We have an exciting opportunity for TWO Research Assistants with a degree (or nearing completion) in Psychology (or a related field) to join 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.
The post holders will join a large team and assist with various aspects of research, including: (1) participant recruitment; (2) data collection; and (3) data entry and data annotation. There will also be opportunities to engage in data analysis, dissemination, and supervision as appropriate.
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.
These positions are part-time (0.6 FTE), 21 hours per week, and fixed term until September 2025.
Main Duties and Responsibilities
• To assist with research, including (1) participant recruitment, (2) data collection, and (3) data entry and data annotation
• Attend participants home to carry out the research work for the project.
• Actively participate within the research group, communicating and presenting research at meetings, through publications and other recognised avenues as appropriate, ensuring information is communicated to internal and external partners
• To contribute and support research publications and presentations as required
• To analyse and communicate complex ideas, concepts and data using appropriate methods and packages
• To resolve issues and support colleagues in devising procedures required to ensure accurate and timely reporting
• To generate research output and contribute to the development of independent and original ideas as appropriate
• To provide support in research activities for undergraduate courses and research programmes and provide guidance to other members of staff within the research team
• To maintain and update area of specialist knowledge, researching and critically appraising relevant literature within the area.
Other
• To undergo personal and professional development that is appropriate to and which will enhance performance.
• To ensure that an understanding of the importance of confidentiality is applied when undertaking all duties
• To abide by the University policies on Health and Safety and Equality and Diversity
• Any other duties not included above, but consistent with the role.
Qualifications and Education
1. A high 2:1 degree (or nearing completion) in Psychology or a relevant discipline, or equivalent experience
Knowledge, Skills and Experience
2. Knowledge of theories, research methods, and techniques within either developmental psychology/science or cognitive psychology/science
3. Proven ability to input, prepare, and analyse complex information and summarise appropriately
4. Knowledge and understanding of competitive research funding to be able to develop applications to funding bodies
Communication and Team Working
5. Proven communication skills, including presentation to various audiences
6. Excellent organisational and team-working skills
Other
7. Proven ability to demonstrate creativity, innovation and teamworking within work
8. Proven ability to work with children and/or families and/or neurodiverse populations
9. Driving licence / access to vehicle as the role involves traveling to the participants home.
Desirable Criteria
1. Research experience with children and/or families and/or neurodiverse populations
2. Proven ability to work without close supervision
3. Proven ability to adapt to the changing requirements of the Higher Education community
4. Flexibility in adjusting to participant scheduling demands (this may include weekend work and/or staying at hotels for brief periods of time to reach children with Down syndrome and their families).
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