Reader / Professor of Child Psychology, CSC/Institute for the Science of Early Years

UNIVERSITY OF EAST LONDON; United Kingdom; On-site; GBP 73,000 - 104,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading university in the UK seeks a Reader/Professor in Psychology to lead research on early environments affecting child development. This permanent role includes securing funding and managing research projects while contributing to interdisciplinary collaborations. Remote working is accommodated, but in-person attendance is preferred.

Qualifications

• Ability to lead an international research programme.
• Strong publication record in aligned research areas.
• Experience managing multidisciplinary research teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead existing international research projects.
• Secure external funding.
• Build new research collaborations across departments.

Skills

Leadership in research

Strong publication record

Experience with neuroimaging

Programming experience

Excellent communication skills

Education

PhD in Psychology, Neuroscience, or a related field

Tools

Matlab

Python

Job description

Overview

Organisation/Company UNIVERSITY OF EAST LONDON

Research Field Educational sciences; Psychological sciences

Researcher Profile Recognised Researcher (R2); First Stage Researcher (R1)

Country United Kingdom

Application Deadline 23 Nov 2025 - 00:00 (UTC)

Type of Contract Permanent

Job Status Full-time

Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Not funded by a EU programme

Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No

Offer Description

Location: Stratford Campus

Salary: £73,705 to £103,213 per annum inclusive of London Weighting

Post Type: Full Time

Post Type: Permanent

Closing Date: Sunday 23 November 2025

Interview Date: Wednesday 03 December 2025

Reference: 0552-25-A

Role: Reader / Professor in Psychology (Institute for the Science of Early Years – ISEY)

Location: University of East London, School of Childhood and Social Care

Contract type: Permanent

Salary: Competitive, range £55-£80k dependent on experience

About the Institute for the Science of Early Years (ISEY):

The Institute for the Science of Early Years (ISEY) is a world-leading centre for studying how early environments — both physical and human — shape children’s brain and cognitive development. We specialise in using wearable sensors and wearable neuroimaging to collect long-form, naturalistic data, analysed through machine learning and AI to understand how complex, dynamic, real-world environments influence early development.

ISEY holds major active funding from the European Research Council, ESRC, MRC, Leverhulme Trust, Nuffield Foundation and others. Our work addresses both typical and atypical development, including ADHD, Autism, and Anxiety, and we collaborate widely across academia, government, NGOs, and industry — including the Department for Education, Department of Health, EY Alliance, National Day Nurseries Association, Royal Foundation, BookTrust, and companies such as Kinder, Procter & Gamble, and LEGO. They have new state-of-the-art facilities for child testing, including an AR/VR suite, research classroom, neuroimaging, and wearables.

About the School of Childhood and Social Care:

The School of Childhood and Social Care integrates Psychology & Human Development, Education, and Social Work/Counselling to deliver innovative teaching and applied research. Our teaching and training are highly rated — including Outstanding Ofsted grades for primary and further education, and first in London for teaching quality in the latest National Student Survey (2025).

The Role

We are seeking an exceptional researcher with a background in psychology, neuroscience, or early years education to contribute to and lead world-class research on how early environments influence development. You will play a key role in managing existing staff and projects at ISEY, developing new interdisciplinary collaborations, and securing major research funding. Topics include the physical environment (noise, light, sensory complexity) and the human environment (child–caregiver, child–practitioner, and child–child interactions). You will also help shape a new MSc in Child Psychology in collaboration with colleagues across the School.

This is a permanent position with 90% research time guaranteed for the first three years, transitioning to include teaching and administrative responsibilities thereafter (with reduced teaching if external funding thresholds are met). Start-up funds are available to support your research.

This is a flexible role and we are able to appoint a suitably outstanding candidate at a range of different salary grades, dependent on experience. We are able to accommodate remote working but would ideally prefer regular in-person attendance.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

• Lead and manage existing international research projects and staff.
• Secure external funding and produce world-leading research outputs.
• Build new research collaborations across ISEY, the School of Childhood and Social Care, other UEL Schools (e.g. Architecture, Computing & Engineering; Health, Sports & Bioscience; Arts & Creative Industries), and national and international research partners.
• Contribute to the establishment of new, state-of-the-art research facilities (research classroom, home observation lab, EEG/fNIRS/eyetracking, AR/VR suite).
• Participate in engagement with the early years sector, with the public and policy-makers, via press and media activities.

Essential Knowledge, Skills and Experience

• Proven (or potential) ability to lead an international research programme in early development.
• Strong publication record in an area aligned with ISEY’s research portfolio.
• Proven success (or potential) in securing major research funding.
• Experience managing multidisciplinary research teams and supervising postgraduate students.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate across disciplines and sectors.
• Excellent communication, leadership, and organisational skills.
• Experience with technical methods such as neuroimaging, motion tracking, or wearable sensors.
• Programming experience (e.g. Matlab, Python).
• Experience of public engagement and media communication.

Education and Qualifications

• PhD (or equivalent experience) in Psychology, Neuroscience, Computer Science, Engineering, or a related discipline.

UEL is proud to be an inclusive, equal opportunities employer with a zero gender pay gap, Athena Swan awards, and active membership of Stonewall. We are committed to advancing equality, diversity and inclusion in all areas of our work and welcome applications from all sections of the community.

Join Us

Founded in 1898, the University of East London is dedicated to changing lives through education. We are building a future-focused, inclusive university aligned with Industry 5.0 priorities — combining innovation, social justice, and opportunity. Join us to help shape the next generation of research on how early environments shape lifelong development.

Contact

For informal queries about the post, please contact Professor Sam Wass, Director of ISEY: [e-mail].

CVs without a completed application form will not be accepted.

At UEL we are committed to working together to build a community which values diversity in both our staff and student populations, is representative and inclusive, enabling all to progress and thrive