Research Assistant/ Research Associate (Fixed Term)

The University

The University of Cambridge is one of the world's leading academic institutions, renowned for its excellence in education, research, and innovation. For nearly 800 years, we've been at the forefront of groundbreaking discoveries, shaping global knowledge across diverse fields. With 31 Colleges, over 150 faculties and departments, and a thriving ecosystem of museums, libraries, and research centres, we provide an unparalleled learning environment for its 24,000 students and 13,000 staff.

At Cambridge, our mission is to contribute to society through world-class education, learning, and research. With a deep respect for tradition and a bold vision for the future, we continue to shape the world through knowledge, innovation, and a relentless pursuit of excellence.

The Role

The PEDAL team is seeking an enthusiastic, motivated and organised Research Assistant/ Research Associate who has expertise in applied research to join us on a Nuffield Foundation funded project that will make early language support more accessible to children and their families. This is a fixed term appointment until 31st March 2027 on a full-time basis, 37 hours per week.

The postholder will play a leading role in coordinating a large-scale implementation study of the Playtime with Books programme.

Playtime with Books is a virtual programme which aims to enhance early learning by supporting families to engage in regular, enjoyable and high-quality book sharing interactions. This study will make an ambitious step in the translation pipeline by evaluating the factors required to effectively deliver and sustain the programme at scale.  

The post holder will be able to demonstrate excellent project management skills including planning, developing and delivering research projects in child development/early education. They will be able to work independently as well as working as part of a multidisciplinary team. They will have excellent mixed methods research skills, communication skills, and strong inter-personal skills needed to be able to work closely with diverse stakeholder groups including local authority partners and families. They will have experience of conducting research in community, family, and/or education settings.

Within this role there will also be opportunities for intellectual autonomy and creativity, and they will be supported in undertaking training and professional development to support their career progression. 

This is a unique opportunity to be part of an exciting research project with the potential to reduce inequalities in learning and well-being outcomes for young children.

About you

Applicants must hold a PhD (or be close to completion) in developmental psychology or a closely related field.

Applicants must also demonstrate an interest in scaling early interventions/parenting programmes and associated methods and frameworks. They must possess good interpersonal skills and the ability to liaise with a range of professionals and families with young children, as well as with academic colleagues, local authority partners, and those working in the third sector. The ability to work independently, with high attention to detail, managing workloads to tight deadlines, across multiple tasks and responsibilities is also essential.

To apply online for this vacancy and to view further information about the role, please click the 'Apply' button above. 

Informal enquiries can be addressed to Christine O'Farrelly, Principal Research Associate designated UKRI Research Fellow, at cmo41@cam.ac.uk

The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.

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