Research Fellow - School of Psychology Grade 7

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: 12th March 2026

UK travel may be required for this role

To create and contribute to the creation of knowledge in the field of early cognitive and social-emotional development, by undertaking a specified range of activities within an established research programme and/or specific research project.

• Work within research grants held by Dr Alexandra Hendry
• Contribute to writing funding applications on the topic of early executive function development and/or neurodiversity
• Analyse and interpret research findings and results from existing data
• Collect pilot data and demonstrate proof of concept for new methods

The responsibilities may include some but not all of the responsibilities outlined below.

• Develop research objectives and proposals for own or joint research, under the mentorship of Dr Alexandra Hendry
• Contribute to writing bids for research funding on the topic of early executive function development and/or neurodiversity
• Analyse and interpret existing data (performance data, behavioural observations, parent report)
• 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, relating to early executive functions, motor skills, and parent-child play
• Undertake management/administration arising from research
• Contribute to Departmental/School research-related activities and research-related administration
• Contribute to Public and Patient Involvement and/or public engagement activities of manifest benefit to the College and the University
• Collect research data from toddlers and parents, using a range of methods
• Conduct literature reviews
• 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 equality and value diversity, acting as a role model and fostering an inclusive working culture.

• First degree in area of specialism and a higher degree relevant to research area or equivalent qualifications
• High level analytical capability
• Ability to communicate complex information clearly through written means (from emails to social media posts, to scientific publications) and verbal means (such as conversations with child- and parent-participants and presentations to conferences)
• Fluency in models, techniques or methods relevant to the measurement of cognitive and social-emotional development, and ability to contribute to developing new ones
• Ability to assess resource requirements and 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

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.

Informal enquiries to Alexandra Hendry, email:

We want to understand your genuine interest in the role and for the written elements of your application…