The School of Psychology is offering a Teaching and Research Associate post with a specialism in neuroscience starting on 1st September 2026 for a fixed-term of 6 years.
You will join a team of TARAs to provide specialist support for teaching on undergraduate and master’s programmes, running workshops and surgeries, supporting our experiential learning laboratory, preparing teaching materials, and helping to support research activities across the School of Psychologyand the Brain Research Imaging Centre.
TARA posts are designed for career development, and the successful candidate will undertake a PhD in parallel with their teaching and research support.You will be part of a large, vibrant, highly collaborative community of PhD students and academic staff. Students will have access to extensive, modern and well-equipped laboratory facilities supported by a dedicated team of technical staff, a BabyLab and the Brain Research and Imaging Centre (BRIC; ). TARAs benefit from waived study fees and will work towards a PhD in an area of psychology for which there is appropriate supervision expertise within the school. More information on potential PhD projects can be found here: or by looking at the research pages for the school () and individual staff members ().
TARA 1 – Neuroscience Position:
Applications are preferred from candidates holding an MSc in Psychology Research Methods, an MSc in Neuroscience or equivalent research experience. You are expected to have at least an upper second class degree in psychology or a closely related subject. Experience with neuroimaging or brain stimulation techniques is essential. Experience in psychological experiment design and analysis are also highly desirable, along with confidence and fluency in statistical data analysis.
TARA – 2:
Applications are preferred from candidates holding an MSc in psychology research methods or equivalent research experience. You are expected to have at least an upper second-class degree in psychology or a closely related subject. Experience in psychological experiment design and analysis are highly desirable, along with confidence and fluency in statistical data analysis.
The first step in the application process is to identify potential main supervisor(s). It is essential that candidates discuss their proposal/plans with their intended supervisor(s) prior to writing their proposal and submitting an application. The School of Psychology can only consider PhD research proposals that have the support of a supervisor in the school (see required documents).
Applications will need to include the following:
* A Research Proposal (1000 word maximum): Your research proposal should contain a short review of relevant literature, research questions/hypotheses, overview of methods, and a time plan (all included in the word count). Your proposal may also include up to 1 figure (not included in the word count). The proposal should name the suggested supervisor(s) and include a reference list (not included in the word count). Research proposals that exceed the word count will not be considered. “We expect proposals to be substantially the applicant's own work, require applicants to be able to discuss and elaborate on all of the ideas presented there, and only allow use of generative AI for grammar and spell checking." For informal discussion about potential PhD topics, please contact potential supervisors directly ().
* Personal Statement: Please clearly state that you are applying for a TARA position within the School of Psychology and the name of a potential Supervisor(s) on the top of your personal statement. You should also clearly specify here if you wish to be considered for the neuroscience position.
* Supervisor support statement: Please submit a short statement (signed and dated) from your intended supervisor, in which they confirm that they would supervise your PhD project
* Evidence of up-to-date qualifications (certificates and transcripts for Master’s or Bachelor’s degrees, plus any relevant professional qualifications).
* A one-page CV/résumé
* The details of two academic referees (please provide names and details on the application form).
For an informal discussion to find out more about the role then please contact the TARA Line Manager for Psychology, Dr. Clare Walsh by email .
Following the closing date of the vacancy, you will be notified on the outcome of your application in due course.
This is a part-time position working 27.75 hours per week on a fixed-term basis for a period of 6 years due to business demand. Flexible working options including job share will be considered.
Our Offer
We have a wide range of staff benefits available to employees, depending on eligibility:
* Generous annual leave: 25* Days Annual Leave (pro rata if part-time) plus Bank Holidays* & Closure Days*
* Generous pension scheme
* Cycle to Work & Electric Car Scheme
* Employee Assistance Programme
* Development opportunities
* Enhanced family leave
* Flexible working
* Retailer discounts
* On-site nursery
*Pro rata if part-time/fixed term contract
A summary of our comprehensive benefits can be viewed .
Additional Information
The University of Plymouth is an inclusive community where everyone is welcomed regardless of their background. To find out more about our inclusive community initiatives, such as Athena Swan and the Race Equality Charter, please visit our .