Research Assistant

Fixed term until 31^st March 2027

Part time – 14.8 hours per week

Closing date: 05/11/2026 at 23:30

Interview date: 17/11/2026

The role

This post provides an exciting opportunity to join a multi-disciplinary research team on an NIHR-funded project, the iKids study which is exploring the impact of interactive electronic devices (i.e., mobile phones and tablets) on emerging abilities (i.e. self-regulation, social development, executive function, language and numeracy) and health (e.g. movement behaviour, BMI, motor skills) in young children.

Working alongside Research Fellows and the wider team, you will play a key role in coordinating recruitment and fieldwork. Your responsibilities will include participant booking, data entry, and processing. You will have the opportunity to engage with early years settings and stakeholders from the public health and educational sectors.

Knowledge of early years development, physical activity, and motor skills measurements would be advantageous, as would experience of working with parents, nurseries, or early years sector organisations.

The successful candidate must be available to travel within West and South Yorkshire multiple days per week for data gathering purposes.

As this job involves working or having regular contact with children, if you are successful, you will be asked to apply for an Enhanced check with children’s barred lists through the Disclosure and Barring Service. A criminal record will not necessarily prevent you from taking up the post, but its relevance to the duties of the role will need to be assessed before the appointment is confirmed.

The team/The department

The School of Sport and Physical Activity has a long and rich tradition of delivering innovative programmes and research in sport and physical activity for over 40 years. Ranked 4^th in the UK for the last Research Excellence Framework (REF) (2021) and with thousands of alumni working across the globe, the School is considered one of the leading HE providers within sport and physical activity. Courses are taught by leading experts who deliver cutting edge, research-informed teaching, with staff holding prominent positions within the sport industry. With a global reputation for offering applied programmes and value-added opportunities, our students graduate ready for the diverse sport sector.

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