Research Assistant - Cognitive Ability & Plasticity Lab

Are you keen on memory, cognitive training, and healthy ageing? Would you like to explore how people’s use of strategies influences their memory performance in everyday life? Are you looking to gain hands-on research experience in the field of cognitive ageing? Join us as a Research Assistant in our Cognitive Ability & Plasticity Lab, led by Professor Claudia von Bastian, based in the School of Psychology at the University of Sheffield.

The study employs an innovative experience-sampling research method, investigating the relationship between intra- and interindividual variation in visual working memory and spontaneous strategy use in younger and older adults. This study is part of the ESRC-funded project “Strategy Training to support healthy cognitive ageing: Behavioural, neuroimaging and real-world investigations”. You will also have the opportunity to engage with the broader research team, including Professors Louise Brown Nicholls (PI, University of Strathclyde), Richard Allen (University of Leeds), Melanie Burke (University of Leeds), and Mario Parra Rodriguez (University of Strathclyde).

In this position, you will play a key role in data collection, working closely with the current postdoctoral researcher. Your responsibilities will include recruiting and screening younger and older adult participants; administrating a range of questionnaire-based assessments, neuropsychological tests, and cognitive tasks; and monitoring and managing data collection during a three-week experience-sampling phase.

We are seeking a candidate with a Bachelor's or Master’s degree in Psychology or a closely related field (or equivalent experience). You should have a solid foundation in cognitive and/or differential psychology, along with essential skills in quantitative research methods. Experience in both in-person and online data collection is required. The role also demands strong organisational, time-management, and communication skills to support the day-to-day coordination of data collection activities. Experience working with older adult participants in a research setting will be considered an advantage.

The role provides an excellent opportunity to be part of a dynamic and supportive research community within the School of Psychology at the University of Sheffield. You will contribute to innovative research at the forefront of cognitive ageing and plasticity led by a team of world-leading experts. The role also offers a valuable chance to broaden your experience in both cognitive and differential psychology, supporting your professional development and future career in academia.

What we offer

• 38 days annual (including closure days and Bank Holidays), with the possibility to purchase up to ten additional days.
• A commitment to work life balance including, flexible working opportunities and hybrid working where possible.
• A highly competitive pension scheme.
• Discounts at participating shops and cinemas, and a cycle to work scheme.
• A commitment to your development, with programmes, learning modules and mentoring schemes.
• A variety of staff networks, providing opportunities for social interaction, peer support and personal development.
• An inclusive and diverse workplace.
• A commitment to your wellbeing, with confidential emotional support, support for those going through the menopause, experiencing fertility treatment and having a baby, paid leave for IVF treatment and more.

We are committed to exploring flexible working opportunities which benefit the individual and University.
We build teams of people from different heritages and lifestyles from across the world, whose talent and contributions complement each other to greatest effect. We believe diversity in all its forms delivers greater impact through research, teaching and student experience.

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