Internal Redeployment Only

Please note that this job is open only to current members of staff of Cardiff University who are eligible for redeployment.

Internal Redeployment Only - Research Assistant
School of Psychology

We have an exciting opportunity for a Research Assistant with a degree (or nearing completion) in Psychology (or a related field) to join the Cardiff Babylab on the project funded by a UKRI Future Leaders Fellowship awarded to Dr Hana D'Souza. The project focuses on understanding the everyday learning opportunities of infants and toddlers with and without Down syndrome during play.

This project is primarily carried out in participants' homes using head-mounted cameras and eye-tracking to record the children's visual and auditory experiences as well as interactions with their caregivers.

The post holder will join a large team and assist with various aspects of research, including: (1) participant recruitment; (2) data collection; (3) data entry and data annotation; (4) project management; and (5) supervision. There will also be opportunities to engage in data analysis and dissemination as appropriate.

This position is full-time, working on campus 35 hours per week, and fixed-term for two years or until 14th May 2028 (whichever is soonest).

For any queries or an informal discussion about this opportunity, please contact Dr Hana D'Souza ).

This role may occasionally require weekend work, to accommodate the needs of families, for which time off during the week will be received as compensation.

Salary: £33,951 - £36,636 per annum, pro-rata (Grade 5).
Please note that it is not expected that we will appoint above Grade 5, spine point 25 (currently £33,951 per annum, pro-rata).

Research Environment
The successful candidate will be based at the Cardiff Babylab in the Cardiff University Centre for Human Developmental Science (CUCHDS). CUCHDS houses some of the most advanced equipment for child research, including state-of-the-art eye-tracking, functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS), and magnetoencephalography with optically pumped magnetometers (OPM-MEG). CUCHDS is part of the School of Psychology. The School is one of the strongest in the UK for world-leading research in psychology, psychiatry, and neuroscience – e.g., it is ranked 6th in the UK for research power (Research Excellence Framework 2021).

We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive team and strongly encourage candidates from underrepresented groups to apply.

Closing date: Friday, 19 December 2025

Cardiff University is committed to supporting and promoting equality and diversity and to creating an inclusive working environment. We believe this can be achieved through attracting, developing, and retaining a diverse range of staff from many different backgrounds. We therefore welcome applicants from all sections of the community regardless of sex, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, trans identity, relationship status, religion or belief, caring responsibilities, or age. In supporting our employees to achieve a balance between their work and their personal lives, we will also consider proposals for flexible working or job share arrangements.

Cardiff University is a signatory to the San Francisco Declaration on Research Assessment (DORA), which means that in hiring and promotion decisions we will evaluate applicants on the quality of their research, not publication metrics or the identity of the journal in which the research is published. More information is available at:  Responsible research assessment - Research - Cardiff University

Applications may be submitted in Welsh, and an application submitted in Welsh will not be treated less favourably than an application submitted in English.
Job Description
To contribute to research within specialist area, carrying out supporting work that helps lead to the publishing of high-quality research. To pursue excellence in research and to inspire others to do the same.

• To assist with research, including (1) participant recruitment, (2) data collection, (3) data entry and data annotation, (4) project management, and (5) supervision
• Visit participants' homes to carry out the research work for the project
• Actively participate within the research group, communicating and presenting research at meetings, through publications and other recognised avenues as appropriate, ensuring information is communicated to internal and external partners
• To contribute and support research publications and presentations as required
• To analyse and communicate complex ideas, concepts and data using appropriate methods and packages
• To resolve issues and support colleagues in devising procedures required to ensure accurate and timely reporting
• To generate research output and contribute to the development of independent and original ideas as appropriate
• To provide support in research activities for undergraduate courses and research programmes and provide guidance to other members of staff within the research team
• To maintain and update area of specialist knowledge, researching and critically appraising relevant literature within the area

Other

• To undergo personal and professional development that is appropriate to and which will enhance performance
• To ensure that an understanding of the importance of confidentiality is applied when undertaking all duties
• To abide by the University policies on Health and Safety and Equality and Diversity
• Any other duties not included above, but consistent with the role

IMPORTANT NOTE: When submitting your supporting statement, you must provide evidence as to how you meet each of the essential (and desirable if applicable) criteria below. We suggest that you do so by using each of the criteria as sub-headings, providing written evidence of your relevant skills underneath. Before uploading this attachment, please ensure that you include ****BR within the filename.

Essential Criteria

Qualifications and Education

1. A 2:1 degree or above (or nearing completion) in Psychology or a related field or equivalent experience

Knowledge, Skills and Experience

1. Knowledge of theories, research methods, and techniques within developmental science
2. Proven ability to input, prepare, and analyse complex information and summarise appropriately
3. Knowledge and understanding of competitive research funding to be able to develop applications to funding bodies

Communication and Team Working

1. Proven communication skills, including presentation to various audiences
2. Excellent organisational and team-working skills

Other

1. Proven ability to demonstrate creativity, innovation, and teamworking within work
2. Experience of working in research areas involving children aged 11 and below (including infants and toddlers)
3. Driving licence / access to vehicle as the role involves traveling to participants' homes

Desirable Criteria

1. Flexibility in adjusting to participant scheduling demands (this may include weekend work and/or staying at hotels for brief periods of time to reach children with Down syndrome and their families)
2. Research experience with neurodivergent populations
3. Proven ability to work without close supervision
4. Proven ability to manage a team
5. Proven ability to adapt to the changing requirements of the Higher Education community
6. Access to a vehicle

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