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- Tasks: Conduct innovative research on cultural evolution and social media dynamics.
- Company: Join a leading university's Psychology Department with a focus on impactful research.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and collaborative research environment.
- Why this job: Make a difference in understanding heritage-based hostility through cutting-edge research.
- Qualifications: PhD in relevant fields and expertise in advanced statistics and programming.
- Other info: Fixed term position with opportunities for growth and collaboration.
The predicted salary is between 41064 - 48822 £ per year.
Grade UE07: £41,064‑£48,822 per annum (pro rata for part time)
College of Arts, Humanities and Social Science
School of Philosophy, Psychology and Language Sciences
Full time: 35 hours per week
Fixed Term: 24 months
The Opportunity
The Psychology Department in the School of Philosophy, Psychology and Language Sciences are seeking a full time, fixed term Post-Doctoral Research Associate. This post is available from 1st of September 2026.
The successful candidate will work alongside Dr Zachary Horne and other team members as part of a Leverhulme Trust (2025‑2028) funded grant “Weaponised Pasts: The Evolution of Heritage-based Hostility on Social Media”. The PDRA will undertake research focused on the cultural evolution of archaeological information using advanced transmission chain experiments and natural language processing techniques.
Your skills and attributes for success:
- PhD (already defended) on a topic related to one or more of the following: psychology, cognitive science, linguistics, cultural evolution, diffusion of information or hostility or to a relevant topic.
- Evidence of experience undertaking research using advanced statistics.
- Evidence of ability to build advanced experimental designs in javascript or Python.
- Evidence of advanced NLP expertise using Python or R.
- Evidence of experience undertaking experimental research using advanced statistics.
13521- Post-Doctoral Research Associate employer: University of Edinburgh
Contact Detail:
University of Edinburgh Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land 13521- Post-Doctoral Research Associate
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your contacts in academia and related fields. Let them know you're on the lookout for opportunities, and don't hesitate to ask for introductions to people who might be hiring.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your research and the latest trends in your field. Be ready to discuss how your skills in advanced statistics and NLP can contribute to the project. Show them you’re not just a fit, but the perfect fit!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or colleagues. This will help you articulate your thoughts clearly and confidently, especially when discussing your PhD work and experimental designs.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search!
We think you need these skills to ace 13521- Post-Doctoral Research Associate
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the role of Post-Doctoral Research Associate. Highlight your PhD research and any relevant experience in psychology, cognitive science, or cultural evolution. We want to see how your skills align with our project on heritage-based hostility!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about this research area and how your background makes you a perfect fit for our team. Don’t forget to mention your experience with advanced statistics and programming languages like Python or R.
Showcase Your Research Skills: In your application, be sure to showcase your research skills, especially in experimental design and natural language processing. We’re looking for evidence of your ability to conduct advanced research, so include specific examples of your past work that demonstrate these abilities.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smooth application process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands. Plus, it shows us you’re keen on joining our team at StudySmarter!
How to prepare for a job interview at University of Edinburgh
✨Know Your Research Inside Out
Make sure you can discuss your PhD research in detail, especially how it relates to the project on cultural evolution and hostility. Be prepared to explain your methodologies and findings clearly, as well as how they could contribute to the Leverhulme Trust grant.
✨Show Off Your Technical Skills
Since the role requires advanced experimental designs in JavaScript or Python, brush up on your coding skills. Be ready to discuss specific projects where you've used these languages, and maybe even prepare a small example of your work to showcase during the interview.
✨Demonstrate Your Statistical Savvy
Highlight your experience with advanced statistics. Prepare to talk about the statistical methods you've employed in your research and how they can be applied to the new project. Being able to articulate your analytical approach will impress the interviewers.
✨Engage with the Team's Work
Familiarise yourself with Dr Zachary Horne's research and the broader goals of the team. Showing that you understand their work and how your expertise fits into their objectives will demonstrate your genuine interest in the position and the project.
