Research Assistant

Contract Type: Fixed term for 36 months 

Working Pattern: Part time (60% FTE)

The Post

A cross-disciplinary team of researchers led by the University of Stirling with partners at the University of Burgundy (France), Max Planck Institute for Chemistry (Germany), Charles University (Czech Republic), and the University of Wroclaw (Poland) are working together on a Wellcome Trust-funded project, Olfactory communication in the first weeks of life: from chemical mechanisms to improving breastfeeding outcomes, to investigate how odour shapes mother-infant communication. The project aims to develop new insights into maternal-infant interaction that can aid breastfeeding initiation and maintenance.

As part of this project, Psychology, Faculty of Natural Sciences is offering a part-time Research Assistant position. You will work with Professor Craig Roberts, Professor Viv Swanson, and Dr Dimitrios Kourtis to coordinate the overall running of the project on a day-to-day basis to facilitate the successful delivery of the £3.5M project. You will also have the opportunity to contribute to the project by conducting your own research project (in a relevant area, by agreement within the team) under the supervision of one of the project team. The post is fixed term (36 months) but may be extendable beyond this period.

Description of Duties

• Take a key role in maintaining effective communication between the academic partners
• Lead the organisation of team meetings, supporting the attendance and participation of all team members
• Maintain oversight and facilitate the successful delivery of the programme of work in line with its aims and objectives
• Support and monitor the progress of programme plans to ensure delivery at the key stages and goals
• Prepare and present progress reports for the Steering Group
• Minute the Steering Group meetings and ensure all agreed actions are taken forward
• Ensure appropriate records are maintained and the financial management of each project complies with the University’s Financial Regulations

Essential Criteria

• Degree level qualification in a relevant subject area (e.g. psychology, biology)
• Highly-developed interpersonal skills necessary to build and maintain effective working relationships
• Excellent organisational skills
• Excellent communication skills
• Excellent initiative, negotiation, persuasion and problem-solving skills and the ability to develop and implement solutions

For further information, including a full description of duties, essential criteria and details on how to apply, please click the 'Apply' button, above.

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