Research Assistant

Applications are invited for a temporary part-time post working in the Linguistics Department. Duties will include assisting with EEG and behavioural data collection, participant recruitment, and general administrative tasks related to the study.

Candidates should be educated to undergraduate degree standard in a relevant subject area (e.g., Psychology, Linguistics) and have previous experience collecting experimental data with human participants. Previous experience collecting EEG data is desirable. The successful candidate will be expected to commence during the first week of July. This role will be located on campus at Bangor.

The project is a study on the cognitive mechanisms underpinning foreign language learning in adults. The aim of the study is to investigate the processes that happen while we engage in learning a foreign language, and the role played by individual differences in these processes. Data is being collected through a series of artificial language learning experiments. Participants will do an EEG session in the Linguistics department lab and follow-up tests online. Data collection is scheduled to take place between May and November 2025.

The RA will help carry out data collection and admin tasks necessary to the study. These will include EEG and behavioural data collection (both in the lab and online), assisting with participant recruitment, managing participant bookings and ensuring the project delivers its anticipated outcomes within the agreed timescales.

Main Duties and Responsibilities:

• To assist with EEG and behavioural data collection in the lab, including administering tasks using experimental software (PsychoPy, Gorilla), setting up EEG equipment, recording and backing up EEG data, cleaning and storing equipment.
• To assist with online behavioural data collection, including sending participants experimental links and reminders, downloading and checking data.
• To assist in recruiting participants for the study, distributing recruitment materials as needed both online and in person.
• To assist with admin tasks related to the study, including checking screening questionnaires, booking lab slots for participants, and keeping track of participant completion rates.

Other Duties and Responsibilities:

The post holder will be expected to comply with the University equal opportunities policies, Dignity at Work and Study Policy and the University’s Welsh Language Policy and the Welsh Language Standards. The post holder has a general and legal duty of care in relation to health, safety and wellbeing and must take all reasonable steps to ensure a safe and healthy working environment for themselves and for other members of staff, students and visitors affected by their actions or inactions. The post holder must comply with relevant legal and financial policies and procedures and be aware of their responsibilities in terms of the legal requirements of their post.

Person Specification:

Essential Qualifications/Training:

• Degree in a relevant subject area (e.g., Psychology, Linguistics).

Desirable:

• Postgraduate training in a relevant subject area (e.g., Psychology, Linguistics).

Essential Experience/Knowledge:

• Demonstrate knowledge and interest in specific areas related to the post.
• Experience of collecting experimental data with human participants.

Desirable:

• Experience collecting EEG data.
• Experience using PsychoPy and Gorilla.

Skills/Abilities:

• Demonstrate good verbal and written skills.
• Demonstrate good computer skills, including MS Office, PowerPoint, Excel.
• Demonstrate the ability to prioritise workload and work to deadlines.
• Demonstrate good analytical skills, ability to analyse numerical data and present results appropriately.
• Demonstrate ability to work as part of a team.

Desirable:

• The ability to communicate through the medium of Welsh.

The University is committed to supporting and promoting equality and diversity and to creating an inclusive working environment. We believe this can be achieved through attracting, developing, and retaining a diverse range of staff from many different backgrounds.