Postdoctoral Research Associate

University of Reading; Reading; On-site; GBP 37,000 - 39,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Reading invites applications for a 4-year Postdoctoral Research Associate (PDRA) on the Leverhulme Trust-funded project “Literacy in the Digital Age,” led by Dr Yaling Hsiao. Based at Whiteknights Campus, you will investigate how 11–14-year-olds learn across print and digital media.

You will conduct longitudinal testing, design experiments, and apply statistical modeling to reading and writing development, mentoring PhD students and coordinating with partner schools.

Qualifications

• A PhD (or near completion) in Psychology, Cognitive Science, Computational Linguistics, Linguistics, Computer Science, or a related field.
• Strong quantitative, statistical, or computational programming skills (e.g., R, Python, linear mixed models, or deep learning architectures).
• A solid theoretical background in literacy development, child language acquisition, or psycholinguistics.
• A record of academic publishing and high-quality written communication.
• Experience in conducting research/data collection with children in educational settings
• Excellent interpersonal and management skills to mentor PhD students, supervise project Research Assistants, and liaise with partner schools.

Responsibilities

• Lead core research on reading and writing development using longitudinal school testing, experimental paradigms, and statistical modeling.
• Mentor PhD students and supervise project Research Assistants, liaising with partner schools.
• Collaborate with schools and project partners to collect data and disseminate findings.
• Publish research findings in peer-reviewed journals and present at conferences.

Skills

Quantitative skills

Programming (R, Python)

Statistics / modeling

Written communication

Mentoring / management

Education

PhD in Psychology, Cognitive Science, Computational Linguistics, Linguistics, Computer Science, or related field

Tools

R

Python

Job description

Basis Full time

Whiteknights Campus

Postdoctoral Research Associate

Job details

Salary Grade 6 - £36636 - £38784 per annum Contractual hours 35 Basis Full time Job category/type Academic and Research Date posted 17/09/2026 Job reference SRF54299 Attachments SRF54299 - JDPS - PDRA.pdf

Job description

Full Time / Fixed Term for 48 months

The closing date for applications is 23.59 on 29 th October 2026

Interviews will be held: To Be Confirmed

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. UK Visas and Immigration Website.

The School of Psychology and Clinical Language Sciences at the University of Reading seeks a 4-year Postdoctoral Research Associate (PDRA) for the Leverhulme Trust-funded project "Literacy in the Digital Age," led by Dr Yaling Hsiao.

Investigating how children aged 11–14 learn across print and digital media, you will lead core research on reading and writing development using longitudinal school testing, experimental paradigms, and statistical modeling.

You Will Have:

• A PhD (or near completion) in Psychology, Cognitive Science, Computational Linguistics, Linguistics, Computer Science, or a related field.
• Strong quantitative, statistical, or computational programming skills (e.g., R, Python, linear mixed models, or deep learning architectures).
• A solid theoretical background in literacy development, child language acquisition, or psycholinguistics.
• A record of academic publishing and high-quality written communication.
• Experience in conducting research/data collection with children in educational settings
• Excellent interpersonal and management skills to mentor PhD students, supervise project Research Assistants, and liaise with partner schools.

Why Join Us?

The University of Reading offers a supportive, inclusive, and world-class academic environment. Located at our vibrant Whiteknights campus, benefits include generous holiday allowance, access to advanced research software/clusters, structured career development mentoring, and discounted facilities.

We welcome applications from both external and internal candidates. This role can also be considered on a seconded basis for existing staff.

Safeguarding Requirements and Responsibilities

• To undertake safeguarding training and follow the University’s Safeguarding Children & Adults at Risk Policy at all times.
• To consider Safeguarding in Risk Assessment processes for events and activities you deliver.
• To report any disclosures or concerns using the Safeguarding Incident Form and submit this to the UK Student Recruitment and Outreach team Designated Safeguarding Officer.

An Enhanced DBS with a child barred list check is required for this position. This role is a regulated activity. This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (ROA) 1974.

Please see these links for information on Safeguarding and Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) Procedure, including Recruiting ex-offenders principles

For more information, please contact:

Contact Name : Dr Yaling Hsiao

Contact Job Title : Principal Investigator

Contact Email address : [e-mail]

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.