Senior Research Associate (0.8 FTE, fixed-term 10 months)

Applications are invited for the post of Senior Research Associate to undertake research on the Little Minds Project under the supervision of joint Principal Investigators (PI) Dr Kimberley Bartholomew and Dr Kate Russell. This work is funded by the Joyce Morris Legacy Fund.  

The aim of the project is to develop a mindfulness-based intervention that works to improve speech, language, and communication skills in early years. A realist approach has been used to understand how and why mindfulness-based interventions ‘work’ to improve literacy in early years settings, for whom, and to what extent, and capture this knowledge in a programme theory. The programme theory is being used and refined during the design, implementation, and evaluation of a new intervention for which activities are currently being trialled at two intervention sites in Norfolk. The primary role of the post is to further develop the intervention and roll it out across a diverse range of early years settings to evaluate its effects on speech, language, and communication skills in young children. This will be supported by the research team and wider content expert group and will involve the continued use of participatory-action research to further test and refine the programme theory.

You will have a doctoral level qualification (or working towards it), equivalent qualification or experience in a relevant research area. You will also have strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to analyse and interpret data and work effectively as part of a team, and will be able to meet all essential criteria detailed in the candidate brochure.

This part-time (0.8FTE) post is available from 2 September 2024 for a fixed-term of 10 months.

This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. Appointment will be subject to a criminal record check at Enhanced level from the Disclosure and Barring Service, including a check of the Child Barred List. It is an offence to apply for this role if you are barred from engaging in regulated activity relevant to children.

Further information on our great benefits package, including 30 days annual leave inclusive of Bank Holidays and additional University Customary days (pro rata for part-time), can be found on our benefits page.

Closing date: 24 July 2024

The University holds an Athena Swan Silver Institutional Award in recognition of our advancement towards gender equality.

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