Research Associate

University of York; York; Hybrid; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

The Department of Psychology at the University of York seeks a motivated Postdoctoral Research Associate for a project on normative prosociality across diverse societies. The role involves managing research studies, analyzing behavioral data, and collaborating with PhD students. Candidates should possess a PhD and strong background in experimental psychology alongside excellent communication skills.

Qualifications

• PhD and first degree in psychology or a related discipline required.
• Experience in coding behavior using video recordings.
• Ability to train/supervise undergraduate research assistants.

Responsibilities

• Manage the overall project and one of the research studies.
• Code and analyze collected data using GLMM and R.
• Write and present research for publication.

Skills

Knowledge of research methods in experimental psychology

Strong communication skills

Statistical analysis using R

Attention to detail

Education

PhD in psychology, anthropology or a related discipline

Tools

Observer XT

R statistical software

Job description

Department

The Department of Psychology at the University of York is seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Research Associate to work on a project funded by the Leverhulme Trust awarded to Dr. Bailey House and Prof. Katie Slocombe: “The Development of Normative Prosociality across Diverse Societies”. The project explores how the development of cognitive capacities in infancy (e.g. joint attention, social imitation, prosociality) supports the later development of normative and prosocial behaviours in early childhood. We do this using behavioural experiments with both longitudinal and cross-sectional cohorts of children living in Britain and Uganda. This position is for four months, with an ideal start date of 1st October 1st 20253, and end date of 6th February 2026. However, there is some flexibility as to the start date, and remote/hybrid working is an option.

Role

You will join our research team and work alongside two PhD students on this project. You will be responsible for managing the overall project and taking ownership over one of the project’s planned research studies. The data collection phase of this project has ended, and so you will primarily be responsible for coding and analysing collected data. You will process and code video data yourself, and train/supervise undergraduate research assistants to code. You will also analyse project data using multilevel regression (e.g. GLMM using R), and first-author manuscripts for publication using these analytical methods.

Skills, Experience & Qualification needed

• You must have a PhD and first degree in psychology, anthropology or a related discipline.

• Knowledge of research methods in experimental psychology is essential.
• Knowledge of longitudinal and cross-cultural research methods is desirable.
• You will have strong communication skills, with the ability to communicate sensitively and effectively with undergraduate research assistants.
• You will be able to conduct detailed coding of behaviour using video recordings and specialised computer coding software. Experience using Observer XT (behavioural coding software) is desirable.
• You will be skilled in using statistical methods to analyse complex datasets, particularly using R statistical software to conduct multilevel regression models/generalised linear mixed models (GLMM).
• You will be able to write up and present research based on multilevel regression/GLMM, and will have previously published research using these methods.
• You should have good attention to detail, commitment to high quality research, a collaborative ethos, and enthusiasm for the research area and project.
• You should have strong planning ability, an ability to meet deadlines, and a commitment to acquiring new knowledge and skills.

Interview date: To be confirmed

Short-listed candidates will be asked to give a short presentation outlining their recent research and how their experience would help them contribute to the project.

For informal enquiries: please contact Dr Bailey House, [e-mail]