Research Associate

The post will appeal to those with a keen interest in the ways that autistic children perceive, interpret and respond to the world around them within the context of both human and robot interactions.   The postholder will work with a world leading team of European computer scientists and psychologists and be based within the vibrant Centre for Research in Autism and Education (CRAE); see http://crae.ioe.ac.uk for further information.

We are looking for a postdoctoral Research Associate to help take forward an exciting and novel project, funding through the European Commission’s Horizon 2020 programme to investigate the use of robot-based technology in the education of children and young people on the autism spectrum.

The successful applicant will be responsible for recruiting and scheduling testing sessions with young people and their schools and families; designing, programming and conducting experiments with autistic and non-autistic children and young people; analysing the data and communicating the results to academics in peer reviewed journals and International conferences and to the broader public.

Job share will be considered. Applicants wishing to do so are asked to indicate their preferred pattern of working. 

The post is funded until 31 July 2019 in the first instance

Candidates should have obtained or be near to obtaining a Phd in a relevant discipline (psychology, neuroscience).   A strong background in designing and conducting behavioural experiments, in computer programming (in MatLab or other similar languages) and in working with children and young people on the autism spectrum or with other neurodevelopmental difficulties are essential.   

Appointment at Grade 7 is dependent upon having been awarded a PhD; if this is not the case, initial appointment will be at research assistant Grade 6B (salary £29,485 – £31,091 per annum) with payment at Grade 7 being backdated to the date of final submission of the PhD thesis (including corrections).

UCL Reference:1538913

Applicants should apply online. To access further details about the position and how to apply please click on the ‘Apply’ button below.

You are welcome to contact Liz Pellicano (020 7331 5140 or l.pellicano@ucl.ac.uk ) if you would like to have further information or discuss the post.

Closing Date: 21 March 2016

Latest time for the submission of applications: 23.59.

Interview Date: tbc

Any offer of employment will be subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.