Research Associate - School of PsychologyGrade 6

The University of Birmingham; Birmingham; On-site; GBP 33,000 - 36,000; Full time

Job summary

A prestigious academic institution in the UK is seeking a Research Associate to support research on multisensory processing in infants. This role includes data collection and analysis and requires relevant degree and ethical research experience. The position is full-time with a salary range of £33,002 to £35,608, offering opportunities for progression. Applications close on 2nd October 2025.

Qualifications

• Practical experience of infant research and infant participant recruitment and hosting.
• Experience in ethical research practice with human infants.
• Ability to contribute to administration processes.
• Ability to analyze information and communicate effectively.
• Knowledge of the Equality Act 2010 protected characteristics.

Responsibilities

• Support the implementation of the ESRC-funded research programme.
• Undertake behavioural and physiological data collection and analysis.
• Collect research data through scientific experimentation.
• Analyze research data as directed.
• Present research outputs during seminars and posters.

Skills

Laboratory Experience

ELISA

Immunoassays

Mammalian Cell Culture

Biochemistry

Cell Biology

Research Experience

Cell Culture

Molecular Biology

Microscopy

Research Laboratory Experience

Western Blot

Education

Degree or equivalent in a relevant subject area

Job description

Description

Position Details

School of Psychology

Location : University of Birmingham Edgbaston Birmingham UK

Full time starting salary is normally in the range 33002 to 35608 with potential progression once in post to 39906

Grade : 6

Full Time Fixed Term contract up to August 2027

Closing date : 2nd October 2025

Background

Prof. Andy Bremner and Dr Andy Surtees (University of Birmingham) and Prof. Monica Gori (Italian Institute of Technology) have recently gained funding from the Economic and Social Research Councils (UKRI) to investigate the development of multisensory processing in term-born and preterm infancy (2025-2028). This project aims to:

1. open a window onto the development of multisensory processing in brain and behaviour in human infancy
2. examine how preterm birth shapes the development of multisensory processing
3. evaluate how multisensory processing differences in infancy affect mental health outcomes

As part of this project the research team are seeking to appoint a Research Associate to support the implementation of this research programme undertaking online and in‑person behavioural and physiological (EEG) data collection and analysis with term-born and preterm infants and to publish the findings from this project.

Role Summary

• Support the implementation of the ESRC-funded research programme "The development of multisensory processing in term-born and preterm infancy"
• Undertake behavioural and physiological (EEG) data collection and analysis with term-born and preterm infants both in online and in‑person settings
• Contribute to publications

Main Duties

• Collect research data through scientific experimentation, literature reviews, and research interviews
• Analyse research data as directed
• Present research outputs, including drafting academic publications or parts thereof for seminars and posters
• Liaise with the scientific team, end‑user beneficiaries, and experts by experience throughout the research process
• Carry out administrative tasks related directly to the delivery of the research
• Develop or adapt techniques, models and methods
• Provide guidance to support staff and students assisting with research
• Deal with problems that may affect the achievement of research objectives and deadlines
• Practice the highest standards of ethical research with human infants under the supervision of the Principal Investigator
• Promote equality, diversity and inclusion, acting as a role model and fostering an inclusive working culture

Person Specification

• Degree or equivalent in a relevant subject area
• Practical experience of infant research and infant participant recruitment and hosting
• Experience in ethical research practice with human infants
• Ability to contribute to administration processes
• Ability to analyse information and communicate effectively
• Ability to access and organise resources successfully
• Knowledge of the Equality Act 2010 protected characteristics and ability to ensure equal treatment in day‑to‑day activities
• Will apply for and hold valid Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) clearance

DBS required

The University is committed to safeguarding and we promote safe recruitment practice; therefore all associated pre‑employment checks will be undertaken before any appointment is confirmed. All successful applicants will be subject to satisfactory DBS clearance prior to appointment.

Equality and Diversity Statement

We believe there is no such thing as a typical member of University of Birmingham staff and that diversity in its many forms is a strength that underpins the exchange of ideas, innovation and debate at the heart of University life. We are committed to proactively addressing the barriers experienced by some groups in our community and are proud to hold Athena SWAN Race Equality Charter and Disability Confident accreditations. We have an Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Centre that focuses on continuously improving the University as a fair and inclusive place to work where everyone has the opportunity to succeed. We are also committed to sustainability which is a key part of our strategy.

Key Skills

• Laboratory Experience
• ELISA
• Immunoassays
• Mammalian Cell Culture
• Biochemistry
• Cell Biology
• Research Experience
• Cell Culture
• Molecular Biology
• Microscopy
• Research Laboratory Experience
• Western Blot

Employment Details

• Employment Type: Full-Time
• Experience: years
• Vacancy: 1
• Monthly Salary: 33002 - 35608