Lecturer in Developmental Psychology

The Department of Psychology at Lancaster University is currently seeking to recruit a Lecturer in Developmental Psychology to join our thriving Developmental Psychology research group.

The Psychology Department at Lancaster (http://www.psych.lancs.ac.uk) has a long tradition for developmental research, with world-leading dedicated research facilities and a large group of active researchers specialising in varied aspects of human development, including prenatal, infant and child cognitive development, language and literacy, auditory neuroscience, and curiosity and learning (https://www.lancaster.ac.uk/psychology/research/developmental/, https://www.lancaster.ac.uk/infant-and-child-development-lab/). 

The Department has recently expanded its portfolio of taught postgraduate programmes, launching two new MSc programmes targeting important areas of developmental psychology: Psychology of Child Development and Education; Child Mental Health. We are seeking to appoint a Lecturer in Developmental Psychology to expand our well-established group and support our Developmental Psychology research and teaching.

The ideal candidate would have a strong research profile in relevant areas (commensurate with career stage) and would be able to contribute research-led teaching and project supervision within these new PGT programmes. Applicants able to provide support specifically for the “Cognition in the Classroom” module of the new MSc in Psychology of Child Development and Education are particularly encouraged to apply.   https://www.lancaster.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/postgraduate-courses/psychology-of-child-development-and-education-msc/2026/

All applicants must have a track record of research and teaching excellence, commensurate with stage of career, demonstrated by:

• publications, 
• research grant acquisition, 
• engagement and socio-economic impact, and
• teaching and leadership experience.

The Department holds an Athena Swan Silver award and is committed to Lancaster University’s Equality, Diversity and Inclusion strategy and Widening Participation. We welcome applications from people in all diversity groups and seek to provide a work environment that supports the individual needs of each employee and promotes a healthy work-life balance. Applicants are encouraged to detail any career breaks or significant periods of leave (e.g., for caring responsibilities) in their CV. Our early career lecturers have reduced teaching and administrative allocations and experience success in funding acquisition, teaching awards, and career progression. 

Informal enquiries about this post are welcome and should be addressed to either the Head of Department, Prof Gert Westermann (email: psychology.hod@lancaster.ac.uk) or the Developmental Psychology group lead, Dr Kate Messenger (email: k.messenger@lancaster.ac.uk).

Applications should be accompanied by a cover letter (no more than 2 pages), a full CV, and a clear outline (no more than 2 pages) of the programme of research you would undertake should you be appointed. 

Applications must be made via the online portal; applications by email will not be accepted.  

Interviews for the position are currently expected to take place during late summer 2026, with a start date in December 2026.

For more information on this post and the Lancaster University Psychology Department and to apply please see https://hr-jobs.lancs.ac.uk/Vacancy.aspx?ref=0680-26-R