Postdoctoral Research Associate

About the Role

A Postdoctoral Research Associate position is available in the Department of Biological and Experimental Psychology to work with Dr Margherita Malanchini on a project titled: “The role of non-cognitive skills in academic development” The post holder will be an integral part of Dr Malanchini’s Cognition, Development and Education (CoDE) Lab.

Characteristics such as personality, motivation, and socio-emotional competencies predict educational outcomes independently of cognitive ability. Often called “non-cognitive” skills, these characteristics play a crucial role in educational success, and by the end of compulsory education, they are as predictive of school achievement as cognitive competencies. However, the importance of non-cognitive skills is not yet reflected in research, policy, and educational practice, largely because we lack an in-depth understanding of the structure of non-cognitive skills. This project aims to bridge this key gap with important consequences for educational and psychological research, policy and practice.

About You

A successful applicant should have, or expect to soon receive, a PhD in psychology, economics, epidemiology, or statistics. The post-holder should have experience analysing data in large developmental cohort studies, experience conducting meta-analysis, experience with using structural equation modelling and working with statistical software like R or Mplus, evidence of published research, excellent management and organisational skills, experience of working effectively within a team and independently. Interest and/or experience conducting research on topics including education and non-cognitive skills in educaiton is desirable. The post holder will work closely with the PI, researchers, and students in Dr Malanchini’s group at Queen Mary University of London.  

About the School/Department/Institute/Project

The School of Biological & Behavioural Sciences is one of the largest Schools within Queen Mary University of London and is committed to excellence in research and teaching. The Department of Biological and Experimental Psychology offers a lively and stimulating environment for both staff and students, well integrated in the school.

About Queen Mary

At Queen Mary University of London, we believe that a diversity of ideas helps us achieve the previously unthinkable.

Throughout our history, we’ve fostered social justice and improved lives through academic excellence. And we continue to live and breathe this spirit today, not because it’s simply ‘the right thing to do’ but for what it helps us achieve and the intellectual brilliance it delivers.

We continue to embrace diversity of thought and opinion in everything we do, in the belief that when views collide, disciplines interact, and perspectives intersect, truly original thought takes form.

Benefits

We offer competitive salaries, access to a generous pension scheme, 30 days’ leave per annum (pro-rata for part-time/fixed-term), a season ticket loan scheme and access to a comprehensive range of personal and professional development opportunities. In addition, we offer a range of work life balance and family friendly, inclusive employment policies, flexible working arrangements, and campus facilities.

Queen Mary’s commitment to our diverse and inclusive community is embedded in our appointments processes. Reasonable adjustments will be made at each stage of the recruitment process for any candidate with a disability. We are open to considering applications from candidates wishing to work flexibly.

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