Research Assistant in Psychology/Qualitative Methods

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The role

We invite applications for a part-time (0.25FTE) Research Assistant to join a team of psychologists working on a project funded by the Economic & Social Research Council to understand nostalgia in romantic couple relationships, on a fixed-term contract of up to 10 months.

The project includes a programme of quantitative and qualitative studies as well as a suite of activities and outputs to engage the public and key stakeholders (e.g., charities and relationship therapists). This post will work on the first study of the project, which will involve semi-structured interviews with couples about their thoughts, feelings & experiences of shared nostalgia.

Key Responsibilities

The post-holder will:

• Help to prepare the study (e.g., respond to ethics committee queries, refine & pilot-test interview schedule)
• Recruit couples to take part (e.g., create advert materials, deliver presentations, post online, communicate with potential participants)
• Organise, schedule & conduct semi-structured interviews
• Correct and anonymise interview transcripts
• Synthesise and analyse data using thematic analysis
• Write up a report of study methods and themes
• Contribute to dissemination, which may include assisting with writing up for publication and preparing/delivering presentations

The post-holder will be based in the School of Psychology at the University of Surrey. Working hours are flexible and will vary from week to week according to project demands. Attendance at some meetings on university campus will be needed, but in general the work can be conducted on campus or remotely as preferred.

About you

The successful candidate will have:

• A Bachelors degree, and either postgraduate qualification or equivalent research experience, in psychology or a related discipline
• Experience in conducting research interviews or focus groups
• Experience with thematic analysis
• Good skills in communication, organisation, and a balance of working independently under supervision

Experience with participant recruitment and research on sensitive topics would be an advantage. Given the part-time and flexible nature of the work, this post would be well-suited to a candidate who is already studying for a PhD or working part-time.

How to apply

Please apply on the University website with your CV and cover letter.

For informal inquiries, please contact Dr Erica Hepper, School of Psychology, University of Surrey, E.Hepper@surrey.ac.uk.

Interviews are scheduled to take place week commencing 24^th March’25.

Further details

For more information and to apply online, please download the further details and click on the 'apply' button above.
 
In return we offer a generous pension, relocation assistance where appropriate , flexible working options including job share and blended home/campus working locations (dependent on work duties), access to world-class leisure facilities on campus, a range of travel schemes and supportive family friendly benefits including an excellent on-site nursery.

Click here to find out more about the benefits we offer to support you.

The University of Surrey is committed to providing an inclusive environment that offers equal opportunities for all.  We place great value on diversity and are seeking to increase the diversity within our community.  

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