Background
Applications are invited from graduates with a strong first degree and PhD in Psychology for a Research Fellow appointment at the University of Surrey. The appointee will co-ordinate and oversee research conducted at the University of Surrey as part of the Cerebra Network, funded by Cerebra.
The Cerebra Network aims to improve outcomes for children with intellectual disability associated with rare genetic syndromes and/or autism. The Network is led across four sites: Surrey (Dr Jo Moss), Birmingham (Dr Caroline Richards), Aston (Dr Jane Waite), and Warwick (Dr Hayley Crawford).
The successful candidate will co-ordinate research exploring person, clinician, and environmental factors influencing autism diagnosis in children with genetic syndromes and intellectual disability. They will collaborate with NHS services to collect data from clinicians and contribute to research with children and families using standardised assessments. Responsibilities include project setup, participant recruitment, data collection, management and analysis, reporting, manuscript preparation, dissemination, and project administration.
The post, suited to those interested in clinical and developmental psychology, offers training and supervision opportunities. It is based in the School of Psychology, under Dr Jo Moss and runs part-time (0.5FTE) for 39 months starting January 2026. Benefits include pension contributions (USS), generous leave, a supportive research environment, and staff development opportunities.
Informal enquiries:
Role Summary
* Work within a charity-funded research project.
* Oversee and contribute to data collection.
* Operate within area of specialism.
* Analyse and interpret data.
* Contribute to funding bids.
* Communicate complex information to diverse audiences.
Main Duties
* Collect data from clinicians and professionals working with children with intellectual disability.
* Support team members in collecting data from children with rare genetic syndromes, including travel for assessments.
* Analyse and interpret data.
* Apply knowledge to advance new intellectual understanding.
* Disseminate findings through publications, seminars, and conferences.
* Supervise students and guide PhD researchers where appropriate.
* Contribute to new models, techniques, and methods.
* Undertake research management and administration.
* Participate in departmental research activities.
* Support public engagement activities.
* Present research outputs at seminars, conferences, and in publications.
* Provide guidance to support staff and students assisting with research.
* Resolve problems affecting research objectives and deadlines.
* Promote equality, diversity, and inclusion in all activities.
Person Specification
* At least a 2:1 degree in Psychology or closely related field and a relevant PhD in Psychology.
* Experience collecting data from clinicians and children with intellectual disability.
* Skilled in conducting standardised assessments and behavioural measures with children.
* Experience working with and communicating effectively to populations with intellectual disability.
* Proficiency in statistical analysis (SPSS, R, or equivalent).
* Strong communication skills for academic and non-academic audiences.
* Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a research team.
* Competence in resource planning and effective resource use.
* Understanding of management and administration processes.
* Ability to plan and organise research programmes and co-ordinate work to avoid conflict or duplication.
How to apply
Please apply on the University website with your CV and a cover letter stating how you match the person specification.
The University of Surrey reserves the right to close this vacancy early based on volume and calibre of applications.
An Enhanced DBS check is required for this position.
Further details
For more information and to apply online, please download the further details and click on the 'apply online' button.
In return we offer a generous pension, relocation assistance where appropriate, flexible working options including job and blended home/campus working locations (dependent on work duties), access to world-class leisure facilities on campus, a range of travel schemes and supportive family friendly benefits including an excellent on-site nursery.
The University of Surrey is committed to providing an inclusive environment that offers equal opportunities for all. We place great value on diversity and are seeking to increase the diversity within our community. Therefore we particularly encourage applications from under-represented groups, such as people from Black, Asian and minority ethnic groups and people with disabilities.
Job Details
Department
Psychological Sciences
Location
Guildford
Salary
£18,847 to £19,953 per annum pro rata (0.5 FTE)
Fixed Term until 31/03/2029
Post Type
Part Time
Closing Date
23.59 hours BST on Thursday 02 October 2025
Reference
044425