Postdoctoral Research Associate
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What you'll do
- Investigating how children aged 11–14 learn across print and digital media.
- Lead core research on reading and writing development using longitudinal school testing, experimental paradigms, and statistical modeling.
- Mentor PhD students, supervise project Research Assistants, and liaise with partner schools.
- To undertake safeguarding training and follow the University’s Safeguarding Children & Adults at Risk Policy at all times.
- To consider Safeguarding in Risk Assessment processes for events and activities you deliver.
- To report any disclosures or concerns using the Safeguarding Incident Form and submit this to the UK Student Recruitment and Outreach team Designated Safeguarding Officer.
What they're looking for
- A PhD (or near completion) in Psychology, Cognitive Science, Computational Linguistics, Linguistics, Computer Science, or a related field.
- Strong quantitative, statistical, or computational programming skills (e.g., R, Python, linear mixed models, or deep learning architectures).
- A solid theoretical background in literacy development, child language acquisition, or psycholinguistics.
- A record of academic publishing and high-quality written communication.
- Experience in conducting research/data collection with children in educational settings
- Excellent interpersonal and management skills to mentor PhD students, supervise project Research Assistants, and liaise with partner schools.
Summarised by NextRaise from the employer’s description, which follows in full below.
Full description from employer
Postdoctoral Research Associate
Reference: SRF54299
Job details
Job referenceSRF54299 Date posted17/09/2026 Application closing date29/10/2026 LocationWhiteknights Campus SalaryGrade 6 - £36636 - £38784 per annum PackageBlank Contractual hours35 BasisFull time Job category/typeAcademic and Research Attachments SRF54299 - JDPS - PDRA.pdfPostdoctoral Research Associate
Job descriptionFull Time / Fixed Term for 48 months
The closing date for applications is 23.59 on 29th October 2026
Interviews will be held: To Be Confirmed
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. UK Visas and Immigration Website.
The School of Psychology and Clinical Language Sciences at the University of Reading seeks a 4-year Postdoctoral Research Associate (PDRA) for the Leverhulme Trust-funded project Literacy in the Digital Age, led by Dr Yaling Hsiao.
Investigating how children aged 11–14 learn across print and digital media, you will lead core research on reading and writing development using longitudinal school testing, experimental paradigms, and statistical modeling.
You Will Have:
- A PhD (or near completion) in Psychology, Cognitive Science, Computational Linguistics, Linguistics, Computer Science, or a related field.
- Strong quantitative, statistical, or computational programming skills (e.g., R, Python, linear mixed models, or deep learning architectures).
- A solid theoretical background in literacy development, child language acquisition, or psycholinguistics.
- A record of academic publishing and high-quality written communication.
- Experience in conducting research/data collection with children in educational settings
- Excellent interpersonal and management skills to mentor PhD students, supervise project Research Assistants, and liaise with partner schools.
Why Join Us?
The University of Reading offers a supportive, inclusive, and world-class academic environment. Located at our vibrant Whiteknights campus, benefits include generous holiday allowance, access to advanced research software/clusters, structured career development mentoring, and discounted facilities.
We welcome applications from both external and internal candidates. This role can also be considered on a seconded basis for existing staff.
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted via the University of Reading online portal. The interview will involve a 10-minute presentation on your research background relevant to the LION framework.
The University is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and as such safeguarding checks will be undertaken.
Safeguarding Requirements and Responsibilities
• To undertake safeguarding training and follow the University’s Safeguarding Children & Adults at Risk Policy at all times.
• To consider Safeguarding in Risk Assessment processes for events and activities you deliver.
• To report any disclosures or concerns using the Safeguarding Incident Form and submit this to the UK Student Recruitment and Outreach team Designated Safeguarding Officer.
An Enhanced DBS with a child barred list check is required for this position. This role is a regulated activity. This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (ROA) 1974.
Please see these links for information on Safeguarding and Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) Procedure, including Recruiting ex-offenders principles
For more information, please contact:
Contact Name : Dr Yaling Hsiao
Contact Job Title : Principal Investigator
Contact Email address : yaling.hsiao@reading.ac.uk
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.
Apply online Send to a friendPostdoctoral Research Associate
Job descriptionFull Time / Fixed Term for 48 months
The closing date for applications is 23.59 on 29th October 2026
Interviews will be held: To Be Confirmed
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. UK Visas and Immigration Website.
The School of Psychology and Clinical Language Sciences at the University of Reading seeks a 4-year Postdoctoral Research Associate (PDRA) for the Leverhulme Trust-funded project Literacy in the Digital Age, led by Dr Yaling Hsiao.
Investigating how children aged 11–14 learn across print and digital media, you will lead core research on reading and writing development using longitudinal school testing, experimental paradigms, and statistical modeling.
You Will Have:
- A PhD (or near completion) in Psychology, Cognitive Science, Computational Linguistics, Linguistics, Computer Science, or a related field.
- Strong quantitative, statistical, or computational programming skills (e.g., R, Python, linear mixed models, or deep learning architectures).
- A solid theoretical background in literacy development, child language acquisition, or psycholinguistics.
- A record of academic publishing and high-quality written communication.
- Experience in conducting research/data collection with children in educational settings
- Excellent interpersonal and management skills to mentor PhD students, supervise project Research Assistants, and liaise with partner schools.
Why Join Us?
The University of Reading offers a supportive, inclusive, and world-class academic environment. Located at our vibrant Whiteknights campus, benefits include generous holiday allowance, access to advanced research software/clusters, structured career development mentoring, and discounted facilities.
We welcome applications from both external and internal candidates. This role can also be considered on a seconded basis for existing staff.
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted via the University of Reading online portal. The interview will involve a 10-minute presentation on your research background relevant to the LION framework.
The University is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and as such safeguarding checks will be undertaken.
Safeguarding Requirements and Responsibilities
• To undertake safeguarding training and follow the University’s Safeguarding Children & Adults at Risk Policy at all times.
• To consider Safeguarding in Risk Assessment processes for events and activities you deliver.
• To report any disclosures or concerns using the Safeguarding Incident Form and submit this to the UK Student Recruitment and Outreach team Designated Safeguarding Officer.
An Enhanced DBS with a child barred list check is required for this position. This role is a regulated activity. This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (ROA) 1974.
Please see these links for information on Safeguarding and Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) Procedure, including Recruiting ex-offenders principles
For more information, please contact:
Contact Name : Dr Yaling Hsiao
Contact Job Title : Principal Investigator
Contact Email address : yaling.hsiao@reading.ac.uk
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.
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