Teaching and Research Associate (TARA) x2

The School of Psychology is seeking an enthusiastic and motivated Teaching and Research Associate (TARA) with a specialism in neuroscience to join our vibrant academic community. This fixed-term post offers a rare opportunity to combine professional development with funded doctoral study, providing a strong foundation for an academic research career.  These are part-time positions (27.75 hours per week) on a six‑year fixed‑term contract

Your responsibilities will include:

• Supporting teaching on undergraduate and master’s programmes
• Delivering workshops and drop-in sessions
• Assisting in our experiential learning laboratory
• Preparing and maintaining teaching materials
• Contributing to a range of research activities across the School and BRIC

Find out more about BRIC: https://www.plymouth.ac.uk/research/psychology/brain-research-and-imaging-centre

Explore potential PhD projects: https://www.plymouth.ac.uk/schools/psychology/phd-studentships

Available Posts

TARA 1 – Neuroscience Specialism

You will have:

• An MSc in Psychology Research Methods, Neuroscience, or equivalent research experience (preferred)
• At least an upper second-class degree in Psychology or a closely related discipline
• Essential experience in neuroimaging or brain stimulation techniques
• Strong skills in psychological experiment design and data analysis
• Confidence and fluency in statistical analysis

TARA 2 – Psychology Research Methods

You will have:

• An MSc in Psychology Research Methods or equivalent research experience (preferred)
• At least an upper second-class degree in Psychology or a closely related discipline
• Experience in psychological experiment design and analysis
• Strong statistical analysis skills

Application Process

Before applying, applicants must identify and contact a potential supervisor within the School to discuss prospective PhD topics. Supervisors must confirm their support through a written statement.

Your application should include:

Applications will need to include the following:

• A Research Proposal (1000 word maximum): Your research proposal should contain a short review of relevant literature, research questions/hypotheses, overview of methods, and a time plan (all included in the word count). Your proposal may also include up to 1 figure (not included in the word count). The proposal should name the suggested supervisor(s) and include a reference list (not included in the word count). Research proposals that exceed the word count will not be considered. “We expect proposals to be substantially the applicant's own work, require applicants to be able to discuss and elaborate on all of the ideas presented there, and only allow use of generative AI for grammar and spell checking." For informal discussion about potential PhD topics, please contact potential supervisors directly:
  • (https://www.plymouth.ac.uk/schools/psychology/phd-studentships).

• Personal Statement: Please clearly state that you are applying for a TARA position within the School of Psychology and the name of a potential Supervisor(s) on the top of your personal statement. You should also clearly specify here if you wish to be considered for the neuroscience position.

• Supervisor support statement: Please submit a short statement (signed and dated) from your intended supervisor, in which they confirm that they would supervise your PhD project.

• Evidence of up-to-date qualifications (certificates and transcripts for Master’s or Bachelor’s degrees, plus any relevant professional qualifications).

• A one-page CV/résumé

• The details of two academic referees (please provide names and details on the application form).

For informal enquiries, please contact - Dr Clare Walsh, TARA Line Manager (Psychology) - clare.walsh@plymouth.ac.uk

Closing date:  12 midnight, Sunday 19 April 2026

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