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The Department of Language and Linguistic Science is seeking to appoint a Lab Manager for a fixed term of up to 2 years, working on a part-time basis (0.8 FTE). The successful applicant will work on a project entitled “Identifying the role of sensorimotor feedback as a mechanism for language learning in the first three years of life” funded by an UKRI grant held by Dr Catherine Laing, as well as conducting general administration tasks within the York BabyLab. The project examines how infants’ vocal development during the first year of life interacts with their early language environment to provide feedback that can be drawn upon in acquiring and developing speech sounds and, ultimately, producing first words. The role will involve working with a cohort of families and their infants aged 2-18 months to collect home-recorded data, with accompanying experiments in the York BabyLab. We are implementing an existing methodology - ultrasound imaging of the tongue - to a new population - young infants - to understand changes taking place in the speech articulators (in this case, tongue and lips) over the course of development, and how these are affected by different language environments. Ultimately, we are aiming to test whether infants draw on sensorimotor feedback (the simultaneous sensory events experienced during vocal production, such as proprioception, muscular function, and auditory input) to drive their language learning.

SKILLS, EXPERIENCE & QUALIFICATION NEEDED

• Experience of working with families, ideally those with young children or babies, or people from diverse backgrounds.
• Administration experience, including experience managing an inbox, organizing a calendar, and dealing with documentation in a systematic and rigorous way.
• Experience of working on own initiative and as part of a team.
• Good interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate effectively and empathetically.
  Interview date: To be confirmed
  For informal enquiries: please contact Catherine Laing on catherine.laing@york.ac.uk
  The University strives to be diverse and inclusive – a place where we can ALL be ourselves.
  We particularly encourage applications from people who identify as Black, Asian or from a Minority Ethnic background, who are underrepresented at the University.
  We offer family friendly, flexible working arrangements, with forums and inclusive facilities to support our staff. #EqualityatYork

The post-holder will be required to support the administration of the research project by managing participant recruitment and retention. This will involve communicating regularly with participants via email and phone, as well as some home-visits. There will also be ample opportunity to develop research skills by assisting in data collection; the Lab Manager will support team members to run experimental procedures, as well as managing home-recorded data collection.