Human Behavioural Performance Scientist

Company Description Solutions Makers is a private, research-based advisory specialising in cognitive and physical performance. The organization provides strategic counsel to founders, senior leaders and SMEs where conventional advice is insufficient.Solutions Makers focuses on the deep foundations of performance—judgement, authority, influence, energy and capacity based on tested principles of human performance science. The Behavioural and Performance Scientist will lead the company’s and clients’ research work concerning human behaviour, cognitive performance, physical capacity and sustainable performance.The postholder will investigate how behavioural, cognitive, social and physical factors influence decision-making, resilience, performance and behaviour change and support delivery of tailored workplace interventions of client companies. They will collect, analyse and implement scientific evidence into documented assessment methods, interventions, structured educational programmes and evaluation frameworks for private and organisational clients.The role requires advanced, PhD-level, scientific knowledge and practical skills related to cognitive and physical performance, because the role will independently evaluate scientific evidence, develop research methods, analyse complex data and make scientifically defensible recommendations and assessments of private and organisational clients. Principal responsibilities1. Applied behavioural research (est. 45%)Develop the company’s programme in behavioural science, cognitive performance and sustained behaviour change for organisational clients based on data collected from the client organisations. Formulate research questions relevant to the company’s clients, services and programme development.Conduct structured reviews and critical appraisals of behavioural, cognitive, physical (for private clients), neuroscientific and public-health evidence.Design protocols, evaluation frameworks, questionnaires and data-collection methods.Investigate behavioural barriers, decision patterns, motivation, habit formation, environmental influences and social determinants of performance or workplace wellbeing to address the growing need and demand for cognitive resilience in the workplace. Select appropriate qualitative and quantitative research methods.Analyse behavioural and programme-outcome data using appropriate statistical and interpretative methods following the completion of the engagement with clients. Document research methods, assumptions, limitations, findings and recommendations.Develop evidence-informed behavioural assessment and intervention frameworks.Review the reliability, validity and practical limitations of measures used by the company.2. Human-performance science (est. 25%)Examine the interaction between cognitive performance, behaviour, physical capacity, fatigue, recovery and environmental demands in the workplace (for corporate clients and individual clients)Develop evidence-informed methods for assessing sustainable individual and organisational performance.Integrate relevant findings from cognitive neuroscience, behavioural science, exercise science and sports science, and evaluate physical-performance and recovery information within the postholder’s scientific competence.Identify behavioural and environmental factors affecting adherence to physical-performance programmes.Work with appropriately qualified professionals where exercise prescription, medical assessment or another regulated activity falls outside the postholder’s professional scope.Evaluate the effectiveness and practical application of performance interventions (as in point 1)Translate scientific findings into clear, proportionate and measurable recommendations for clients. 3. Research-led consultancy and business development (up to 20%)Contribute scientific analysis to Solutions Makers’ consultancy Prepare evidence-based reports explaining identified needs, relevant findings, limitations and recommended interventions.Design measurable programmes addressing behaviour, performance, energy management, resilience and decision-making.Collaborate with the company’s licensed physician on work involving medical or health considerations.Refer clinical questions, diagnosis, treatment decisions and regulated medical activities to the company’s licensed physician or another appropriate healthcare professional.Maintain a clear distinction between scientific consultancy, education and regulated clinical care.4. Scientific education (est. 10%)Design and deliver research-led workshops, seminars and educational materials.Translate complex evidence into accurate and accessible information for non-specialist audiences.Review educational materials for scientific accuracy, appropriate qualification and consistency with current evidence.Evaluate participant learning and use findings to improve future programmes.Research governance and professional standardsThe postholder will:Maintain complete and auditable records of research, evidence searches, data sources, analytical decisions and programme evaluations.Comply with applicable data protection standards, confidentiality requirements and company information-governance policies.Report findings accurately, including uncertainty, limitations and conflicting evidence.Avoid making unsupported clinical, scientific or performance claims.Work within their qualifications and professional competence.Declare and appropriately manage conflicts of interest.Essential qualificationsA completed PhD (or equivalent) qualification in cognitive neuroscience, behavioural neuroscience, biological sciences or a closely related discipline.Previous experience of working in a regulated industryDemonstrable experience in training in research design, critical evidence appraisal and scientific analysis.Competence in quantitative, qualitative or mixed-methods research applied in commercial environment (not only academic), including documented ability to build, maintain, develop and engage relevant expert network. Ability to analyse data and communicate its meaning, limitations and practical implications to wide range of audiences. Detailed understanding of research ethics, informed consent, confidentiality and data governance.At least 5 years of relevant industry experienceFull driving license, clean recordRight to Work in the UKEssential experience and capabilitiesExperience conducting or contributing to scientific research.Evidence of experience critically evaluating peer-reviewed literature.Evidence of experience developing research protocols, assessment methods or evaluation frameworks.Evidence and experience designing and delivering professional education.Documented knowledge of behavioural change, cognitive performance and human-performance science.Ability to integrate evidence from behavioural, biological and performance disciplines, produce clear scientific reports for professional and non-specialist audiences.Ability to work independently while collaborating with medical, scientific and business professionals.Desirable experiencePublished peer-reviewed research or conference presentations (preferable)Experience in sports science, exercise science or physical-performance settings (additional qualifications in that space are highly desirable)Previous experience in customer-facing roles (highly desireable)Experience evaluating workplace, leadership or organisational interventions.Experience working with senior executives, founders or multidisciplinary professional teams.5 or more years of experience working outside of academic setting (commercial, industry, etc)Expected outputsDuring the first 12 months, the postholder will be expected to:Establish a documented applied behavioural and performance-science research plan for private and organisational clientsDevelop a structured evidence-review process.Create and document behavioural and performance assessment frameworks.Establish appropriate baseline and outcome measures for relevant company programmes.Produce scientific reports supporting programme development and organisational consultancy.Develop research-led educational content and workshops.Maintain a research register recording projects, methods, governance, findings and resulting service improvements.Produce periodic reports evaluating the effectiveness and limitations of company interventions.Publication of scientific or popular science articles related to company activities in relevant areas Performance assessmentPerformance will be assessed against:Scientific quality and integrity.Completion of defined outputs.Quality and reproducibility of relevant documentation.Appropriate research and information governance.Accuracy and clarity of scientific reports.Practical contribution to the company’s consultancy and educational services.Effective multidisciplinary collaboration.Adherence to professional boundaries and scope of competence.Client feedbackEmployment: Permanent, full-time, on-site Working hours: 37.5 hours per weekBasic salary: £38,000 gross per annum