Postdoctoral Research Assistant

University of Reading; England; On-site; GBP 37,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Reading invites applications for a Postdoctoral Research Assistant in the School of Psychology and Clinical Language Sciences. This project, funded by the Eagles Autism Foundation, investigates sensory hyperreactivity in autistic children and requires MRI/MRS expertise to collect and analyse data.

You will prepare participants for MRS scanning, perform MR analyses, and contribute to publications and conference reports, with opportunities to engage with neurodivergent

Qualifications

• PhD in Psychology or a related field is required.
• Experience with MRI and/or MRS data collection and analysis.
• Experience with autistic children or neurodivergent participants desirable.
• Strong knowledge of experimental methods and proficiency in Excel and SPSS/R.

Responsibilities

• Prepare participants for MR scanning and conduct MR analyses.
• Report findings at conferences and publish results.
• Recruit and work with neurodivergent participants and families.

Skills

MRI experience

MRS experience

Autistic children experience

Data analysis

Excel

SPSS/R

Education

PhD in Psychology or related field

Bachelor degree in Psychology

Tools

Excel

SPSS/R

Job description

Postdoctoral Research Assistant

Located: Earley Gate Campus

Salary Grade 6: £37,369 - £41,885 per annum

Contractual hours 35

Basis Full time

Job category/type: Academic and Research

Date posted: 28/10/2026

Job reference: SRF54547

Attachments: SRF54547 PDRA Job Description, Person Specification -accessible FINAL.pdf

Full-time, Fixed Term for 3 years

Closing date: 16/11/2026

Interviews will be held: week commencing 7/12/26

Due to the complexity of the Skilled Worker Visa route and eligibility criteria, applicants requiring sponsorship are recommended to check their eligibility on the Home Office website.

We cannot provide advice to candidates at the application stage and will only discuss visa routes with candidates who are invited to interview.

There may be costs associated with a visa application, including the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), which are not paid for by the University of Reading and cannot be claimed back. For further information on potential costs please visit: Healthcare Surcharge Information GOV.UK

Applications are invited for a Postdoctoral Research Assistant position at the School of Psychology and Clinical Language Sciences at the University of Reading for an Eagles Autism Foundation funded project investigating sensory hyperreactivity in autistic children.

You should have experience with MRI and preferably also Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy (MRS), and ideally also of working with autistic children and/or substantial experience of recruiting and working with neurodivergent participant populations.

You should have a degree and PhD in Psychology or related field. You will prepare participants for MRS scanning and later on conduct MR analysis and write up findings for publication, and report them at conferences.

The Further Particulars for each job are in PDF format, which can be read by Adobe Acrobat or Acrobat Reader. To download a free version of Acrobat Reader, please click on the link below:

In order to be successful you will:

• Have a proven track record of MRI and/or MRS experience – both data collection and data analysis.
• Experience working with human participants, ideally autistic children
• and/or substantial research experience.
• Knowledge of experimental methods is essential.
• You will be proficient in basic software including Excel and SPSS/R and have the ability to work well with children and parents under research conditions.

A DBS check is required for this position. Please see these links for information on Safeguarding and Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) Procedure

If you would like to know more about the role contact Dr Teresa Tavassoli at [e-mail]

We welcome applications from both external and internal candidates. As part of the University’s ongoing commitment to professional development, this role can be considered on a seconded basis for existing staff members. Internal candidates should discuss this with their line manager prior to applying.

The University is committed to having a diverse and inclusive workforce, supports the gender equality Athena SWAN Charter and the Race Equality Charter, and champions LGBT+ equality. We are a Disability Confident Employer (Level 2). Applications for job-share, part-time and flexible working arrangements are welcomed and will be considered in line with business needs.