Research Associate

Role Description

Department

The Department of Psychology at the University of York is seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Research Associate to work on a project funded by the Leverhulme Trust awarded to Dr. Bailey House and Prof. Katie Slocombe: “The Development of Normative Prosociality across Diverse Societies”. The project explores how the development of cognitive capacities in infancy (e.g. joint attention, social imitation, prosociality) supports the later development of normative and prosocial behaviours in early childhood. We do this using behavioural experiments with both longitudinal and cross-sectional cohorts of children living in Britain and Uganda. This position is for four months, with an ideal start date of 1st October 1st 20253, and end date of 6th February 2026. However, there is some flexibility as to the start date, and remote/hybrid working is an option.

Role

You will join our research team and work alongside two PhD students on this project. You will be responsible for managing the overall project and taking ownership over one of the project’s planned research studies. The data collection phase of this project has ended, and so you will primarily be responsible for coding and analysing collected data. You will process and code video data yourself, and train/supervise undergraduate research assistants to code. You will also analyse project data using multilevel regression (e.g. GLMM using R), and first-author manuscripts for publication using these analytical methods.

Skills, Experience & Qualification needed

• You must have a PhD and first degree in psychology, anthropology or a related discipline.
• Knowledge of research methods in experimental psychology is essential.
• Knowledge of longitudinal and cross-cultural research methods is desirable.
• You will have strong communication skills, with the ability to communicate sensitively and effectively with undergraduate research assistants.
• You will be able to conduct detailed coding of behaviour using video recordings and specialised computer coding software. Experience using Observer XT (behavioural coding software) is desirable.
• You will be skilled in using statistical methods to analyse complex datasets, particularly using R statistical software to conduct multilevel regression models/generalised linear mixed models (GLMM).
• You will be able to write up and present research based on multilevel regression/GLMM, and will have previously published research using these methods.
• You should have good attention to detail, commitment to high quality research, a collaborative ethos, and enthusiasm for the research area and project.
• You should have strong planning ability, an ability to meet deadlines, and a commitment to acquiring new knowledge and skills.

Interview date: To be confirmed

Short-listed candidates will be asked to give a short presentation outlining their recent research and how their experience would help them contribute to the project.

For informal enquiries: please contact Dr Bailey House, bailey.house@york.ac.uk

The University strives to be diverse and inclusive – a place where we can ALL be ourselves.

We particularly encourage applications from people who identify as Black, Asian or from a Minority Ethnic background, who are underrepresented at the University.

We offer family friendly, flexible working arrangements, with forums and inclusive facilities to support our staff. #EqualityatYork

Advert information