Research Associate

Job title:

Research Associate

Company

Cardiff University

Job description

School / DirectorateSchool of PsychologyAdvertResearch Associate
School of PsychologyWe have an exciting opportunity for two Postdoctoral Research Associates with a PhD (or nearing completion) in Psychology (or a related field) to co-lead one of two research projects at the Cardiff Babylab.The first project, which is funded by a UKRI Future Leaders Fellowship awarded to Dr Hana D’Souza, will focus on studying the everyday visual experiences of young children with and without Down syndrome.The second project, which is funded by a UKRI Future Leaders Fellowship awarded to Dr Dean D’Souza, will focus on using naturalistic and experimental methods to understand how typically developing infants adapt to bilingual environments.Both projects will primarily be carried out in participants’ homes using head-mounted cameras to record the children’s visual experiences.Additionally, the first project will use eye tracking technology and the second project will use neuroimaging.Each post holder will join and co-lead a large team with a diverse range of responsibilities, including research design, participant recruitment, data curation, data sharing, data analysis, and dissemination of results (including manuscript preparation and conference presentations). Training and support will be provided as required.These positions are particularly suited for those aiming to pursue an independent career in developmental science.Research Environment
The successful candidates will be based at the Cardiff Babylab in the Cardiff University Centre for Human Developmental Science (CUCHDS). CUCHDS houses some of the most advanced equipment for infant research, including state-of-the-art eye tracking, functional near infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS), and magnetoencephalography with optically pumped magnetometers (OPM-MEG). The candidates may also be affiliated with the Cardiff University Brain Research Imaging Centre (CUBRIC), which is one of the largest and technologically most advanced imaging centres in Europe. Both CUCHDS and CUBRIC are part of the School of Psychology at Cardiff. The School is one of the strongest in the UK for world-leading research in psychology, psychiatry, and neuroscience – e.g., it is ranked 6th in the UK for research power (Research Excellence Framework 2021).We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive team and strongly encourage candidates from underrepresented groups to apply.Secondment opportunity welcome – please note for Cardiff University members of staff interested in this post on a secondment basis, permission will need to be sought from your current Line Manager before applying.In your personal statement, please indicate whether you want to be considered for the first, second, or both projects. Your preference will not impact on the selection process.For any queries or an informal discussion about this opportunity, please contact Dr Dean D’Souza (DSouzaD2@cardiff.ac.uk).These positions are full-time, 35 hours per week and fixed term for 2 years.Salary: £39,347 – £44,263 per annum, pro-rata (Grade 6).
Please note that it is not expected that we will appoint above grade 6 spine point 32, currently £39,347 per annum, pro-rata.Date advert posted: Wednesday, 31 July 2024
Closing Date: Thursday, 12 September 2024This post has previously been advertised to employees of Cardiff University only. We now invite external applications.Please be aware that Cardiff University reserves the right to close this vacancy early should sufficient applications be received.Cardiff University is committed to supporting and promoting equality and diversity and to creating an inclusive working environment. We believe this can be achieved through attracting, developing, and retaining a diverse range of staff from many different backgrounds. We therefore welcome applicants from all sections of the community regardless of sex, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, trans identity, relationship status, religion or belief, caring responsibilities, or age. In supporting our employees to achieve a balance between their work and their personal lives, we will also consider proposals for flexible working or job share arrangements.Applications may be submitted in Welsh, and an application submitted in Welsh will not be treated less favourably than an application submitted in English.Cardiff University is a signatory to the San Francisco Declaration on Research Assessment (DORA), which means that in hiring and promotion decisions we will evaluate applicants on the quality of their research, not publication metrics or the identity of the journal in which the research is published. More information is available at:Post Reference Number18910BRJob DescriptionTo conduct research within developmental science and contribute to the overall research performance of the School and University, carrying out research leading to the publishing of high-quality research. To pursue excellence in research and to inspire others to do the same.Research

• To conduct research within developmental science and contribute to the overall research performance of the School and University by the production of measurable outputs including bidding for funding, publishing in national academic journals and conferences, and the recruitment and supervision of postgraduate research students.
• To develop research objectives and proposals for own or joint research including research funding proposals
• To attend and or present at conferences/seminars at a local and national level as required
• To undertake administrative tasks associated with the research project, including the planning and organisation of the project and the implementation of procedures required to ensure accurate and timely reporting
• To prepare research ethics and research governance applications as appropriate
• To review and synthesise existing research literature within the field
• To participate in School research activities.
• To build and create networks both internally and externally to the university, to influence decisions, explore future research requirements, and share research ideas for the benefit of research projects

Other

• To engage effectively with industrial, commercial and public sector organisations, professional institutions, other academic institutions etc., regionally and nationally to raise awareness of the School’s profile, to cultivate strategically valuable alliances, and to pursue opportunities for collaboration across a range of activities. These activities are expected to contribute to the School and the enhancement of its regional and national profile.
• To undergo personal and professional development that is appropriate to and which will enhance performance.
• Any other duties not included above, but consistent with the role.

Salary Range Max.44,263GradeGrade 6Salary Range Min.39,347Job CategoryAcademic – ResearchCareer PathwayResearchPerson SpecificationIMPORTANT NOTE: When submitting your supporting statement, you must provide evidence as to how you meet each of the essential (and desirable if applicable) criteria below. We suggest that you do so by using each of the criteria as sub-headings, providing written evidence of your relevant skills underneath. Before uploading this attachment, please ensure that you include ****BR within the filename.Essential Criteria
Qualifications and Education
1. Postgraduate degree at PhD level (or nearing completion/submission) in Psychology or a related subject area or relevant industrial experienceKnowledge, Skills and Experience
2. An established expertise and proven portfolio of research and/or relevant industrial experience within either:
I. developmental psychology/science
ii. cognitive psychology/science/neuroscience
3. Knowledge of current status of theories and research in developmental psychology/science
4. Proven ability to publish in national/international journals and/or present at national/international conferences and/or other research outputs
5. Knowledge and understanding of competitive research funding to be able to develop applications to funding bodiesCommunication and Team Working
6. Proven ability in effective and persuasive communication
7. Ability to supervise the work of others to focus team efforts and motivate individualsOther
8. Proven ability to demonstrate creativity, innovation and team-working and work without close supervision.
9. Proven ability to work without close supervision.
10. Proven ability to analyse complex data with software such as MATLAB, R, or Python.Desirable Criteria
11. Experience liaising with parents/caregivers
12. Research experience with children and/or families and/or neurodiverse populations
13. Evidence of ability to participate in and develop both internal and external networks and utilise them to enhance the research activities of the School.

Expected salary

£39347 – 44263 per year

Location

Cardiff

Job date

Wed, 24 Jul 2024 06:36:48 GMT

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