Behavioural Scientist

At DG Cities we help our clients harness the power of technology and data to transform our towns and cities, with a practical approach that puts a city and its people first. We work with government, public sector bodies and some of the UK’s leading innovation companies to achieve our goal of using technology to help tackle some of the biggest challenges facing us today, including sustainability, inclusion, and the climate emergency.

We believe that technology solutions are only effective if they support positive behaviour change that brings benefits to as many as possible. New technology is most effective when designed collaboratively with engaged users and communities and tested with their input.

We are looking for a behavioural scientist to support our Social Research and Evaluation practice. Reporting to the Director of Research and Insights, you'll work across the company's projects and services to deliver high quality research centred around understanding how we can maximise the benefits of technology by coupling new technology deployments with behaviour change interventions.

DG Cities is a multidisciplinary organisation working across multiple sectors and with a variety of different stakeholders and clients. Key to this role will be to work collaboratively with other technical specialists, sharing knowledge and insights to enable a holistic ‘whole city’ approach. Recent projects have included supporting a UK Council to improving cycling rates using behavioural change approaches, and combining smart cameras and behaviour change communications to tackle fly-tipping on council estates.

At DG Cities we value all cultures, backgrounds and experiences, as we truly believe that diversity drives innovation. Join our mission to make innovations work better for a city’s residents and ensure that tech brings tangible benefits that are inclusive and accessible to all.

• Design and delivery of behavioural science activities and projects, including the development of research materials, the design and delivery of research methodologies, and the production of reports and other research outputs.
• Analysis and synthesis of data to develop clear findings that inform decisions.
• Build relationships with local authorities, private sector and academic institutions on topics related to behavioural science in disciplines including environment, built environment, mobility and sustainability.
• Support the writing of project proposals and bids for funded projects.
• Write copy for shareable content based on DG Cities research, including blogs, web-articles, presentations, executive summaries and reports.
• Present research findings to clients, partners and other key stakeholders.
• Raise awareness of DG Cities behavioural science practice via networks, including through social media (e.g. LinkedIn, Twitter) and through networking events.

Expertise:

• Knowledge of behavioural science/behavioural economics and/or psychology: knowledge, to degree level, of cognitive or social psychology, within a behavioural science or behavioural economics discipline. This should include knowledge of established behaviour change theories, including, theory of planned behaviour, nudge theory, Social Cognitive Theory and established behaviour change models e.g. The Behaviour Change Wheel.
• Experimental design: experience delivering behavioural science experiments within a public or private sector setting. This should include A/B testing and randomized control trials (RCTs). You should also have broad knowledge and awareness of a range of social science research methods, such as literature reviews, surveys, interviews and workshops and understand their benefits and limitations.
• Analysis and synthesis. Comfortable using experimental data to develop clear findings that inform decisions. You know how to involve colleagues in analysis and synthesis to increase consensus and challenge assumptions. You are able to conduct statistical analyses of quantitative data sets (e.g. T-tests, ANOVAs and measures of statistical significance) using software such as SPSS. This should include confidence with statistical methods including randomisation, and statistical power analysis. You have experience conducting qualitative analysis (e.g. coding and thematic analysis), ideally using NVivo or similar coding suite.
• Able science-communicator, confident at disseminating findings: You understand the importance of using evidence to make decisions, and are able to break complex behavioural science and behaviour change concepts down into simple and accessible forms for stakeholders to apply. You are comfortable presenting information and insights at conferences, workshops, and to clients and key stakeholders.
• Understanding of ethical research practices and guidelines: you have experience delivering user-centred research projects against ethical standards (e.g. ESRC Ethical Research Standards) and apply these research standards in your own practice.

Behaviours:

• Collaborative and expert: you are able to work in a multidisciplinary environment with experts from different fields to develop and deliver complex projects. You partner to deliver projects, and are comfortable sharing your expertise and perspectives. You seek expertise from others and support clients/stakeholders to make the best use of available expertise.
• Inclusive approach to research and partnership working: You understand the importance of working with diverse groups to develop representative research findings, and are able to develop inclusive methods and communications.

We’d love it if you have:

• Experience working in a product development environment with digital developers, service designers and user researchers.
• Experience in facilitating workshops with diverse groups including clients and community groups.
• Experience delivering behaviour change projects in a policy, local authority or sustainability discipline.
• A commitment to urban innovation and sustainability.
• Experience in delivering externally funded programmes.

For an informal chat about the role please contact Ed Houghton on ed.houghton@dgcities.com

To apply please send your CV and a covering letter of no more than 2 pages detailing your interest and suitability for the role to ed.houghton@dgcities.com, including the subject line: BEHAVIOURAL SCIENTIST APPLICATION

The closing date for applications is 23:59 on Monday 23rd September 2024.