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Between 2006 and 2009, 1.5% of doctoral graduates or 210 employed doctoral graduates, are known to have been working as research psychologists six months after graduation.

Job description

Research psychologists are part of the ‘HE research' employment cluster, although some are found in research roles outside the HE sector.

Much of this research work is very similar in nature to the research work the new entrant carried out as a doctoral student, with an increased level of responsibility. As a result, most entrants into these research roles should have a good idea of the basic nature of the job and many of the key responsibilities. Clinical roles will differ more.

Professional psychologists of all kinds are likely to carry out research in addition to their applied work. Most university lecturers and teaching staff are expected to be researchers and to contribute to the body of knowledge on their subject.

Research appointments can be made within research units that employ research scientists. However, only a limited number of people are able to have careers that consist solely of research, or to gain permanent research posts. Those with doctorates in psychology and the Graduate Basis for Registration (GBR) can apply for registration as chartered psychologists and full membership of the Division for Teachers and Researchers in Psychology (DTRP)

Typical work activities

Typical activities include:

  • Research, which may take place in the laboratory or in the field, depending on the subject of study
  • Publishing research findings in journals or books. Promotion may be dependent on an individual's reputation as a scholar or researcher
  • Overseeing administration. If combining research with teaching, this can take up a lot of time. Administration may include student selection, putting together teaching programmes, sitting on committees and coordinating aspects of the work in the department 

Some researchers may act as consultants to industry

Entry requirements

This is a very competitive field and it is difficult for anyone without a psychology or medicine background to enter it. For research roles, a doctorate in psychology or medicine is a significant advantage, and for clinical research it is a necessity.

Salary

  • Salaries for research psychologists in the early stages of their career tend to be in line with those for research assistants and junior researchers from around £21,000 to £30,000 depending on qualifications and experience.
  • Typical salaries at senior levels range from £30,000 to £70,000, although this will vary greatly, depending on the sector. For example, in academic settings it depends on whether the researcher is working as a leader of their own research group, is part of another research team, or has secured a lectureship while continuing with research.
  • Professorial pay ranges from £50,000 to £65,000.

Sector and disciplinary information

Sector information

Doctoral graduates from 2006-9 working in this occupation were known to be employed in the following profiled sectors six months after graduation:

Disciplinary background

It is difficult for graduates who are not from a psychology or medicine background to enter this extremely competitive and skilled field.

Career stories

None available

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