Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Join a research project on infant language development and conduct behavioural studies.
- Company: Lancaster University’s Psychology Department is renowned for its innovative research and teaching.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days of holiday, flexible working policies, and a supportive pension scheme.
- Why this job: Be part of groundbreaking research that impacts early language learning and cognitive development.
- Qualifications: Relevant educational background and experience in infant behavioural research required.
- Other info: Applications from all diversity groups are encouraged; role starts July 2024.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 42000 £ per year.
The Department of Psychology at Lancaster University is seeking to appoint a full-time Senior Research Associate to join a research project on infant language development. The project, titled “The Origins of Infant Word Learning,” is funded by the Leverhulme Trust. It will investigate how hearing words influences how 6- to 18-month-old infants perceive objects, how adults' speech about objects affects this, and how this process leads to word learning.
About You
- Demonstrate relevant educational attainment and research experience in infant and/or language and cognitive development.
- Experience conducting infant behavioral research.
- Competence in designing and conducting developmental research, data analysis, open science practices, scientific writing, and critical thinking.
The Benefits of the Role
- Generous holiday leave: 25 days (pro-rata), plus university closure days and bank holidays.
- Access to employee pension scheme and annual flexible benefits scheme.
- Commitment to Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion, supporting family-friendly and flexible working policies.
- The department is Athena Swan Bronze Award accredited, promoting gender equality in higher education and research.
About the Department
The Psychology Department is active in teaching and research, with over 40 academic staff, research and professional services teams, and technical staff. It supports undergraduate, postgraduate, and research projects, including several cross-institution grants.
Please upload a cover letter with your application. We welcome applications from all diversity groups. The expected start date is July 2024. This role is indefinite subject to funding, available until August 2027, with the possibility of extension.
Senior Research Associate in Psychology - 0077-24 employer: Lancaster University
Contact Detail:
Lancaster University Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Research Associate in Psychology - 0077-24
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the latest research in infant language development. This will not only help you understand the project better but also allow you to engage in meaningful discussions during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the field of developmental psychology. Attend relevant conferences or seminars, and connect with researchers who have experience in infant behavioural studies to gain insights and potential referrals.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your previous research experiences in detail, especially those related to infant behaviour and language development. Be ready to explain your methodologies and findings, as this will demonstrate your competence in conducting developmental research.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your commitment to open science practices. Be prepared to discuss how you incorporate transparency and reproducibility in your research, as this aligns with the values of modern scientific inquiry and may resonate well with the hiring committee.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Research Associate in Psychology - 0077-24
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Cover Letter: Craft a cover letter that specifically addresses the role of Senior Research Associate in Psychology. Highlight your relevant educational background and research experience in infant language development, making sure to connect your skills with the project’s focus on word learning.
Showcase Relevant Experience: In your CV, emphasise your experience conducting infant behavioural research. Include specific examples of projects you've worked on, methodologies used, and any significant findings that relate to language and cognitive development.
Highlight Open Science Practices: Mention your competence in open science practices in both your cover letter and CV. This could include sharing data, pre-registering studies, or using open-source tools for analysis, as these are increasingly valued in academic research.
Proofread and Format: Before submitting your application, ensure that your documents are well-formatted and free from errors. A clean, professional presentation can make a strong impression, so double-check for typos and ensure consistency in font and layout.
How to prepare for a job interview at Lancaster University
✨Showcase Your Research Experience
Be prepared to discuss your previous research projects, especially those related to infant language development. Highlight specific methodologies you used and any significant findings that relate to the role.
✨Demonstrate Your Knowledge of Open Science Practices
Familiarise yourself with open science practices and be ready to explain how you have implemented them in your past work. This shows your commitment to transparency and collaboration in research.
✨Prepare for Behavioural Research Questions
Expect questions about your experience conducting infant behavioural research. Think of examples where you successfully designed studies or overcame challenges in this area.
✨Emphasise Your Critical Thinking Skills
During the interview, illustrate your critical thinking abilities by discussing how you approach data analysis and scientific writing. Be ready to provide examples of how you've applied these skills in your research.
