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.
- Other info: 12-month contract with potential extension and opportunities for career growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in understanding gaming's impact on youth.
- Qualifications: Degree in relevant field and experience with young people or research.
The predicted salary is between 43863 - 45509 £ per year.
Location: South Kensington
About the role
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.
What you would be doing
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.
Further Information
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 employer: Imperial College London
As a Research Assistant in Adolescent Digital Wellbeing at our South Kensington location, you will be part of an innovative team dedicated to exploring the impact of gaming on young people. We offer a collaborative work culture that prioritises mentorship and professional development, providing you with genuine opportunities to contribute to peer-reviewed publications and engage with diverse stakeholders. With a focus on open science practices and a commitment to employee growth, this role not only allows you to make a meaningful impact but also supports your career advancement in a vibrant academic environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Research Assistant in Adolescent Digital Wellbeing
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your field, especially those connected to adolescent wellbeing or digital research. Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about asking for informational interviews. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, highlight your experience with qualitative data collection and your ability to engage with young people. Share specific examples of how you've successfully led projects or research activities in the past.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! If you see a role that excites you, apply through our website and follow up with a friendly email. Express your enthusiasm for the project and mention any relevant experiences that make you a great fit for the team.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on the latest trends in adolescent digital wellbeing. Familiarise yourself with the Kaleidoscope project and think about how you can contribute. Being knowledgeable will show your passion and commitment to the role!
We think you need these skills to ace Research Assistant in Adolescent Digital Wellbeing
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Research Assistant role. Highlight your relevant experience in social science research and any work you've done with young people or families. We want to see how your skills align with our Kaleidoscope project!
Showcase Your Research Skills:In your application, emphasise your experience with qualitative data collection and analysis. If you've led interviews or focus groups before, let us know! We’re keen to see how you can contribute to our research efforts.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. Use clear language to describe your experiences and skills. We appreciate a well-structured application that makes it easy for us to see why you’d be a great fit!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it helps us keep everything organised on our end!
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 key concepts around 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 that highlight your skills in qualitative data collection, like interviews or focus groups, and how you’ve successfully navigated challenges in those settings.
✨Demonstrate Organisational Skills
Since this role involves managing tasks like project budgeting and participant compensation, come prepared with examples of how you've effectively organised similar projects in the past. Highlight any tools or systems you used to keep everything on track, as this will reassure them of your capability.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the project and the team dynamics. Inquire about the methodologies they use for data collection or how they engage with participants. This shows your enthusiasm for the role and helps you assess if the position aligns with your career goals.
