Overview
As a Research Associate, you will support research (including data collection, study design, statistical analyses, manuscript writing, research dissemination, and knowledge exchange). Under the guidance of Dr Alicia Forsberg, you will finalise research protocols, develop research materials, and draft research proposals, pre‑registrations, and ethics applications. You will collaboratively lead on the day‑to‑day running of the study including recruiting participants, collecting and analysing data, and disseminating the findings to academic and non‑academic audiences. In addition to supporting The University of Sheffield LEVANTE ( https://levante-network.org/ ) site core data collection, you will be able to independently lead analyses and related studies. The project also offers opportunities for attending and presenting at international conferences.
Main duties and responsibilities
* Conduct independent research on the development of cognition in children aged 6‑14, and potentially younger and older age groups.
* In collaboration with the wider project team, finalise and pre‑register research protocols, and develop and create research materials.
* Manage the day‑to‑day delivery of the research project (e.g. applying for ethical approval, participant recruitment, collecting, storing, and analysing data).
* Provide guidance, training, and/or supervision, as required, to support colleagues and any students who may be assisting with the research.
* Follow open research best practices (e.g. curating materials and data for sharing) to meet the highest standards of reproducible, robust, and transparent research.
* Attend and/or contribute to relevant project meetings, including presenting information on research progress, gaining partner input, and disseminating outcomes to collaborators.
* Disseminate research findings via publication in high quality, peer‑reviewed journals and presentations at scientific conferences and meetings.
* Liaise with external partners and the local community throughout the project to recruit research participants and organise data collection activities.
* Maintain a professional and sensitive approach to work, particularly when working with research participants and external partners and engage in relevant continuous professional development.
* Carry out other duties, commensurate with the grade and remit of the post.
Person Specification
Our diverse community of staff and students recognises the unique abilities, backgrounds, and beliefs of all. We foster a culture where everyone feels they belong and is respected. Even if your past experience doesn't match perfectly with this role's criteria, your contribution is valuable, and we encourage you to apply. Please ensure that you reference the application criteria in the application statement when you apply.
Criteria
* PhD or close to completion in Psychology or closely related discipline (or equivalent relevant experience)
* Experience working with children, parents/caregivers, and teachers.
* Knowledge of relevant research areas in cognitive and developmental psychology, including working memory and learning.
* Experience of recruiting and testing child participants.
* Experience with online cognitive data collection.
* Experience and skills in statistical modelling and setting up research studies, including experience with the following softwares: R, Psytoolkit, and Gorilla.
* Experience submitting research for publication in academic journals.
* Experience pre‑registering research on the Open Science Framework.
* Experience sharing research with a wider, non‑academic audience.
* Experience supervising research assistants.
Benefits
* Minimum of 41 days annual leave (including bank holiday and closure days pro‑rate) with the ability to purchase more.
* Flexible working opportunities, including hybrid working for some roles.
* A wide range of discounts and rewards on shopping, eating out and travel.
* A variety of staff networks, providing opportunities for social interaction, peer support and personal development (e.g. Race Equality, LGBT+, Women’s and Parent’s networks).
* Recognition Awards to reward staff who go above and beyond in their role.
* A commitment to your development with access to learning and mentoring schemes, integrated with our Academic Career Pathways.
* A range of generous family‑friendly policies: paid time off for parenting and caring emergencies, access to menopause support in the workplace, paid time off and support for fertility treatment.
* We are a Disability Confident Leader. If you have a disability and meet the essential criteria for this job you will be invited to take part in the next stage of the selection process.
Closing Date
12/06/2026
Contact
Alicia Forsberg, a.forsberg @sheffield.ac.uk.
#J-18808-Ljbffr