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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Join a dynamic team to conduct research on how emotions influence alcohol use.
- Company: Be part of Durham University, a leading institution in psychology research.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working hours and gain valuable research experience.
- Why this job: Contribute to impactful research while developing your skills in a collaborative environment.
- Qualifications: A degree in Psychology is essential; experience in research is a plus.
- Other info: This is a fixed-term role for 12 months, starting October 2025.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 42000 £ per year.
The Role
Applications are invited for a fixed-term position in the Department of Psychology at Durham University. The successful candidate will join the research project \’Let\’s drink on it? The overlooked neuromotivational impact of positive affect on alcohol use and addiction\’ led by Dr Niklas Ihssen and Professor Milica Vasiljevic, which is funded by the Hetzler Foundation. The project aims to gather quantitative data about how momentary emotional states influence the decision to drink alcohol. The project will involve a large-scale experimental study conducted in the Department’s ‘ Bar Lab’ in which participants will be presented with a series of game-like tasks and offered the opportunity to consume alcohol. The successful candidate will work on all phases of the study, including study set-up and design, recruitment, data collection, data analysis and writing up the results for publication. The RA will also contribute to a potential pilot study testing a small sample of participants with an adapted version of the paradigm in an MRI scanner.
This post is fixed term for 28 hours (0.8 FTE) for 12 months. The funding is available from 01/10/25 for this fixed period only.
The post-holder is employed to work on a research project which will be led by Dr. Ihssen and Professor Vasiljevic. Whilst this means that the post-holder will not be carrying out independent research in their own right, the expectation is that they will contribute to the advancement of the project, through the development of their own research ideas/adaptation and development of research protocols.
Successful applicants will, ideally, be in post by 1st October 2025.
Contact Information
Department contact for academic-related enquiries
Dr. Niklas Ihssen (Associate Professor)
University contact for general queries about the recruitment process
If you have any general queries about the recruitment process, please contact the recruitment team on e.recruitment@durham.ac.uk.
When appointing to this role the University must ensure that it meets any applicable immigration requirements, including salary thresholds which are applicable to some visas.
Person Specification
Essential Criteria:
- A good first degree in Psychology or Psychology related subjects.
- Experience in conducting basic laboratory research with human participants or providing assistance in such research, including the use of standard research methods and quantitative data analyses..
- Demonstrable ability to produce concise and well-written reports for a range of stakeholders.
- Demonstrable ability to work cooperatively as part of a team, including participating in research meetings.
- Ability to manage time effectively and work to strict deadlines.
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
Desirable Criteria:
- A Masters (or be close to completion) in Psychology or Psychology related subjects.
- Experience of conducting high quality academic research.
- Experience of preparing academic papers.
- Confidence in using statistical software (e.g. R, JASP, MAtlab) for advanced data analyses.
- Experience in programming.
- Experience in using MRI or brain imaging methods.
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Research Assistant employer: Durham University
Contact Detail:
Durham University Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Research Assistant
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific research project and its objectives. Understanding the nuances of how emotional states influence alcohol use will not only help you during interviews but also demonstrate your genuine interest in the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former research assistants in similar roles. They can provide insights into the day-to-day responsibilities and expectations, which can be invaluable when preparing for discussions with Dr. Ihssen and Professor Vasiljevic.
✨Tip Number 3
Brush up on your statistical software skills, particularly in R or JASP. Being able to confidently discuss your experience with data analysis tools will set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare thoughtful questions about the project and its methodologies. Engaging in a meaningful dialogue during your interview can showcase your critical thinking skills and enthusiasm for contributing to the research.
We think you need these skills to ace Research Assistant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to grasp the responsibilities and expectations of the Research Assistant position. Familiarise yourself with the research project and its objectives, as this will help you tailor your application.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV and cover letter, emphasise any experience you have in conducting laboratory research, particularly with human participants. Mention specific methodologies or software you are familiar with, such as statistical software for data analysis.
Showcase Your Skills: Demonstrate your ability to produce concise reports and communicate effectively. Provide examples of past teamwork experiences and how you contributed to research meetings or projects, as collaboration is key in this role.
Tailor Your Application: Customise your cover letter to reflect your understanding of the project and how your background aligns with the essential and desirable criteria listed in the job description. Make sure to express your enthusiasm for the research topic.
How to prepare for a job interview at Durham University
✨Know the Project Inside Out
Familiarise yourself with the research project 'Let's drink on it?' and its objectives. Understand how emotional states influence alcohol use, as this will show your genuine interest and help you answer questions more effectively.
✨Highlight Relevant Experience
Be prepared to discuss your previous experience in conducting laboratory research and data analysis. Mention any specific projects or tasks that relate to the role, especially those involving human participants or quantitative methods.
✨Demonstrate Teamwork Skills
Since the role requires collaboration, think of examples where you've successfully worked as part of a team. Be ready to share how you contributed to group discussions and research meetings, showcasing your interpersonal skills.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Brush up on your knowledge of statistical software and data analysis techniques. Be ready to discuss your experience with tools like R or JASP, and if applicable, any programming skills you possess that could benefit the research project.
