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- Tasks: Explore how indoor and outdoor learning affects children's language using AI tools.
- Company: University of East London, a leader in educational research.
- Benefits: Fully funded PhD with tuition coverage and a generous living allowance.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team and shape the future of early years education.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on children's education while advancing your research skills.
- Qualifications: Experience with children and interest in speech development preferred.
The predicted salary is between 22000 - 24000 £ per year.
A funded PhD position is available to work on a project exploring the impact of indoor and outdoor learning environments on children’s language and communication, and how AI can be used to analyse speech and language in this type of research. The project will build on ISEY’s previous research which found that overall noise levels in a class of 4-5 year olds were lower when matched activities were conducted outside (even on urban school grounds) compared to inside their usual classroom. The study found that the outdoor environment also supported the attention and prosocial behaviour of children who struggled indoors.
Responsibilities:
- Use child wearables and AI tools and techniques to measure and test how indoor and outdoor environments affect the frequency, duration and complexity of children’s spontaneous speech and intra-group communication.
- Operate within ISEY and contribute to a wider team of researchers, with opportunities to shape project focus and design.
- Disseminate findings to teachers and early years practitioners as part of training and development services offered by ISEY.
- Assist in translating research for educator-facing publications, attend early years events, and conduct training sessions (support provided).
Qualifications / Experience:
- Experience of working with children and an interest in educational practices, speech and language development, and outdoor learning is highly desirable.
- Familiarity with programming and data analysis tools is preferable as the PhD will involve advanced quantitative data analysis; support will be provided in this area.
The PhD will start in September 2026. Regrettably for financial reasons we can only support UK or naturalised EU applicants.
Fully funded PhD Position at ISEY - Institute for the Science of Early Years and Youth employer: University of East London
Contact Detail:
University of East London Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Fully funded PhD Position at ISEY - Institute for the Science of Early Years and Youth
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former PhD students at ISEY or similar institutions. They can give you insider info on the application process and what the team is really like.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of educational sciences and AI tools. We want to see your passion for the subject, so be ready to discuss how you can contribute to the project!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your experience with children and any relevant projects you've worked on. Whether it's through volunteering or previous research, we love to see how you've engaged with educational practices.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team at ISEY.
We think you need these skills to ace Fully funded PhD Position at ISEY - Institute for the Science of Early Years and Youth
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight your experience with children and your interest in educational practices. We want to see how your background aligns with the project on indoor and outdoor learning environments.
Showcase Your Skills: If you've got any programming or data analysis skills, flaunt them! Even if you're not a pro, let us know about your familiarity with these tools, as they’ll be super helpful for the research.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so make sure your passion for speech and language development shines through without any fluff.
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 keep everything organised. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at University of East London
✨Know Your Research
Dive deep into the project details and previous research by ISEY. Familiarise yourself with their findings on outdoor learning environments and how they impact children's language development. This will show your genuine interest and help you engage in meaningful discussions during the interview.
✨Showcase Relevant Experience
Highlight any experience you have working with children, especially in educational settings. Be ready to discuss specific examples of how you've supported speech and language development or utilised outdoor learning strategies. This will demonstrate your suitability for the role.
✨Brush Up on Data Analysis Skills
Since the PhD involves advanced quantitative data analysis, it’s a good idea to review any relevant programming and data analysis tools you’re familiar with. Be prepared to discuss how you would approach data collection and analysis in the context of the research project.
✨Prepare Questions for Them
Think of insightful questions to ask about the project, team dynamics, and opportunities for dissemination of findings. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also helps you gauge if the position aligns with your career goals.