The University of Sheffield is a remarkable place to work. Our people are at the heart of everything we do. Their diverse backgrounds, abilities and beliefs make Sheffield a world-class university.

We offer a fantastic range of benefits including a highly competitive annual leave entitlement (with the ability to purchase more), a generous pensions scheme, flexible working opportunities, a commitment to your development and wellbeing, a wide range of retail discounts, and much more. Find out more about our benefits (opens in a new window) and join us to become part of something special.

Overview

We are looking for an enthusiastic and motivated Research Assistant to join our Cognitive Ability & Plasticity Lab, led by Professor Claudia von Bastian. This role offers an exciting opportunity to carry out research that explores how spontaneous strategy use in visual working memory varies over time among older and younger adults in the context of everyday life.

This study is part of the ESRC-funded project “Strategy training to support healthy cognitive ageing: behavioural, neuroimaging and real-world investigations”. You will have the opportunity to engage with the wider research team, collaborating with the project PI Professor Louise Brown Nicholls (University of Strathclyde), as well as project collaborators Professors Richard Allen, Melanie Burke (University of Leeds), and Mario Parra Rodriguez (University of Strathclyde).

As a Research Assistant, you will be expected to support the delivery of the study in line with the established research proposal, working closely with the project’s current postdoctoral researcher. Your responsibilities include recruiting eligible participants, screening and testing younger and older adults in the laboratory, and monitoring their longitudinal data over three weeks collected through a smartphone application, Tatool XP, developed by the team. This position is well-suited for candidates who are seeking to gain valuable hands-on research experience in the field of cognitive ageing.

Main duties and responsibilities

●         Recruit younger and older adult participants through a range of channels.

●         Conduct participant screening and in-lab testing in compliance with ethical standards. This includes the administration of questionnaire-based assessments, neuropsychological tests, and cognitive tasks.

●         Manage the collection of longitudinal data from participants, monitoring data quality and participants’ adherence to the study protocol.

●         Collaborate effectively with other members of the lab and the broader project team, actively attending and contributing to regular lab and project meetings.

●         Maintain a professional and sensitive approach to work, particularly when working with research participants and external partners.

●         Carry out other duties, commensurate with the grade and remit of the post.

Person Specification

Our diverse community of staff and students recognises the unique abilities, backgrounds, and beliefs of all. We foster a culture where everyone feels they belong and is respected. Even if your past experience doesn't match perfectly with this role's criteria, your contribution is valuable, and we encourage you to apply. Please ensure that you reference the application criteria in the application statement when you apply.

Essential criteria

●         A good Honours degree (or equivalent) in Psychology, Cognitive Science, or a closely related discipline [Application]

●         Demonstrated knowledge and interest in relevant research areas within cognitive psychology, such as working memory, cognitive ageing, and learning [Application, Interview]

●         Knowledge and experience of quantitative research methods [Application, Interview]

●         Experience in recruiting and testing participants [Application, Interview]

●         Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills [Application, Interview]

●         Excellent organisational, time-management, and problem-solving skills [Application, Interview]

●         Ability to work both independently and as part of a collaborative research team [Application, Interview]

Desirable criteria

●         A Master’s degree (or equivalent) in Psychology or related discipline [Application]

●         Experience and skills of research with older adults [Application, Interview]

Further Information

Grade: G6

Duration: Fixed-term: 01/11/2025 – 28/02/2026

Line manager: Professor Claudia von Bastian

Direct reports: Professor Claudia von Bastian, Dr Nan Peng

For informal enquiries about this job contact
Professor Claudia von Bastian, Professor of Cognitive Psychology via email at c.c.vonbastian@sheffield.ac.uk or Dr Nan Peng, Research Associate via email at n.peng@sheffield.ac.uk

Next steps in the recruitment process

It is anticipated that the selection process will take place at the middle of October. This will consist of an interview with the selection panel. If you need any support, equipment or adjustments to enable you to participate in any element of the recruitment process you can contact psy-hr.recruitment@sheffield.ac.uk

Our vision and strategic plan

We are the University of Sheffield. This is our vision: sheffield.ac.uk/vision (opens in new window).

What we offer

 ●           A minimum of 38 days annual leave including bank holiday and closure days (pro rata) with the ability to purchase more.

 ●            Flexible working opportunities, including hybrid working for some roles.

 ●            Generous pension scheme.

 ●            A wide range of discounts and rewards on shopping, eating out and travel.

 ●            A variety of staff networks, providing opportunities for social interaction, peer support and personal development (for example, Race Equality, LGBT+, Women’s and Parent’s networks).

  ●           Recognition Awards to reward staff who go above and beyond in their role.

 ●            A commitment to your development access to learning and mentoring schemes; integrated with our Academic Career Pathways.

  ●           A range of generous family-friendly policies

o               paid time off for parenting and caring emergencies

o               support for those going through the menopause

o               paid time off and support for fertility treatment

o               and more

More details can be found on our benefits page: sheffield.ac.uk/jobs/benefits.

We are a Disability Confident Employer. If you have a disability and meet the essential criteria for this job you will be invited to take part in the next stage of the selection process.

We are a research university with a global reputation for excellence. Our ideas and expertise change the world for the better, making a real difference to society. We know that when people come together with different views, approaches and insights it can lead to richer, more creative and innovative teaching and research and the highest levels of student experience. Our University Vision (www.sheffield.ac.uk/vision) outlines our commitment to building a diverse community of staff and students that recognises and values the abilities, backgrounds, beliefs and ways of living for everyone.