Research Assistant

University of Reading; Reading; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A prestigious educational institution in Reading seeks a full-time researcher to join a project investigating children's comprehension of texts. The role involves conducting research in primary schools and requires an Enhanced DBS check. Applicants should be passionate about safeguarding and child welfare. This 17-month post starts in January 2026 and entails occasional after-school commitments.

Qualifications

• Enhanced DBS with a child barred list check required.
• Safeguarding training and policy adherence are mandatory.

Responsibilities

• Conduct safeguarding training and submit incidents using the Safeguarding Incident Form.
• Attend necessary school events for data collection.

Job description

Full Time Post Overview

Full time, fixed term. The closing date for applications is 23.59 on 3rd November 2025. Interview date: 14 November 2025. 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.

The successful candidate will join a research team at the University of Reading (PI: Prof. Ludovica Serratrice) and the University of Greenwich (Co-I: Dr Alessandra Valentini, PDRA: Dr Stephanie Martin Vega) working on the UKRI‑funded project Predictors of listening and reading comprehension in multilingual and monolingual children: do text type and modality matter?

The project investigates Year 3 multilingual and monolingual children’s comprehension of fiction and non‑fiction oral and written texts in English. This is a full‑time post for 17 months, starting in January 2026. Data collection will take place in person at three primary schools within the same Learning Trust in Newham, East London. The role will normally involve work during school hours (8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.) for testing sessions. Occasionally, attendance at school events such as parents’ evenings may be required in the late afternoon.

Responsibilities

The University is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and as such safeguarding checks will be undertaken. Safeguarding requirements and responsibilities:

• To undertake safeguarding training and follow the University’s Safeguarding Children & Adults at Risk Policy at all times.
• To report any disclosures or concerns using the Safeguarding Incident Form and submit this to the appropriate Designated Safeguarding Officer.

Safeguarding and DBS

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.

Contact Information

• Prof. Ludovica Serratrice
  Professor of Multilingualism
  [e-mail]
• Dr Alessandra Valentini
  Lecturer in Psychology
  [e-mail]

EEO and Diversity

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.