Research Fellow in Child Development at University of Surrey

Closing Date: 23.59 hours BST on Wednesday 18 October 2023

Applications are invited for a full-time Postdoctoral Research Fellow B position in the School of Psychology at the University of Surrey, Guildford, starting on the 3rd January 2024.

The post-holder will be working on a 4-year ESRC-funded project with Dr Chris Askew (University of Surrey), Prof Andy Field and Dr Kathryn Lester (University of Sussex). The project is investigating risk and resilience factors in the vicarious learning and reduction of fear in children (aged 7-10). The aim of the research is to identify the combination of parenting style, parent temperament and child temperament factors that influence vicariously learned increases and reductions in fear. The research findings are expected to increase our understanding of how fear is intergenerationally transmitted within families and identify the factors that increase children’s resilience or susceptibility to fear development. The project aims to create a new evidence base that will help inform the development of future fear interventions, preventions and treatments for children by improving our understanding of the main influences on fear development and treatment responsiveness. 

We are looking for an experienced, enthusiastic and motivated researcher interested in the development of anxiety disorders in children. The post holder will be responsible for recruitment of participants (parents and children) and the day-to-day running of the research in the lab. Duties include creating materials, programming, collecting, processing and inputting data, conducting preliminary analyses, and maintaining a project-specific website. They will need a good understanding of research methods and ethical issues in this type of research. They will also be involved in the writing-up and dissemination of findings.

This is a Research Fellow B position. Therefore, candidates should;

• Hold a relevant PhD, ideally in clinical or developmental psychology or related areas
• Previous experience of running a research project is desirable. 
• Experience conducting research with children or families is advantageous.

Note that due to the nature of the research and participant group, work outside of normal school hours will be necessary (i.e., evenings, weekends and school holidays). 

Informal enquiries can be made to Dr Chris Askew: c.askew@surrey.ac.uk

The closing date for applications is Wednesday 18th October 2023. We anticipate interviews being held early in November 2023.

To apply; Please attach a detailed CV and complete the application for where you can evidence your experience against the essential and desirable skills required for the role.  

Further details:   Job Description    

For more information and to apply online, please download the further details and click on the ‘apply online’ button above.
 
In return we offer a generous pension, relocation assistance where appropriate , flexible working options including job share and blended home/campus working locations (dependent on work duties), access to world-class leisure facilities on campus, a range of travel schemes and supportive family friendly benefits including an excellent on-site nursery.

Click here to find out more about the benefits we offer to support you.

The University of Surrey is committed to providing an inclusive environment that offers equal opportunities for all.  We place great value on diversity and are seeking to increase the diversity within our community.  Therefore we particularly encourage applications from under-represented groups, such as people from Black, Asian and minority ethnic groups and people with disabilities.