Human Behavioural Scientist

Job summary

Are you passionate about understanding how people interact with technology and how human behaviour influences cyber security outcomes?

Dstl is seeking a Human Behavioural Scientist to join a multidisciplinary team delivering cutting-edge research at the intersection of behavioural science, human-computer interaction and emerging technologies. In this role, you will help shape the UK's response to some of the most significant defence and national security challenges by investigating how people engage with digital systems, respond to cyber threats and interact with increasingly complex technologies, including AI-enabled systems.

Why join us?

Working collaboratively with colleagues across government, industry and academia, you will design and deliver research that improves understanding of human behaviour in cyber environments and informs the development of safer, more effective technologies. You will apply evidence-based approaches to explore user needs, human performance, decision-making and the human factors that influence cyber resilience.

This is an exciting opportunity for someone with expertise in behavioural science, human-computer interaction, human factors, user experience, interaction design or a related field who wants to see their research translated into real-world impact. You will be encouraged to develop your professional expertise while contributing to nationally important programmes in a supportive and collaborative environment.

This role is eligible for an additional specialist allowance of £2758 annually subject to meeting extended onboarding requirements. The role may be eligible for additional skills allowances depending on the skills and experience of the applicant.

Job description

What you'll do;

• Design, plan and deliver behavioural science and human-computer interaction research within the cyber domain.
• Lead or contribute to research projects, trials and experimental studies from concept through to completion.
• Apply specialist knowledge of human behaviour, cognition and interaction with digital technologies to solve complex defence and security challenges.
• Assess evidence and provide recommendations that support informed decision-making.
• Evaluate how people interact with cyber systems, AI-enabled technologies and digital environments.
• Produce high-quality technical reports, presentations and research outputs for a range of audiences.
• Work closely with colleagues, customers and stakeholders across Dstl, government, industry and academia.
• Support innovation and continuous improvement by sharing expertise and identifying new research opportunities.
• Ensure all work is delivered to appropriate quality, safety and security standards.

For more information on the job responsibilities, please see the job profile attached below.

Person specification

What we're looking for

• A degree in Human and Behavioural Science, Human Factors, Human-Computer Interaction or a related discipline.
• A postgraduate qualification (or equivalent professional experience) in a relevant field.
• Experience applying behavioural science and human-computer interaction principles to understand how people use digital technologies.
• Experience designing and delivering qualitative and/or quantitative research.
• Strong knowledge of behavioural science, human-computer interaction and related methodologies.
• The ability to communicate complex technical concepts, research findings and recommendations clearly to different audiences.
• Experience working collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams and stakeholders.
• An understanding of emerging digital technologies and their impact on human behaviour.
• Strong analytical skills and the ability to translate evidence into practical recommendations.

For more information the essential criteria, please see the job profile attached below.

Important Information:

Our work in defence, security and intelligence requires our employees to be UK Nationals who are able to gain a high level of security clearance to undertake the projects we are involved in to protect us from security threats.

For this reason, only UK Nationals will be able to apply for this role. If you are an international or dual-national candidate, and you think you have the skills we need, please consider applying to any of our government, security or defence partners.

This role will require Develop Vetting and you should have resided in the UK for the past 10 years.

Qualifications

A degree (BSc) in Human and Behavioural Sciences, or related discipline, with expertise in Human-Computer Interaction. A post-graduate qualification (MSc) in Human and Behavioural Sciences, or related discipline, with expertise in Human-Computer Interaction.

Behaviours

We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:

• Delivering at Pace
• Communicating and Influencing
• Working Together
• Changing and Improving

Benefits

Alongside your salary of £31,663, Defence Science and Technology Laboratory contributes £9,172 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides (opens in a new window).

Benefits

Dstl’s full range of great benefits can be found in the information pack which includes:

• Financial: An excellent pension scheme starting from 26% employer contribution (find out more here). In Year Rewarding Achievement bonuses and thank you vouchers. Rental deposit scheme and cycle to work scheme.

• Flexible working: Options include alternative working patterns such as; compressed hours, job shares and annualised hours (agreed number of hours per annum paid monthly i.e. working term-time only).

• Working hours: Flexibility around your working day (e.g. start time, finish time). Ability to bank hours in a 12 month reference period including the ability to accrue and use 3 days per calendar month.

• Where you work: This role requires a minimum of 80% on site attendance.

• Annual leave: 25 days pro rata (rising to 30 after 5 years) plus 8 public holidays with the ability to buy/sell 5 additional days per annum.

• Family: Maternity, adoption or shared parental leave of up to 26 weeks with full pay, an additional 13 weeks statutory pay and a further 13 weeks unpaid

• Learning and Development: Dstl encourages and supports charterships, accreditations and provides employees access to fully funded apprenticeships up to level 7 (Masters Degree). Dstl will pay for 2 memberships with relevant bodies/institutions. Employees also have access to Civil Service Learning.

• Facilities: Onsite parking, EV Charging points, restaurants, cafés and gyms.

Things you need to know

Artificial intelligence

Artificial intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate an