Research Assistant (IMPROVE Preterm)

Vacancy terms: Full-time, or job share considered, fixed term contract until 31 December 2027

Hours per week: 37.5

About the role

We are seeking a Research Assistant to join the EU Horizon-funded IMPROVE PRETERM project within the School of Healthcare at the University of Leicester. This exciting role focuses on developing and validating a novel parent questionnaire to assess children’s cognitive abilities between the ages of 4 and 7 years. You will play a key part in administering standardised cognitive assessments during primary school visits across Leicester and the East Midlands, ensuring data collection is carried out to the highest standards.

Alongside fieldwork, you will support the research team with data entry, management, and basic analysis, and assist in preparing reports and outputs for dissemination. This position offers an excellent opportunity to gain experience in developmental psychology research and to work collaboratively within a dynamic, multidisciplinary team committed to impactful research.

About you

You will hold an Honours degree in Psychology or a related discipline or have equivalent relevant experience. Experience working with primary school-aged children is essential, and familiarity with administering and scoring standardised tests would be advantageous. Strong organisational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work independently while managing your own workload are key to success in this role.

Excellent communication skills, both written and oral, are required, along with proficiency in IT and data management. You will demonstrate enthusiasm for child development and developmental psychology, and be willing to travel for school visits. A commitment to professional development and the ability to work sensitively and professionally with families and young children are essential. An enhanced DBS check will be required for this post.

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.

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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