Research Assistant at University of Sheffield

A position has arisen for a Research Assistant working on CognoSpeak, an automated assessment of cognition based on language. CognoSpeak uses an Intelligent virtual agent (IVA) on a computer’s screen to ask questions. Verbal answers are recorded using Automatic Speech Recognition (ASR) and Machine Learning algorithms analyse speech patterns for cognitive impairment. In this project (CognoSpeak) aims to explore the use of an IVA, with patients referred to the memory clinics. 

You will work closely with the Chief Investigators to support the conduct of this study. You will help recruit participants to this study from Primary Care and Secondary Care memory clinics. You will also help set up external sites for CognoSpeak as we widen recruitment to other memory services and to registries such as Great Minds and Join Dementia Research (JDR) to include Healthy controls. 

You will work within the Division of Neuroscience but the post is shared with the Department of Computer Science.

An undergraduate qualification (or equivalent experience) in science, psychology, neuroscience, social science, health care or clinical audit is useful. Post graduate degree, medical clinical research and experience in working with people with dementia and/or with communication difficulties due to cognitive impairment is desirable. 

You will undertake quality control responsibilities related to studies, including site monitoring. 

This post is fixed term for 16 months and is available immediately. 

We’re one of the best not-for-profit organisations to work for in the UK. The University’s Total Reward Package includes a competitive salary, a generous Pension Scheme and annual leave entitlement, as well as access to a range of learning and development courses to support your personal and professional development.

We build teams of people from different heritages and lifestyles from across the world, whose talent and contributions complement each other to greatest effect. We believe diversity in all its forms delivers greater impact through research, teaching and student experience.

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Apply now by clicking on the ‘Apply’ button above.