Research Assistant (two posts; RA1 and RA2) at Durham University

Durham, England, United Kingdom -

Full Time

Start Date

Immediate

Expiry Date

17 Jun, 26

Salary

0.0

Posted On

19 Mar, 26

Experience

2 year(s) or above

Remote Job

Yes

Telecommute

Yes

Sponsor Visa

Skills

Research Protocol Preparation, Ethics Applications, Experiment Programming, Participant Recruitment, Data Management, Longitudinal Data Analysis, Qualitative Interviewing, Psychophysiological Data Collection, Manuscript Drafting, Public Engagement, Interpersonal Communication, Time Management, Stakeholder Liaison, Open Science Practices, Experimental Task Preparation, Data Analysis

Industry

Higher Education

Description

The University At Durham University we are proud of our people. A globally outstanding centre of educational excellence, a collegiate community of extraordinary people, a unique and historic setting – Durham is a university like no other. We believe that inspiring our people to do outstanding things at Durham enables Durham people to do outstanding things professionally and personally. Across the University we have a huge variety of roles and career opportunities, which together make us a large and successful community, which is a key hub of activity within our region and nationally. We would be thrilled if you would consider joining our thriving University. Further information about the University can be found here The Department Founded in 1952, the Department of Psychology is consistently ranked as one of the very best in the UK with an outstanding reputation for excellence in teaching and research. Currently the department’s research falls within three groupings: Developmental Science; Cognitive Neuroscience; Quantitative Social Psychology. The department is extremely well-equipped for research, including cutting-edge facilities for developmental studies (including dedicated lab space for testing children and a family room), psychophysiology, immersive virtual reality, TMS and EEG/ERP. The department benefits from full IT and mechanical research support from an outstanding team of departmental technicians, who will devote dedicated time to this project. The Role Two fixed-term full time Research Assistant (RA) positions are available at the Department of Psychology. The successful candidates will join the research project “Chasing Likes – Developing a Psychobiological Model of Adolescents’ Social Media Use and Overuse Based on Social Reward”. This large-scale project is led by Dr Niklas Ihssen and Prof Mary Hanley and funded by the Huo Family Foundation. The ambitious project investigates the behavioural, motivational and neural mechanisms underlying social media use and overuse in young people, using a range of methods, including behavioural testing, psychophysiology, fMRI, as well as longitudinal (developmental) and qualitative (interview) approaches. The successful applicants will have primary responsibility for the longitudinal/developmental (RA1) and qualitative (RA2) components of the project. RA1 will lead the recruitment and testing of a cohort of 10-13-year old children invited three times for lab-based data collection across a time period of two years. This will involve working closely with a collaborating network of 22 schools, liaising with teachers, parents and teenagers, running an experimental study with children and analysing longitudinal data. The study will include the collection of psychological (behavioural and psychometric) as well as physiological data (heart rate and skin conductance). RA2 will have responsibility for conducting two interview studies with groups of 11-19 years old teenagers and analysing the data using adequate methods. RA2 will also support recruitment, data collection and analysis of the longitudinal study. In addition, both RAs will contribute to preparing the studies’ findings for publication in high-quality journals and dissemination at scientific conferences. They will also contribute to participatory elements of the project and impact activities, such as public engagement events and the production of educational material. The roles offer a unique opportunity to work on an exciting project that is at the forefront of a fast-moving research field and that has significant potential for impact. The role holders will benefit from existing links to schools and young people in the North-East, access to cutting-edge scientific equipment and be able to contribute to the project’s focus on theoretical advancement and scientific rigour. At the same time, the RAs will be involved in driving meaningful and authentic impact related to problematic social media use in young people. You will report to Dr Niklas Ihssen as the Principal Investigator and Professor Mary Hanley as Co-Investigator of the project. Responsibilities: To prepare study materials, experimental tasks and study protocols, tailored to the age groups of the tested research participants. To prepare ethics applications and assist with experiment programming. To manage recruitment of research participant's and the day-to-day running of the study (e.g. lab bookings; contact with schools, parents and children/adolescents; data management). To test or interview groups of individual research participants in the Department's research labs and out in the field (e.g. in rooms provided by collaborating schools). To contribute to Open Science practices (e.g. submitting the study design for pre-registration). To draft manuscripts for publications based on the research. To understand and convey information which needs careful explanation to diverse audiences (lab/research group; external stakeholders, such as teachers, parents or adolescents) through presentations, discussions and meetings. To contribute to public engagement and impact activities. To write up and present information on research progress to the project supervisors in a clear and accurate manner. To deal with problems that may affect the achievement of research objectives and deadlines by discussing with the Principal Investigator and Co-I and offering creative or innovative solutions. To liaise with research colleagues and make internal and external contacts to develop knowledge and understanding to form relationships for future research collaboration. To contribute to the planning of research projects. To contribute to fostering a collegial and respectful working environment which is inclusive and welcoming and where everyone is treated fairly with dignity and respect. To engage in wider citizenship to support the department and wider discipline. To engage in continuing professional development by attending relevant training and development courses. Funding for post one (RA1) is available from 1st August 2026 for a fixed period of 40 months (until November 2029). Funding for post two (RA2) is available from 1st June 2026 for a fixed period of 28 months (until September 2028). The post-holders are employed to work on research/a research project which will be led by another colleague. Whilst this means that the post-holder will not be carrying out independent research in their own rights, the expectation is that they will contribute to the advancement of the project, through the development of their own research ideas/adaptation and development of research protocols. Successful applicants should be in post by 1st August 2026 (RA1) or 1st June 2026 (RA2), respectively. Working at Durham A competitive salary is only one part of the many fantastic benefits you will receive if you join the University: You’ll receive 27 days annual leave per year in addition to 8 public holidays and 4 customary days per year - a total of 39 days. The University closes between Christmas and New Year. We offer a generous pension scheme, and as a new member of staff you will be automatically enrolled into the University Superannuation Scheme (USS). No matter how you travel to work, we have you covered. We have ample parking across campus, a cycle to work scheme which helps you to buy a bike and discount with local bus and train companies. You can also take advantage of our cost-effective and environmentally friendly Tusker Car Benefit Scheme, allowing you to lease a brand-new electric or hybrid vehicle with savings on tax and National Insurance. We have a genuine commitment to developing our colleagues professionally and personally. There is a comprehensive range of development courses, apprenticeships and access to qualifications and routes to develop your career in the University. All staff have dedicated annual time to concentrate on their personal development opportunities. We provide wide-ranging health and wellbeing support including discounted membership for our state-of-the-art sport and gym facilities and access to a 24-7 Employee Assistance Programme. Our on-site nursery is rated Outstanding by Ofsted, and you can access holiday camps for children aged 5-16. Our family friendly policies, including maternity and adoption leave, are among the most generous in the higher education sector (and likely above and beyond many employers). We offer all staff the opportunity to take part in volunteering activities to make a difference in the local community. You can access exclusive discounts via our benefits portal including money off at supermarkets, high street retailers, IT products such as Apple, eating out and days out at various attractions. Various salary sacrifice schemes are also available to help you take advantage of tax savings on benefits. If you are moving to Durham, you may be eligible for help with removal costs, and we have a dedicated team who can help you with the practicalities such as house hunting and schools. If you need a visa, we cover most visa costs and offer an interest free loan scheme to pay for dependant visas. Discover more about our total rewards and benefits package here. Durham University is committed to equality diversity, inclusion and values Our collective aim is to create an open and inclusive environment where everyone can reach their full potential and we believe our staff should reflect the diversity of the global community in which we work. As a University equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) are a key part of the University’s Strategy and a central part of everything we do. We also live by our values and our Staff Code of Conduct. At Durham we actively work towards providing an environment where our staff and students can study, work and live in a community which is supportive and inclusive. We welcome and encourage applications from members of groups who are under-represented in our work force including people with disabilities, women and black, Asian and minority ethnic communities. If you have taken time out of your career, and you feel it relevant, let us know about it in your application. If you are a candidate with a disability, we are committed to ensuring fair treatment throughout the recruitment process. We will make adjustments to support the interview process wherever it is reasonable to do so and, where successful, reasonable adjustments will be made to support people within their role. Contact Information Department contact for academic-related enquiries Dr Niklas Ihssen, Associate Professor, niklas.ihssen@durham.ac.uk Contact information for technical difficulties when submitting your application If you encounter technical difficulties when using the online application form, we prefer you send enquiries by email. Please send your name along with a brief description of the problem you’re experiencing to e.recruitment@durham.ac.uk Alternatively, you may call 0191 334 6801 from the UK, or +44 191 334 6801 from outside the UK. This number operates during the hours of 09.00 and 17.00 Monday to Friday, UK time. We will normally respond within one working day (Monday to Friday, excluding UK public holidays). University contact for general queries about the recruitment process e.recruitment@durham.ac.uk How to Apply To progress to the assessment stage, candidates must evidence each of the essential criteria required for the role in the person specification below. It will be at the discretion of the recruiting panel as to whether they will also consider any desirable criteria, but we would urge candidates to provide evidence for all criteria. While some criteria will be considered at the shortlisting stage, other criteria may be considered later in the assessment process, such as questions at interview. Submitting your application We prefer to receive applications online. We will update you about your application at various points throughout the selection process, via automated emails from our e-recruitment system. Please check your spam/junk folder periodically to make sure you have not missed any of our updates. What to Submit All applicants are asked to submit: A CV and covering letter which details your experience, skills and achievements in meeting (or the potential to meet) the criteria set out below. The candidate must clearly state which RA post they are applying for - RA1 (40 months; start date August 2026) or RA2 (28 months; start date June 2026). It is possible to apply for both posts within the same application We will notify you on the status of your application at various points throughout the selection process, via automated emails from our e-recruitment system. Please check your spam/junk folder periodically to ensure you receive all emails. Next Steps Short-listed candidates will be invited to the University, either virtually or in-person and will have the opportunity to meet key members of the Department. The assessment for the post will normally include a presentation to staff and students in the Department followed by an interview and we anticipate that the assessments and interviews will take place over two days in or around: 11th and 12th May 2026 In the event that you are unable to attend in person on the date offered, it may not be possible to offer you an interview on an alternative date. Please note that in submitting your application Durham University will be processing your data. We would ask you to consider the relevant University Privacy Statement Job Applicants/Potential Job Applicants - Durham University which provides information on the collation, storing and use of data. When appointing to this role the University must ensure that it meets any applicable immigration requirements, including salary thresholds which are applicable to some visas. Person Specification Essential Criteria: 1. A good first degree in Psychology 2. A Masters in Developmental Psychology or related subjects. 3. Experience with conducting research with children. 4. Excellent knowledge, skills or experience of conducting longitudinal research. 5. Excellent understanding of qualitative methods and analysis. 6. Ability to liaise with a range of stakeholders (children and young people, families, schools) 7. Demonstrable ability to produce concise and well-written reports for a range of stakeholders. 8. Demonstrable ability to work cooperatively as part of a team, including participating in research meetings. 9. Ability to manage time effectively and work to strict deadlines. 10. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills. Desirable Criteria: 11. A PhD (or be close to submission) in Psychology or a related subject. 12. Experience with designing and/or analysing longitudinal studies. 13. Experience with psychophysiological recordings. 14. Experience with research on human-computer interactions, digital technologies or social media. 15. Experience with preparing academic papers.

Responsibilities

The successful candidates will primarily manage the longitudinal/developmental component (RA1) or the qualitative component (RA2) of a large-scale research project on adolescent social media use, involving participant recruitment, data collection, and analysis.