Research Associate

Vacancy terms: Full-time, or job share considered, fixed term contract until 28 February 2027

Hours per week: 37.5

About the role

We are seeking a Research Associate to join an exciting project focused on adapting and translating the Parent Report of Children’s Abilities–Revised (PARCA-R) questionnaire from English into five languages: Polish, Romanian, Urdu, Arabic and Panjabi. The PARCA-R questionnaire is widely used to assess children’s cognitive and language development. This work aims to improve inclusion in research and clinical practice by widening access for families with limited English literacy. You will play a key role in managing the day-to-day activities of the project, ensuring milestones are met and high-quality outputs are delivered.

Working collaboratively with colleagues in Leicester, Reading and across the UK, you will lead the adaptation of the PARCA-R language scale, oversee translation processes, and contribute to the development of online and audio versions of the questionnaire. You will also liaise with parents and healthcare professionals to user-test translations, disseminate findings, and prepare a manuscript reporting the results of the project.

About you

You will hold a PhD in psychology, child development, linguistics or a related discipline, or possess equivalent professional experience. You will have prior experience in primary data collection for research and demonstrate strong analytical and problem-solving skills. Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, are essential, as is the ability to work independently and as part of a team to meet deadlines.

Experience in adapting or translating questionnaires, and proficiency in one or more of the target languages, would be advantageous. You will be committed to professional development and demonstrate a collaborative approach to research. Strong IT skills and the ability to maintain confidentiality and integrity when working with families and professionals are also required.

Additional information

Informal enquiries are welcome and should be made to Prof Samantha Johnson on sjj19@leicester.ac.uk

Applications for job share will be considered.

As part of the University’s ongoing commitment to professional development, this role will also be considered on a seconded basis for existing staff members. Please ensure this is discussed with your line manager prior to applying.

The University of Leicester has been changing the world, and changing people’s lives, for 100 years. When you join us, you’ll become part of a community of Citizens of Change, which includes not only our staff and our current students but also thousands of Leicester graduates around the world.

As a diverse and forward-thinking employer, we embed the principles of equity, diversity and inclusion into everything we do. That includes not just our core missions of teaching and research, but also our support for staff, students and our local community through our values of Inspiring, Impactful and Inclusive through our values of Inspiring, Impactful and Inclusive.

We’re committed to the wellbeing of all our staff and to the sustainability of our environment, on our campus and beyond. We offer a competitive salary package, excellent pension scheme and a generous annual leave allowance, along with opportunities to develop your career in a supportive and collaborative environment.

Advert closes midnight on: 16 February 2026

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