The University of Sheffield is a world‑class research university that values diversity and fosters a supportive community. This role offers a competitive salary, flexible working, a generous pension scheme, a range of benefits and the opportunity to contribute to an international research network.
Overview
As a Research Associate you will support all stages of 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 protocols, develop materials, draft proposals, pre‑registrations and ethics applications, and lead day‑to‑day study management, participant recruitment and data analysis.
Main Duties and Responsibilities
* Conduct independent research on the development of cognition in children aged 6‑14, and potentially in younger and older age groups.
* Collaboratively finalise and pre‑register research protocols, and develop and create research materials.
* Manage the day‑to‑day delivery of the research project, including applying for ethical approval, recruiting participants, collecting, storing and analysing data.
* Provide guidance, training and/or supervision to colleagues and any student assistants.
* Follow open‑research best practices to curate materials and data for sharing, ensuring reproducibility, robustness and transparency.
* Attend and contribute to project meetings, presenting progress, gaining partner input and disseminating outcomes to collaborators.
* Disseminate research findings via publication in peer‑reviewed journals and presentations at scientific conferences and meetings.
* Liaise with external partners and local communities to recruit participants and organise data‑collection activities.
* Maintain a professional and sensitive approach when working with participants and partners, and engage in continuous professional development.
* Carry out other duties appropriate to the grade and remit of the post.
Person Specification
Our community values people from all backgrounds. Even if your past experience does not perfectly match the criteria, your contribution is valuable. Please reference the application criteria in your statement of application.
Criteria
Essential Criteria
* PhD or close to completion in Psychology or a 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 recruiting and testing child participants.
* Experience with online cognitive data collection.
* Strong statistical modelling skills and experience setting up research studies, using R, Psytoolkit and Gorilla.
* Experience submitting research for publication in academic journals.
* Experience pre‑registering research on the Open Science Framework.
* Understanding of the LEVANTE scientific aims.
* Experience sharing research with a wider, non‑academic audience.
* Experience supervising research assistants.
* Some knowledge of Spanish (helpful).
Desirable Criteria
* Additional relevant experience or skills not listed above.
Grade 7.3
Salary £38,784 pro rata
Work arrangement 0.80 FTE
Duration 15‑MAY‑2026 to 29‑JUL‑2028
Line manager Principle Investigator
Direct reports None
What We Offer
* A minimum of 41 days annual leave, including bank holidays, with the ability to purchase more.
* Flexible working opportunities, including hybrid working for some roles.
* Generous pension scheme.
* Wide range of discounts and rewards on shopping, eating out and travel.
* Access to staff networks for social interaction, peer support and personal development.
* Recognition awards for outstanding performance.
* Commitment to your development through learning and mentoring schemes.
* A range of family‑friendly policies:
o Paid time off for parenting and caring emergencies.
o Access to menopause support in the workplace.
o Paid time off and support for fertility treatment.
o And more.
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
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