Post Doctoral Research Assistant (Fixed-Term)

About the role

We invite applications for a Postdoctoral Research Assistant to be part of a new research project ‘Innate and Learned Proficiencies in Facial Age Estimation’. The project is funded by The Leverhulme Trust and led by Dr Janice Attard-Johnson with co-lead Professor Sarah Bate, in the School of Psychology which sits within the Faculty of Media, Science & Technology. The project will undertake a comprehensive approach to examining the theoretical underpinnings of facial age estimation and its application to real-world security settings.

The project will use experimental methods in cognitive psychology which will involve the use of eye-tracking technology and recruitment of specialist participant populations. The post holder will be central to the implementation of the project, working closely with project lead Dr Janice Attard-Johnson and with co-lead Professor Sarah Bate to prepare materials, design and programme experiments, participant recruitment and data collection, develop and conduct statistical behavioural and eye-tracking analysis, carry out day-to-day admin, and co-author papers/conference presentations. The suitable candidate will hold a PhD in Psychology/Neuroscience/Cognitive Psychology or a related subject field, as well as hold knowledge and expertise in programming experiments (including eye-tracking), processing and analysing behavioural and eye-movement data in RStudio and/or MATLAB, and experience with writing up experimental research for publication in peer reviewed journals. Security vetting may be required at a specific phase of the project for data collection of specialist populations.

This post is available on a full time (37 hours per week) and fixed-term basis for 26 months with an expected start date of 1^st March 2026.

For further information about the position, please contact Dr Janice Attard-Johnson at jattardjohnson@bournemouth.ac.uk

About the department

Our vibrant Faculty of Media, Science & Technology encompasses a wide range of disciplines across four Schools: the School of Computing & Engineering, the National Centre for Computer Animation, The Media School and the School of Psychology. The breadth of subject areas in the Faculty means our cutting-edge research is delivering real benefits to digital creative industries, simulation domains, cyber security, human centred artificial intelligence, cognitive science and many others. Our staff base includes high profile researchers who are involved in both UK and global consortia of externally funded collaborations, furthering knowledge in the aforementioned areas plus many more, thus providing significant impact to the economy as well as society and, ultimately, the quality of living across the globe. 

About us

Bournemouth University’s vision is worldwide recognition as a leading university for inspiring learning, advancing knowledge and enriching society through the fusion of education, research and practice. Our highly skilled and creative workforce is comprised of individuals drawn from a broad cross section of the globe, who reflect a variety of backgrounds, talents, perspectives and experiences that help to build our global learning community.

BU values and is committed to an inclusive working environment.  We seek a diverse community through attracting, developing and retaining staff from different backgrounds to contribute to inspirational learning, advancing knowledge and enriching society.  To support and enable our staff to achieve a balance between work and their personal lives, we will also consider proposals for flexible working or job share arrangements.

A job description for this position is available at the top of this page. If you require this in a different format, please contact us at hrvacancies@bournemouth.ac.uk.

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