Postdoctoral Research Assistant
Located: Earley Gate Campus
Salary Grade 6: £37,369 - £41,885 per annum
Contractual hours 35
Basis Full time
Job category/type: Academic and Research
Date posted: 28/10/2026
Job reference: SRF54547
Attachments: SRF54547 PDRA Job Description, Person Specification -accessible FINAL.pdf
Full-time, Fixed Term for 3 years
Closing date: 16/11/2026
Interviews will be held: week commencing 7/12/26
Due to the complexity of the Skilled Worker Visa route and eligibility criteria, applicants requiring sponsorship are recommended to check their eligibility on the Home Office website.
We cannot provide advice to candidates at the application stage and will only discuss visa routes with candidates who are invited to interview.
There may be costs associated with a visa application, including the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), which are not paid for by the University of Reading and cannot be claimed back. For further information on potential costs please visit: Healthcare Surcharge Information GOV.UK
Applications are invited for a Postdoctoral Research Assistant position at the School of Psychology and Clinical Language Sciences at the University of Reading for an Eagles Autism Foundation funded project investigating sensory hyperreactivity in autistic children.
You should have experience with MRI and preferably also Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy (MRS), and ideally also of working with autistic children and/or substantial experience of recruiting and working with neurodivergent participant populations.
You should have a degree and PhD in Psychology or related field. You will prepare participants for MRS scanning and later on conduct MR analysis and write up findings for publication, and report them at conferences.
The Further Particulars for each job are in PDF format, which can be read by Adobe Acrobat or Acrobat Reader. To download a free version of Acrobat Reader, please click on the link below:
In order to be successful you will:
- Have a proven track record of MRI and/or MRS experience – both data collection and data analysis.
- Experience working with human participants, ideally autistic children
- and/or substantial research experience.
- Knowledge of experimental methods is essential.
- You will be proficient in basic software including Excel and SPSS/R and have the ability to work well with children and parents under research conditions.
A DBS check is required for this position. Please see these links for information on Safeguarding and Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) Procedure
If you would like to know more about the role contact Dr Teresa Tavassoli at t.tavassoli@reading.ac.uk
We welcome applications from both external and internal candidates. As part of the University’s ongoing commitment to professional development, this role can be considered on a seconded basis for existing staff members. Internal candidates should discuss this with their line manager prior to applying.
The University is committed to having a diverse and inclusive workforce, supports the gender equality Athena SWAN Charter and the Race Equality Charter, and champions LGBT+ equality. We are a Disability Confident Employer (Level 2). Applications for job-share, part-time and flexible working arrangements are welcomed and will be considered in line with business needs.
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Postdoctoral Research Assistant employer: University of Reading
The University of Reading is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that fosters collaboration and innovation at its picturesque Whiteknights campus. With a strong commitment to employee development, you will have access to numerous growth opportunities and professional training, all while contributing to a meaningful mission of expanding global education. Join us to be part of a diverse community dedicated to making a positive impact on students' lives worldwide.
