Graduate Research Assistant in Neurodiversity and Mathematical Learning

We are seeking a graduate researcher or equivalent professional to join an exciting new project at the interface between developmental psychology, education, and neurodiversity. The new team member will join an interdisciplinary longitudinal project that will employ standardised assessments, experimental measures (e.g., child friendly iPad-based assessments, online assessments), and mixed methods to understand cognitive and educational contributors to early mathematical learning for neurodivergent children. Our focus will be three groups of children with genetic conditions diagnosed early in life (Down’s syndrome, fragile X syndrome, or Williams syndrome), to understand both general and specific contributors to good outcomes leading to independence in early numeracy for neurodivergent children. 

Currently located in the Radcliffe Observatory Quarter, Experimental Psychology will be moving to the new, purpose-built Life and Mind Building a multidisciplinary research and teaching facility due to open in the summer of 2025. 

This position will involve joining an extended team connecting the University of Oxford, Surrey University and University College London. You will be jointly responsible (alongside a postdoctoral researcher and a recruitment officer) for visiting and liaising with schools, working with participating children to collect data, and data coding. You will work collaboratively with the extended research team on all dimensions of the project (recruitment, data collection, longitudinal data collection planning, data curation and open science). You will also contribute to report writing, presentations, publications and dissemination to non-academic audiences.

A keen interest in developmental psychology and education are essential, and either a keen interest or prior experience of working with children with genetic conditions and / or intellectual disability and / or neurodiversity would be an advantage. Excellent communication skills, interests in working as part of an interdisciplinary team are essential. The post-holder will be involved in all aspects of the research project, with a particular focus on cognitive and educational assessment, data entry and data analysis. Prior experience of primary school settings in the context of cognitive or educational assessments is essential.

The successful applicant would be principally based in Oxford, working with Prof Gaia Scerif, but they will benefit from being embedded in an extended research team for this project, including co-PIs Prof Emily Farran (University of Surrey) and Prof Jo van Herwegen (University College London). Gaia Scerif is an internationally recognised expert in genetic syndrome, executive function and mathematics. Emily Farran is an internationally recognised expert in genetic syndromes, and the relationship between spatial ability and mathematic. Jo Van Herwegen is an internationally recognised expert in genetic syndromes, educational environments and mathematics.

This is a fixed term post, working either part time at 0.5 FTEs (2.5 day per week) for 12 months, or full time at 1.0 FTEs for 6 months. Other part-time pro rata arrangements might be considered.

The closing date for applications is midday on Tuesday 10^th June 2025.  It is anticipated that interviews will be held in early July. It is hoped the post-holder will be able to start in post on 1^st September 2025 or as soon as possible thereafter.

Applications for this vacancy are to be made online. You will be required to upload a supporting statement and CV as part of your online application. For more details about the role please contact Gaia Scerif (gaia.scerif@psy.ox.ac.uk).

To apply for this role and for further details, including the job description and selection criteria, please click the'Apply' button above. 

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