Research Fellow (Postdoctoral) - School of Psychology - 106254 - Grade 7

University of Birmingham; Birmingham; On-site; GBP 36,000 - 47,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading UK University is seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate to lead an exciting project investigating multisensory processing in infants. This full-time position offers a salary range between £36,636 and £46,049, with opportunities for progression. The successful candidate will manage data collection and analysis, contributing to impactful research publications and grant applications.

Qualifications

• First degree in area of specialism and a higher degree relevant to research area or equivalent.
• Experience in participant recruitment methods.
• Fluency in behavioural and physiological EEG research.

Responsibilities

• Lead the implementation of the ESRC-funded research programme.
• Conduct data collection and analysis with infants.
• Publish research findings.

Skills

Critical/analytical capability

Communication skills

Knowledge of developmental cognitive neuroscience

Ethical research practice

Education

Higher degree relevant to research area

Job description

Position Details

School of Psychology

Location: University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham UK

Full time starting salary is normally in the range £36,636 to £46,049 with potential progression once in post to £48,822

Grade: 7

Full Time, Fixed Term contract up to April 2028

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: i) open a window onto the development of multisensory processing in brain and behaviour in human infancy, ii) to examine how preterm birth shapes the development of multisensory processing, and iii) how multisensory processing differences in infancy affect mental health outcomes. As part of this project, the research team are seeking to appoint a Postdoctoral Research Associate to lead the implementation of this research programme, undertaking behavioural and physiological (EEG) data collection and analysis with term-born and preterm infants, and to publish the findings from this project.

Role Summary

• Lead 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
• Write reports of research findings for publication
• Contribute to generating follow-on funding

Main Duties

• Develop research objectives and proposals for joint research, under the supervision of the Principal Investigator
• Contribute to writing bids for research funding
• Analyse and interpret data
• Apply knowledge in a way which develops new intellectual understanding
• Disseminate research findings for publication, research seminars etc
• Supervise students on research related work and provide guidance to PhD students where appropriate to the discipline
• Contribute to developing new models, techniques and methods
• Undertake management/administration arising from research
• Contribute to Departmental/School research-related activities and research-related administration
• Contribute to enterprise, business development and/or public engagement activities of manifest benefit to the College and the University, often under supervision of the Principal Investigator
• Liaise with the scientific team, end-user beneficiaries, and experts by experience throughout the research process
• Collect research data; this may be through a variety of research methods, such as scientific experimentation, literature reviews, and research interviews
• Present research outputs, including drafting academic publications or parts thereof, for example at seminars and as posters
• Provide guidance, as required, to support staff and any students who may be assisting with the research
• Deal with problems that may affect the achievement of research objectives and deadlines
• Promote and practice the highest standards 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

• First degree in area of specialism and normally, a higher degree relevant to research area or equivalent qualifications
• High level critical/analytical capability
• Ability to communicate complex information clearly
• Fluency in developmental cognitive neuroscience theory, research, and methods, especially behavioural and physiological (EEG) measures applied to human infants
• Experience and creativity regarding infant participant recruitment methods
• Experience and fluency in supporting the needs and positive experiences of parent and infant research participants whilst they are visiting BabyLab environments
• Experience and fluency in ethical research practice with human infants
• Ability to assess resource requirements and to use resources effectively
• Understanding of and ability to contribute to broader management/administration processes
• Contribute to the planning and organising of the research programme and/or specific research project
• Co-ordinate own work with others to avoid conflict or duplication of effort
• Knowledge of the protected characteristics of the Equality Act 2010, and how to actively ensure in day to day activity in own area that those with protected characteristics are treated equally and fairly
• Will apply for and hold valid 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. Due to the nature of the work undertaken in this role all successful applicants will be subject to a satisfactory DBS clearance prior to appointment.

Enquiries

Informal enquiries to Andy Bremner, email: [e-mail]

Diversity and Inclusion

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. You can find out more about our work to create a fairer university for everyone on our website.