Behavioural Scientist

We are looking for someone who is passionate about human insights and behaviour change, to deliver projects with tangible impacts for transport users in the West Midlands.

Do you have a qualification in social sciences with experience of undertaking qualitative & quantitative analysis, translating research into transferrable insights? Are you curious about how policy and behavioural interventions can encourage sustainable transport choices? Do you have an understanding of how behavioural science, models and techniques could be used to meet transport, climate and health outcomes? If so, this may be the perfect role for you.

Transport for West Midlands have pioneered a centre of excellence for transport behaviour change, called the Influencing Transport Lab (ITL). We have a brand-new role for a Behavioural Scientist to deliver high quality testing and evaluation of behaviour change initiatives. This is a permanent role that is critical in order for us to deliver a sustainable future for transport and make sure that it is effective for the region.

You will be part of a knowledgeable and small team that are driving change and specifically looking at ways of collating intelligence by supporting trials and experiments, as well as undertaking primary research and impact assessments. You will work to develop and share evidence, using behavioural science to provide expert advice on how best to deliver transport behaviour change ethically. This is a varied role where you will work with a variety of stakeholders including industry, academia and central government departments. You will be required to write reports, produce presentations and provide evidence synthesis, design methodologies and research plans.

We need someone with an in depth understanding of human psychology, behaviour change models and academic best practice who understands how this information can be used in transport applications to shape the future of transport.

• Develop and review the evidence base on behavioural drivers of sustainable travel, modal shift, journey avoidance and demand reduction.
• Communicate scientific evidence to support sustainable travel interventions to key decision makers and policymakers.
• Review/undertake public insight research to inform communication on modal shift, sustainable travel, and journey avoidance.
• Seek innovative ways of collecting and accessing objective data including cocreation and community engagement.
• Support delivery of testing of behavioural interventions across different transport use-cases.
• Develop robust monitoring and evaluation trials.
• Lead on analysis and reporting of findings from behaviour interventions.
• Respond to requests from the Transport for West Midlands and other national, local, and regional authority departments, for advice on the transport behaviour change.

• A degree in behavioural science, psychology, behavioural economics or a related discipline
• Good understanding of behaviour change frameworks, theories and models
• Knowledge of evaluation methods and experience of using research methods
• Experience of undertaking systematic reviews and meta-analysis
• Experience planning and managing projects and delivering to deadlines
• Ability to critically assess technical papers on behaviour and transport and make judgements based on complex and uncertain information
• Ability to undertake quantitative and qualitative analysis with support from data insights and human intelligence teams
• Ability to communicate clearly and persuasively, both in writing and verbally
• Writing papers and research proposals
• Understand the ethical considerations of applying behavioural insights in transport

Salary and benefits.

We advertise salary ranges for job roles, with new appointments typically starting at the lowest salary point. In exceptional cases, where higher skill levels or experience are applicable, the salary point may be adjusted to secure the best candidate. This approach allows for potential year-on-year salary increases, offering progression and appropriate rewards to employees.

We offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes a Local Government Pension Scheme, 28 days of paid annual leave, Cycle to Work Scheme, and discounted shopping with over 2,000 big-name retailers. For more details, please visit the benefits page on our careers site.

Location and working pattern – what you can expect.

The location for this role is 16 Summer Lane. It is expected that you can split your time between the office and working remotely, with at least 2 days a month spent in the office.

Creating an inclusive workplace.

West Midlands Combined Authority is dedicated to creating a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace that reflects the communities of the West Midlands region. We recognise that certain groups, such as women and people of colour, may be less likely to apply for roles if they feel they do not meet all the requirements. However, we encourage individuals who are passionate about the role and want to make a difference to still apply. We value potential and encourage applicants to highlight their skills, including transferable ones, even if they don't fit the traditional "perfect candidate" mould.

We gladly consider part-time, flexible, and job share arrangements, so please don't let these factors deter you from applying. If your values align with ours and you are dedicated to working towards a future we can all be proud of, we would love to hear from you.

About us.

Our vision is to create a better connected, more prosperous, fairer, greener, and healthier region. We aim to achieve this vision by living our values, which include being a partnership organisation, valuing and respecting our people, fostering a can-do attitude, and encouraging innovation. WMCA holds diversity accreditations, such as "Leaders in Diversity," and has been recognized as one of the Inclusive Top 50 Employers and The Times Top 50 Employers for Women. We are also a Disability Confident Employer, committed to interviewing all applicants with disabilities who meet the essential role criteria. WMCA believes that building a team with varied backgrounds and experiences will benefit us as an employer and enhance our work.

Reasonable adjustments.

If you have an accessibility requirement, disability, or condition that means you might require changes to the recruitment process, please get in touch with our Recruitment Team (careers@wmca.org.uk). We are here to assist and accommodate your needs.

Thank you for considering joining our team at WMCA. We look forward to receiving your application and the opportunity to work together towards our shared goals.

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