Research Trainee

Role Description

Project and Department

A highly motivated Research Trainee is sought for an ESRC-funded project on Word learning from childhood to adulthood, led by Dr Emma James in the Department of Psychology. The two-year project aims to understand how word learning changes with development. The successful applicant will work on experimental studies to identify the memory processes that underpin developmental differences in learning, and then track how they mature over adolescence. 

 This role is well-suited to recent graduates with a desire to develop their research skills in a supportive academic environment. Competitive applicants will have a strong interest in developmental psychology, relevant theoretical knowledge, and experience working with children and/or in schools. Please note that employment will be subject to enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) clearance for working in schools.

The successful applicant will join Learn Lab York, based in the Department of Psychology. The lab also benefits from strong connections with the Sleep, Language, and Memory and Developmental research groups. The department has an active Early Career Researcher Forum, which offers additional networking and training opportunities.

Role

The successful applicant will contribute to the design of experimental studies that pinpoint developmental differences in word learning from mid-childhood to adulthood. You will play a central role in collecting and processing data from classes of primary and secondary school children, as well as online with adults. You will support the dissemination of project findings, both to our school research partners and to the academic community via journal articles and conference presentations. You will also assist with the day-to-day running of lab activities, such as organising journal clubs, engaging community stakeholders in our research, and maintaining lab documentation. 

The role is expected to start on 1st October 2025, although a later start may be possible.

Skills, Experience & Qualification needed

• An undergraduate degree in Psychology, or in a related subject (e.g., Education, Linguistics) with relevant research experience
• Ability to undertake academic research activities, e.g., recruiting and scheduling participants; preparing, setting up, conducting and recording the outcome of experiments; administering standardised assessments
• Excellent data management and quantitative analysis skills (e.g. in Research)
• Excellent written communication in order to contribute effectively to the production of research reports and publications
• Ability to communicate new and complex information effectively to a range of audiences
• Ability to work as part of a team and to work independently using own initiative 
• Experience of working in a research setting 
• Experience of working with children (e.g., in primary or secondary school settings)

Interview date: 1st September 2025 (via Zoom) 

For informal enquiries: Please email Dr Emma James (emma.james@york.ac.uk) 

Condition of employment

This role is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act. Consequently, all applicants will be asked to declare both unspent and spent convictions on their application form.

Appointment of the successful candidate will be conditional on a Disclosure and Barring Service check.

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