Be at the heart of actionFly remote-controlled drones into enemy territory to gather vital information.

Apply Now

Defence College of Air and Space Operations - Psychologist

UK Civil Service
Shawbury
11 months ago
Applications closed

Related Jobs

View all jobs

Space Systems Mechanical, Thermal & Propulsion Procurement Placement (12 months)

Future Programmes, Earth Observation and Science Placement (12 Months)

FPGA Engineer

Algorithm Engineer

Cleanroom Technician

Head of Aerospace Manufacturing

Job summary

The Defence College of Air and Space Operations (DCASO) has adopted a significant cultural change in educational methods and delivery of training. The College requires the professional support of a full time Psychologist to enable individual potential to be recognised and improve course pass rates to grow a stronger Air Operations Profession of the future at all ranks.

You will support the delivery of psychological support and structured coaching and mentoring opportunities for both trainees and trainers of the DCASO to maximise the development of both.

You will provide advice to the DCASO regarding Continuous Improvement in educational methods and the delivery of training.

You will research, develop and deliver targeted Human Performance training.

You will maintain a close liaison with the Defence Science and Technical Laboratories Project Teams recommending research questions and providing advice and support to research topics as required.

If you believe that people are at the heart of any successful team and have a fervent interest in enabling others to achieve their potential, join us!

Please note that this role is predominantly site-based as regular in-person attendance is required to deliver the primary task and to realise the benefits of face-to-face collaboration. The DCASO does however, embrace flexible ways of working as the role permits to support work-life balance.

This position is advertised at 37 hours per week.

Job description

As the post holder, you will be responsible to the Commandant DCASO, through Officer Commanding DCASO, for supporting Air Operations training through researching, developing and delivering advances to education and supporting individual learning. Your responsibilities will include, but are not limited to:

Leading the research and development in pedagogical strategies, development of effective learning environments and trainee/trainer engagement in Air Operations training. Leading the research and development to enhance Human Performance training for Air Operations personnel, maintaining an up to date knowledge of relevant research and acting as an intelligent customer. Remaining up to date with military, civilian and academic developments in education and training and their potential application to Air Operations. Delivering lessons to the Air Operations trainers with reference to the psychological aspects of the training environment and factors affecting performance, such as learning strategies and techniques, managing workload, stress, modes of delivery and individual differences. Providing specialist educational advice along with performance and developmental coaching to support individual learning, enhance trainee and trainer performance and reduce training wastage at the DCASO. Representing the DCASO at relevant Working Group meetings and committees. Maintaining a close liaison with other organisations, both civil and military involved in Human Performance research and trg and providing specialist knowledge and support if/when appropriate. Delivering presentations at military and civilian academic conferences as required. Maintaining a close liaison with MOD psychologists and Defence Science and Technical Laboratories and Project Teams providing advice and support when required.

Person specification

We are looking for you to demonstrate your evidence against the following essential criteria:

Experience in the Research and Development of Human Performance. Experience conducting rigorous assessments and studies into training quality and methodologies. Experience delivering psychological support and coaching. Excellent report writing and presentational skills. Proven IT skills including: Excel, Word and Statistical Package for the Social Sciences. Post holder will be expected to complete a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.�

Behaviours

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

Seeing the Big Picture Working Together Making Effective Decisions Leadership Changing and Improving Developing Self and Others

We only ask for evidence of these behaviours on your application form:

Leadership Changing and Improving Developing Self and Others

Benefits

Alongside your salary of �43,080, Ministry of Defence contributes �12,480 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Learning and development tailored to your role.An environment with flexible working options.A culture encouraging inclusion and diversity.A with an average employer contribution of 27%.Number of leave days!!!!RAF Shawbury has a superb on-site gymnasium and creche facilities.� Excellent staff dining facilities are also available on the Station.

Where business needs allow, some roles may be suitable for a combination of office and home-based working.� This is a non-contractual arrangement where all office-based employees will be expected to spend a minimum of 60% of their working time in office, subject to capacity and any required workplace adjustments. Requirements to attend other locations for official business, or work in another MOD office, will also count towards this level of attendance. Applicants can request further information regarding how this may work in their team from the Vacancy Holder (see advert for contact details). Defence Business Services cannot respond to any questions about working arrangements.

The post does not offer relocation expenses.

External recruits who join the MOD who are new to the Civil Service will be subject to a six-month probation period.

Please Note: Expenses incurred for travel to interviews will not be reimbursed.

Please be advised that the Department is conducting a review of all pay related allowances which could impact on those allowances that the post currently being advertised attracts.

Any move to MOD from another employer will mean you can no longer access childcare vouchers. This includes moves between government departments. You may however be eligible for other government schemes, including Tax-Free Childcare. Determine your eligibility at .

The Ministry of Defence is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for its staff which includes educating them on the benefits of not smoking, protecting them from the harmful effects of second-hand smoke and supporting those who want to give up smoking. Under the Smoke-Free Working Environment policy, Smoking and the use of all tobacco products (including combustible and chewing tobacco products) will not be permitted anywhere in the Defence working environment however some exemptions are in place, please refer to local guidance. The policy is Whole Force and includes all Defence personnel, contractors, visitors and other non-MOD personnel. All applicants seeking, considering, or accepting employment with the Ministry of Defence should be aware of this policy and that it is already in place at a number of Defence Establishments.

MOD Recruitment Satisfaction Survey � we may contact you regarding your experience to help us improve our customer satisfaction. The survey is voluntary and anonymous. You may however be given the opportunity to provide additional information to help us improve our service which includes the collection of some personal data as defined by the United Kingdom General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR). The MOD Privacy Notice sets out how we will use your personal data and your rights.

Subscribe to Future Tech Insights for the latest jobs & insights, direct to your inbox.

By subscribing, you agree to our privacy policy and terms of service.

Industry Insights

Discover insightful articles, industry insights, expert tips, and curated resources.

Why the UK Could Be the World’s Next Space Jobs Hub

Space is no longer just the domain of governments and large agencies. Commercial satellites, Earth-observation, space communications, space launch, applications using satellite data, and downstream services are becoming essential components of national and global infrastructure. Whether for climate monitoring, telecommunications, security, navigation, agriculture, or disaster management, space technologies underpin many of the systems we take for granted. In recent years, the UK has been steadily building its space sector: advancing policy, strengthening research, encouraging private investment, establishing new facilities, and growing its workforce. As this momentum continues, demand is rising for professionals in engineering, operations, software, analysis, project management, regulation, and more. For those interested in ambitious, cutting-edge, and high-impact careers, the UK space sector offers compelling prospects. This article explores why the United Kingdom is exceptionally well placed to become a global space jobs hub, what the current landscape looks like, the roles in demand, sectoral strengths, challenges to be addressed, and what must happen for the UK to fulfil this role in the global space economy.

The Best Free Tools & Platforms to Practise Space Skills in 2025/26

Space has always inspired human imagination, but today it is also a booming global industry. The UK space sector is worth billions, employing tens of thousands of people and spanning everything from satellite communications and Earth Observation to spacecraft design, propulsion, and deep-space exploration. With growth forecast for the coming decade, there has never been a better time to prepare for a career in space technology. Yet the reality of working in the space sector is that theory alone is not enough. Employers want candidates who can demonstrate applied skills — the ability to design, model, simulate, and test. They want to see you can handle data, understand system integration, and work with the same kinds of tools used in industry. The challenge is that professional software suites in aerospace and space engineering are often prohibitively expensive. But here’s the good news: there are many free and open-source tools available that allow you to practise space-related skills right now. From mission visualisation and data processing to computational fluid dynamics and systems engineering, these tools let you gain hands-on experience without spending a penny. In this article, we explore the best free tools and platforms to practise space skills in 2025. You’ll learn what each one offers, how it supports your development, and how to use it in projects that strengthen your portfolio for space sector jobs.

Top 10 Skills in UK Space Careers According to LinkedIn & Indeed Job Postings

The UK space sector is accelerating fast—expanding through satellite communications, Earth observation, launch services, and new technologies like small satellites and space robotics. As this dynamic industry grows, employers are seeking professionals who can blend engineering, data, software, and operations with strategic insight. But what skills actually get you noticed in UK space sector job ads? Drawing from LinkedIn and Indeed, this article lays out the Top 10 space industry skills in demand for 2025. You’ll also get practical guidance on showcasing these skills in your CV, interviews, and portfolio, plus a 12-week learning roadmap to build them.