Research Assistant

The opportunity
This is an exciting opportunity for a Cognitive Science Researcher to play a key role working on a new cutting-edge UKRI-funded interdisciplinary research project at University of the Arts London (UAL), investigating the age appropriateness of children’s animation.

The Animating Minds project will bring together industry representatives with developmental cognitive neuroscientists, media theorists, creative computing and machine learning experts to develop a computational tool that predicts the neurocognitive impact of video clips on 3- to 6-year-old children.

The AI tool will be a useful instrument for media creatives to check whether content is developmentally appropriate for their target audience. Simultaneously, it will allow parents to make more informed decisions on what their children watch.

The role
As a researcher at the Creative Computing Institute (CCI), you will play a critical role in the day-to-day running of the project under the supervision of the project PI, Prof. Tim Smith and the project’s Lead Postdoctoral Researcher. You will be involved in qualitative, quantitative and computational aspects of the project and assist in conducting knowledge exchange activities, including focus groups, interviews, knowledge elicitation activities and data analysis with animators and creative experts from the children’s media industry.

You will also support the postdoctoral researcher in recruiting families for online behavioural studies, managing the study and processing experimental data.

The role involves working closely with machine learning and signal processing researchers, assisting in the application of computational models.

About you
A relevant qualification (e.g. BSc or MSc) or experience in Cognitive Science, Experimental Psychology, Developmental Science, Computer Science, Data Science or related discipline is essential.

You will also need experience of project management/ supporting the management of research projects, as well as experience in the processing, analysis, statistical modelling and interpretation of behavioural and/or neurocognitive data.

A particular interest/experience in studying audiovisual media or their effects would be ideal.

What we offer
To recognise the hard work of our staff and their contributions, we provide a wide range of benefits, such as:

• 39 days of annual leave and 2 days off to volunteer plus bank holidays.
• Flexible and Dynamic working options available from the first day.
• Discounted Medical Insurance including Digital GP service, therapies, in-patient and day-case treatment.
• Free counselling and advice via our Employee Assistance Programme (EAP).
• Sector-leading Equal Parental Leave policy (6 months full pay for both parents).
• Defined-benefit LGPS pension scheme.
• In-house training and development including apprenticeships and free places on creative courses.
• Interest free loans on travel and tech, discounts on gym memberships, nursery fees, eye care and much more.
• Various opportunities to attend student shows and exhibitions.

For further details and to apply please click the apply button.

Closing date: 24 January 2025, 23:55.

If you have any general questions or require any reasonable adjustments, please get in touch via agstaffrecruitment@arts.ac.uk.

Our culture
UAL is committed to creating diverse and inclusive environments for all staff and students to work and learn – a university where we can be ourselves and reach our full potential. We offer a range of family friendly, inclusive employment policies, flexible working arrangements and Staff Support Networks. We welcome applicants from diverse backgrounds, including race, disability, age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion and belief, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, and caring responsibility.

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