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At Durham University we are proud of our people. A globally outstanding centre of educational excellence, a collegiate community of extraordinary people, a unique and historic setting – Durham is a university like no other. We believe that inspiring our people to do outstanding things at Durham enables Durham people to do outstanding things professionally and personally.

Across the University we have a huge variety of roles and career opportunities, which together make us a large and successful community, which is a key hub of activity within our region and nationally. We would be thrilled if you would consider joining our thriving University. Further information about the University can be found here.

The department

Founded in 1952, the Department of Psychology is consistently ranked as one of the very best in the UK with an outstanding reputation for excellence in teaching, research and student employability. The department is committed to creating and maintaining a research environment that spans the entire breadth of psychology. Currently the department’s research falls within three groupings: Cognitive Neuroscience, Developmental Science, and Quantitative Social Psychology.

The department is extremely well-equipped for research, including facilities for fMRI, TMS, tDCS, EEG/ERP, VR, eye movement tracking, and biophysiological recording. The department also has a motion capture lab for analysis of visuomotor action and experiments in immersive VR, a ‘bar’ lab for naturalistic studies in health psychology, and setups for psychophysics including an echo-attenuated chamber.

The role

Research Assistant (grade 6) on research project ‘Neuroinclusive Research For All’

We are looking for a research assistant to join us on a participatory research project working with a neurodiverse group of people to explore 1) where we can make adaptations to ensure community partners have equitable access in the research process, and 2) co-develop guidance for researchers and community members working in neurodiverse partnerships to create sustainable practices for future research.

Responsibilities

To understand and convey information which needs careful explanation to the team or group of people through presentations, discussions and meetings which contribute to the production of research reports and publications.
To write up results of research work, present information on research progress and outcomes to bodies supervising research in a clear and accurate manner.
To analyse or undertake basic research by deciding how best to apply existing methodology according to overall context and objectives.
To deal with problems that may affect the achievement of research objectives and deadlines by discussing with the Principal Investigator or Grant-holder and offering creative or innovative solutions.
To liaise with research colleagues and make internal and external contacts to develop knowledge and understanding to form relationships for future research collaboration.
To contribute to the planning of research projects.
To assist in contributing to support student projects on the use of research methods and equipment.
To contribute to fostering a collegial and respectful working environment which is inclusive and welcoming and where everyone is treated fairly with dignity and respect.
To engage in wider citizenship to support the department and wider discipline.
To engage in continuing professional development by attending relevant training and development courses.
Any other specific responsibilities.

This post is fixed term for 3 months, the funding is available from early 2025 for this fixed period only; the project is time limited and will end on 30th June 2025.

The post-holder is employed to work on research/a research project which will be led by another colleague. Whilst this means that the post-holder will not be carrying out independent research in his/her own right, the expectation is that they will contribute to the advancement of the project, through the development of their own research ideas/adaptation and development of research protocols.

Successful applicants will, ideally, be in post by 24th March 2025.

Working at Durham

A competitive salary is only one part of the many fantastic benefits you will receive if you join the University: you will also receive access to the following fantastic benefits:

30 Days annual leave per year in addition to 8 public holidays and 4 customary days per year – a total of 42 days per year.
The University closes between Christmas and New Year
We offer a generous pension scheme, As a new member of staff you will be automatically enrolled into the University Superannuation Scheme (USS).
No matter how you travel to work, we have you covered. We have parking across campus, a cycle to work scheme which helps you to buy a bike and discount with local bus and train companies.
There is a genuine commitment to developing our colleagues professionally and personally. There is a comprehensive range of development courses, apprenticeships and access to qualifications and routes to develop your career in the University. All staff have dedicated annual time to concentrate on their personal development opportunities.
Lots of support for health and wellbeing including discounted membership for our state of the art sport and gym facilities and access to a 24-7 Employee Assistance Programme.
On site nursery is available plus access to holiday camps for children aged 5-16.
Family friendly policies, including maternity and adoption leave, which are among the most generous in the higher education sector (and likely above and beyond many employers).
The opportunity to take part in staff volunteering activities to make a difference in the local community
Discounts are available via our benefits portal including; money off at supermarkets, high street retailers, IT products such as Apple, the cinema and days out at various attractions.
A salary sacrifice scheme is also available to help you take advantage of tax savings on benefits.
If you are moving to Durham, you may be eligible for help with removal costs and we have a dedicated team who can help you with the practicalities such as house hunting and schools. If you need a visa, we cover most visa costs and offer an interest free loan scheme to pay for dependant visas.

Person specification

Essential criteria

A good first degree in Psychology.
A Masters in Psychology (or related, e.g. Sociology, Education).
Experience in conducting basic academic research or providing research assistance, including the use of standard research methods.
Demonstrable ability to produce concise and well-written reports for a range of beneficiaries
Experience in participatory research methods.
Demonstrable ability to work cooperatively as part of a team, including participating in research meetings.
Ability to manage time effectively and work to strict deadlines.
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills (e.g. ability to communicate with academics and non-academics effectively).
Ability to liaise with a range of stakeholders.

Desirable criteria

A PhD (or be close to submission) in Psychology or a related subject.
Experience of conducting high quality academic research.
Experience of preparing academic papers.
Ability to assist in the provision of support to student projects.
Experience in participatory research methods.
Ability to contribute to the planning and management of independent research.

How to apply

To progress to the assessment stage, candidates must evidence each of the essential criteria required for the role in the person specification below. It will be at the discretion of the recruiting panel as to whether they will also consider any desirable criteria, but we would urge candidates to provide evidence for all criteria.

While some criteria will be considered at the shortlisting stage, other criteria may be considered later in the assessment process, such as questions at interview.

Department of Psychology Research Assistant 2025