UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH WALES

PRIFYSGOL DE CYMRU

Faculty of Life Sciences and Education; School of Psychology and Therapeutic Studies

Two Senior Research Assistants (0.7 FTE)

Ref: U005086

Grade E, *£28,936 - £33,518per annum pro rata

*appointment will be made to the minimum of the scale

Part Time (FTE 0.7); Fixed Term 2 year Contract

The Faculty of Life Sciences and Education is looking to recruit two Senior Research Assistants (0.7 FTE).The main purpose of these roles is to identify sources of research funding and prepare grant applications under the leadership of an experienced team; conducting co-authored externally funded research projects within the field of developmental disorders.

The successful candidates will be joining a research team that has active research interests in Developmental Co-ordination Disorder and related co-occurring disorders such as ADHD, ASD, Dyslexia and commonly co-occurring mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression; taking a life span approach to developmental disorders which includes children, adolescents and adults.

These positions are based at Dyscovery Centre, Treforest Campus of the University of South Wales.

The terms and conditions of the posts (including grade and salary) will be those of the University of South Wales.

JOB DESCRIPTION

Title:Two Senior Research Assistants (0.7 FTE)
Type of Contract:Fixed Term 2 years duration; Part time (FTE 0.7)
Grade: E
Responsible to:Psychology ASM’s
Responsible for:N/A
Main Purpose of the Job:
The main purpose of the role is to identify sources of research funding and prepare grant applications under the leadership of an experienced team; conducting co-authored externally funded research projects within the field of developmental disorders.
The successful candidates will be joining a research team that has active research interests in Developmental Co-ordination Disorder and related co-occurring disorders such as ADHD, ASD, Dyslexia and commonly co-occurring mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression; taking a life span approach to developmental disorders which includes children, adolescents and adults.
Under the leadership of the Dyscovery Centre Senior Research Team, Professor Amanda Kirby and Dr Catherine Purcell the successful candidates will be responsible for:
  1. Identifying sources of research funding
  2. Supporting the preparation of grant applications (literature review, calculating costings, gaining ethical approval etc.)
  3. Co-ordinating the processes related to the delivery of grants including conducting testing , managing data collection, liaising with other appropriate members within The Dyscovery Centre and in other departments of the university where appropriate
  4. Assisting in the analysis of data and production of research outputs (principally research papers to refereed journals); delivering presentations, and maximising the dissemination of research.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities:
  1. Working with the Senior Research Team to identify potential sources of research funds and liaising with potential funding bodies/organisations.
  2. Under the leadership of the Senior Research Team, prepare grant applications. This will involve conducting literature reviews and liaising with the Research Office regarding administrative processes including gaining ethical approval.
  3. It is expected that the successful candidates will take an increasing involvement in project design, including initiating their own research projects, over their period of employment.
  4. Conducting other preparatory work (e.g. identifying test materials, recruiting participants) as appropriate for the research project in question.
  5. Conducting or co-ordinating the testing of participants on active research projects.
  6. To participate in internal networks and research groups to optimise the opportunities for liaison.
  7. To present research findings in appropriate media in order to maximise knowledge transfer and impact in clinical practice (e.g. written papers, research talks, webinars, digital communication approaches, posters, news media interviews)
  8. To liaise on a regular basis with the senior research team to include Professor Amanda Kirby and Dr Catherine Purcell and other relevant researchers on the progress of ongoing activities.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

EDUCATION/QUALIFCIATIONS
Essential / Desirable
(a)A PhD or near completion in relevant topic area (A)
OR
MSc in relevant topic area (A)
OR
Equivalent research experience in a relevant topic area (A,I)
(b)A good first degree in Psychology accredited by the BPS or equivalent degree (A)
KNOWLEDGE/ SKILLS
Essential / Desirable
(c)High level of competence at conducting statistical analysis (particularly using SPSS or equivalent statistical packages) and Word (A,I)
(d)Research skills in Psychology or equivalent subject area to a postgraduate level (A,I) / (h) Good working knowledge of qualitative analysis. (A,I)
JOB RELATED SKILLS AND CAPABILITIES
Essential / Desirable
(e)Recent experience of conducting psychological research and/or clinical practice (A,I) / (i)Recent research publication or publication(s) in advanced stage of preparation/currently submitted (A,I)
(j)Recent experience of working as a research assistant (A,I)
(k)Experience of writing research reports or grant proposals (A,I)
(l)Specialist training in testing in any cognate area (A,I)
INTERPERSONAL SKILLS
Essential / Desirable
(f)Good written and oral communication skills (A,I)
(g)clear enthusiasm, motivation and determination to succeed in the role (I)
OTHER REQUIREMENTS
Essential / Desirable
(m) Ability to speak Welsh (A)
(n)Experience of obtaining funding and/or consultancy contracts (A,I)