Research Fellow in Autism and Sensory Processing

Contract Type: Fixed Term contract up to September 2028

Background

This project aims to characterise visual discomfort in autistic and non-autistic children, using behavioural, EEG and psychophysiological (pupil size, heart-rate) measures. 

Main Duties

• Conducting literature reviews to develop research objectives and proposals for own or joint research, with assistance of Dr Manning
• Designing and programming stimuli and tasks to measure discomfort, using a range of behavioural and physiological measures (EEG, heart-rate, pupillometry)
• Liaise with steering group of autistic people and parents of autistic children to shape project direction
• Develop and maintain relationships with families, schools and parent organisations to facilitate recruitment
• Contribute to the establishment of a new participant database
• Collect research data from autistic and non-autistic children aged 6 to 14 years, using behavioural, EEG, heart-rate and pupillometry measures and standardised assessments
• Analyse and interpret data
• Present research outputs, including drafting academic publications or parts thereof, for example at seminars and as posters
• Provide guidance, as required, to support staff and any students who may be assisting with the research
• Contribute to writing bids for research funding
• Apply knowledge in a way which develops new intellectual understanding
• Disseminate research findings for publication, research seminars etc
• Supervise students on research related work and provide guidance to PhD students where appropriate to the discipline
• Contribute to developing new models, techniques and methods 
• Undertake management/administration arising from research
• Contribute to Departmental/School research-related activities and research-related administration
• Contribute to enterprise, business development and/or public engagement activities of manifest benefit to the College and the University, often under supervision of a project leader
• Deal with problems that may affect the achievement of research objectives and deadlines (e.g., recruitment, difficulties with technology)
• Promote equality and values diversity acting as a role model and fostering an inclusive working culture.

Person Specification

• First degree in area of specialism and a PhD (or close to completion) relevant to research area or equivalent qualifications
• Ability to work sensitively with children with varying needs (e.g., sensory and communication differences) and other stakeholders (e.g., autistic adults, autism charities, parents, schools)
• High level analytical capability
• Ability to programme stimuli and tasks (desirable), or a willingness and capability to learn (essential)
• Ability to communicate complex information clearly and write work suitable for publication
• Fluency in relevant techniques or methods (e.g., EEG, psychophysics, developmental testing, heart-rate, eyetracking)
• Ability to assess resource requirements and use resources effectively 
• Ability to contribute to the planning and organising of the specific research project
• Ability to co-ordinate own work with others to avoid conflict or duplication of effort
• Knowledge of the protected characteristics of the Equality Act 2010, and how to actively ensure in day to day activity in own area that those with protected characteristics are treated equally and fairly

Informal enquiries can be made to Cathy Manning, email: c.manning@bham.ac.uk 

To download the full job description and details of this position and submit an electronic application online please click on the 'Apply' button.

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We value diversity and inclusion at the University of Birmingham and welcome applications from all sections of the community and are open to discussions around all forms of flexible working

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