At a Glance
- Tasks: Join a cutting-edge research project on adolescent gaming and wellbeing.
- Company: Dynamic team at Imperial College London focused on impactful research.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, mentorship, publication opportunities, and hybrid work model.
- Other info: Engage directly with adolescents and families, with potential for career growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in understanding gaming's impact on youth while developing your research skills.
- Qualifications: Bachelor or Master in relevant fields; experience with young people and qualitative research.
The predicted salary is between 43863 - 45509 £ per year.
Location: South Kensington
How does video gaming affect adolescents, and how can families foster healthy gaming habits? In this role, you will contribute to the cutting‐edge Kaleidoscope research project aimed at answering precisely that question. The project offers a fantastic opportunity to develop social science research skills, take ownership on parts of the project in the context of a small team, and directly engage with the beneficiaries of the research.
The Kaleidoscope project is a year‐long longitudinal study of approximately 300 adolescents and families, collecting deep behavioural trace data across gaming platforms alongside ecological momentary assessment, qualitative measures, and randomised controlled trials of family‐facing wellbeing interventions. Working in close collaboration with the PI and a post‐doctoral researcher, you will play a key role in participant recruitment, onboarding, and retention – helping participants link their gaming accounts, proactively developing relationships with schools, and handling participant inquiries. You will also lead aspects of the qualitative data collection and analysis. This scope of the project means there is potential to pursue independent research directions, and to prepare results for publication as either lead or co‐author.
What we are looking for:
- Bachelor or Master in a relevant discipline (including, but not limited to, psychology, communications, human‐computer interaction)
- Experience conducting research or engagement activities with young people, families, or schools
- Confidence leading qualitative data collection (e.g., interviews or focus groups), including with adolescent participants
- Comfort working with digital data systems and tools – you don't need to be a programmer, but you should be able to look at dashboards or data files, recognise when something 'looks wrong,' and work with technical colleagues to investigate
- Strong organisational skills, to manage tasks like project budgeting and participant compensation
- Foundation in social science research methods (qualitative and/or quantitative)
What we can offer you:
- Genuine opportunities to contribute to peer‐reviewed publications at leading HCI and psychology venues, with expectations of co‐authorship on study outputs and opportunities for lead authorship
- Training and mentorship in open science practices (e.g., preregistration, open data, and reproducible workflows) that are increasingly expected in research careers
- Work at the intersection of psychology, human‐computer interaction, and psychiatry, collaborating with researchers across Imperial's Dyson School of Design Engineering and Department of Psychiatry
- Opportunities to share research beyond academia (e.g., engagement with general public, media, and industry stakeholders)
- Plus, wider Imperial benefits.
This role is for a fixed‐term contract for 12 months, with the possibility of extending to 24 months. This role is hybrid – minimum 2 days per week present at our office. Occasional travel within Greater London will be required. The successful applicant will directly communicate with and study adolescents, and must follow safeguarding procedures, and thus requires a DBS check.
£43,863 to £45,509 per annum
Research Assistant in Adolescent Digital Wellbeing in London employer: Imperial College London
Join a dynamic team at the forefront of research in adolescent digital wellbeing, where you will have the opportunity to develop your social science research skills while contributing to impactful studies. Located in South Kensington, our collaborative work culture fosters innovation and mentorship, providing genuine pathways for professional growth and the chance to publish your findings in leading academic venues. With a focus on open science practices and engagement with diverse stakeholders, this role offers a unique blend of academic rigor and real-world application, making it an excellent place for meaningful and rewarding employment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Research Assistant in Adolescent Digital Wellbeing in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your field, attend events, and connect with researchers. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Prepare a portfolio or a presentation that highlights your research experience and any relevant projects. This will help you stand out during interviews and give you something tangible to discuss.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or mentors to get comfortable discussing your experiences and answering tricky questions. The more you practice, the more confident you'll feel when it counts.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We love seeing applications directly from candidates who are excited about our projects. Tailor your application to show how your skills align with the Kaleidoscope project and why you're passionate about adolescent digital wellbeing.
We think you need these skills to ace Research Assistant in Adolescent Digital Wellbeing in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the role of Research Assistant in Adolescent Digital Wellbeing. Highlight any relevant experience you have with young people, families, or schools, and don’t forget to showcase your research skills!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about adolescent wellbeing and how your background fits with the Kaleidoscope project. Be genuine and let your personality come through.
Showcase Your Research Experience:Since this role involves qualitative data collection, make sure to highlight any previous research projects you've worked on. Talk about your experience leading interviews or focus groups, especially with adolescents.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. Don’t miss out!
How to prepare for a job interview at Imperial College London
✨Know Your Research
Before the interview, dive deep into the Kaleidoscope project and its objectives. Familiarise yourself with the latest findings on adolescent digital wellbeing and gaming habits. This will not only show your genuine interest but also help you engage in meaningful discussions during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Be ready to discuss your previous research or engagement activities, especially those involving young people or families. Prepare specific examples of how you've led qualitative data collection, like interviews or focus groups, and highlight any challenges you overcame.
✨Demonstrate Organisational Skills
Since this role involves managing tasks like project budgeting and participant compensation, come prepared with examples that showcase your organisational skills. Discuss how you prioritise tasks and manage time effectively, especially in a research context.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the project and the team dynamics. Inquire about the methodologies used in the study or how they engage with participants. This shows your enthusiasm for the role and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.
