Fixed Term Postdoctoral Research Assistant/ Associate

Heriot-Watt University Edinburgh is seeking to recruit an enthusiastic candidate to help deliver research in the area of Developmental Psychology. The successful candidate will be employed for a period of 8-months and will be required to fulfil the research obligations of a project entitled ‘Assessing speech difficulties in children ages 4-6 years, using an App’. This research is funded by the ESRC and is led by Dr Avin Mirawdeli.  

The post-holder will be required to demonstrate a thorough knowledge of statistical analyses, project management and have a working knowledge of a range of topics within the sphere of speech and language development/disorders.  

All of the research activities and the project reporting will be undertaken in English and so fluency is essential. 

Key Duties & Responsibilities

• Conduct and manage research and related administrative activities, with guidance as required, ensuring that project aims and objectives are met. 
• Work closely with the supervisory team to develop and plan research objectives. 
• Present information on research progress and outcomes to, for example, project lead, funding body, university research committee, research team, etc. 
• Conduct literature and database searches. 
• Maintain written records of research results and progress and conduct data entry/analysis.  
• Contribute to the production of research reports and publications and other dissemination activities. 
• Analyse and interpret the results of own research and generate original ideas based on outcomes. 
• Ensure that all data collection undertaken as part of the project is done ethically and in line with both UK (GDPR) and in compliance with the requirements of the funder. 

Applicants should note that Intellectual Property generated as part of this research will belong to both Heriot Watt University & the project funder.

Please note that this job description is not exhaustive, and the role holder may be required to undertake other relevant duties commensurate with the grading of the post and its general responsibilities.  Activities may be subject to amendment over time as the role develops and/or priorities and requirements evolve.   

Person Specification

Essential

• PhD in Psychology or a related cognate discipline
• Knowledge of statistical analyses methods and software (e.g. SPSS, STATA, R) 
• Clear communicator with good reading and writing skills; good at understanding and explaining concepts
• Ability to conceptualize problems and develop well-reasoned and logical viewpoints
• Fluent (verbal and written) in English
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Software (Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint) 
• Hardworking, proactive, willing to learn new things
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team
• Flexible, self-motivated and able to plan his/her own work
• Good interpersonal skills

Desirable

• Master or equivalent in appropriate discipline
• Knowledge of Speech and language disorder symptoms in children
• Possesses research and analytical skills with strong capacity to conduct independent research
• Research experience
• Experience of publishing papers in journals/ conferences

Please send a CV & a Cover Letter by midnight on the Sunday the 17th of July

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