Postdoctoral Research Assistant

Contractual hours: 35

Job category/type: Academic and Research

Job description

Fixed Term for 3 years

Closing date: 16/11/2026

Interviews will be held: week commencing 7/12/26

Due to the complexity of the Skilled Worker Visa route and eligibility criteria, applicants requiring sponsorship are recommended to check their eligibility on the Home Office website.

We cannot provide advice to candidates at the application stage and will only discuss visa routes with candidates who are invited to interview.

There may be costs associated with a visa application, including the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), which are not paid for by the University of Reading and cannot be claimed back. For further information on potential costs please visit: Healthcare Surcharge Information GOV.UK

Applications are invited for a Postdoctoral Research Assistant position at the School of Psychology and Clinical Language Sciences at the University of Reading for an Eagles Autism Foundation funded project investigating sensory hyperreactivity in autistic children.

You should have experience with MRI and preferably also Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy (MRS), and ideally also of working with autistic children and/or substantial experience of recruiting and working with neurodivergent participant populations.

You should have a degree and PhD in Psychology or related field. You will prepare participants for MRS scanning and later on conduct MR analysis and write up findings for publication and report them at conferences.

In order to be successful, you will:

• Have a proven track record of MRI and/or MRS experience – both data collection and data analysis.
• Experience working with human participants, ideally autistic children and/or substantial research experience.
• Knowledge of experimental methods is essential.
• You will be proficient in basic software including Excel and SPSS/R and have the ability to work well with children and parents under research conditions.

A DBS check is required for this position. Please see these links for information on Safeguarding and Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) Procedure

If you would like to know more about the role contact Dr Teresa Tavassoli at t.tavassoli@reading.ac.uk

We welcome applications from both external and internal candidates. As part of the University’s ongoing commitment to professional development, this role can be considered on a seconded basis for existing staff members. Internal candidates should discuss this with their line manager prior to applying.

The University is committed to having a diverse and inclusive workforce, supports the gender equality Athena SWAN Charter and the Race Equality Charter, and champions LGBT+ equality. We are a Disability Confident Employer (Level 2). Applications for job-share, part-time and flexible working arrangements are welcomed and will be considered in line with business needs.