Basis Full time
Whiteknights Campus
Postdoctoral Research Associate
Job details
Salary Grade 6 - £36636 - £38784 per annum Contractual hours 35 Basis Full time Job category/type Academic and Research Date posted 17/09/2026 Job reference SRF54299 Attachments SRF54299 - JDPS - PDRA.pdf
Job description
Full Time / Fixed Term for 48 months
The closing date for applications is 23.59 on 29 th October 2026
Interviews will be held: To Be Confirmed
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. UK Visas and Immigration Website.
The School of Psychology and Clinical Language Sciences at the University of Reading seeks a 4-year Postdoctoral Research Associate (PDRA) for the Leverhulme Trust-funded project "Literacy in the Digital Age," led by Dr Yaling Hsiao.
Investigating how children aged 11–14 learn across print and digital media, you will lead core research on reading and writing development using longitudinal school testing, experimental paradigms, and statistical modeling.
You Will Have:
- A PhD (or near completion) in Psychology, Cognitive Science, Computational Linguistics, Linguistics, Computer Science, or a related field.
- Strong quantitative, statistical, or computational programming skills (e.g., R, Python, linear mixed models, or deep learning architectures).
- A solid theoretical background in literacy development, child language acquisition, or psycholinguistics.
- A record of academic publishing and high-quality written communication.
- Experience in conducting research/data collection with children in educational settings
- Excellent interpersonal and management skills to mentor PhD students, supervise project Research Assistants, and liaise with partner schools.
Why Join Us?
The University of Reading offers a supportive, inclusive, and world-class academic environment. Located at our vibrant Whiteknights campus, benefits include generous holiday allowance, access to advanced research software/clusters, structured career development mentoring, and discounted facilities.
We welcome applications from both external and internal candidates. This role can also be considered on a seconded basis for existing staff.
Safeguarding Requirements and Responsibilities
- To undertake safeguarding training and follow the University’s Safeguarding Children & Adults at Risk Policy at all times.
- To consider Safeguarding in Risk Assessment processes for events and activities you deliver.
- To report any disclosures or concerns using the Safeguarding Incident Form and submit this to the UK Student Recruitment and Outreach team Designated Safeguarding Officer.
An Enhanced DBS with a child barred list check is required for this position. This role is a regulated activity. This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (ROA) 1974.
Please see these links for information on Safeguarding and Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) Procedure, including Recruiting ex-offenders principles
For more information, please contact:
Contact Name : Dr Yaling Hsiao
Contact Job Title : Principal Investigator
Contact Email address : y.hsiao@reading.ac.uk
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 Associate in Reading 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.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Postdoctoral Research Associate in Reading
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