.
• The selection process involves sifting applications and interviews including a CV submission and a 750-word personal statement addressing suitability against key criteria.
• The interview will include a presentation on a relevant research project within leadership, engagement and motivation or psychological assessment at work.

Work Locations

Primary locations include RAF Cranwell, Sleaford, or RAF High Wycombe. Applicants should indicate their location preference.