Saturday, January 03, 2015

Research Assistant position in Behavioural Science Centre

Post Details

Full time, fixed term contract for 1 year 
Grade 6 (spine point 22) £24,775
Closing date: midnight on 1 February 2015


The Post


A highly motivated researcher with a strong background in psychology and/or economics is required to work on an ESRC funded project on self-control and health. This exciting ESRC Future Leaders project focuses on how childhood self-control contributes to patterns of health behaviour, health problems, social mobility, and health inequalities over the lifespan. The project lead is Dr. Michael Daly along with Professor Liam Delaney as internal collaborator and several international collaborators on this topic including Professor Roy Baumeister. 

This post will be based in the Behavioural Science Centre in the Stirling Management School. The Behavioural Science Centre is an interdisciplinary research centre which brings together approaches from psychology and economics to address key questions in society including how to better understand and foster health and well-being. Your primary responsibilities will involve assisting in data analysis and in the preparation of literature reviews in collaboration with the PI and internal and international collaborators. You will also be involved in the preparation of data access applications, preparing and distributing online surveys, and the preparation of presentations and dissemination of findings.

Applicants should have completed an honours degree or master’s degree in a relevant area. Expertise in analysis of large scale survey data or other complex datasets and evidence of strong academic writing skills would be an advantage.


Description of Duties



Job Purpose


To set up and run analyses on several existing data sources following pre-specified data protocols, with particular responsibility for data cleaning, coding, and management. In addition, be responsible for preparing literature reviews and distributing surveys to validate questionnaire items for this interdisciplinary project. This post represents an excellent opportunity for a talented and enthusiastic researcher to become embedded in a productive team and contribute to publications focused on how self-control may foster social mobility, health and well-being.


Description of Duties

Assist in data analysis of large scale population survey datasets.
Conduct literature reviews focused on key areas of the project.
Assist in development of a validation study to be conducted with teachers and parents.
Assist in development of external presentations of the research findings.
Assist in organising seminars and workshops relating to the project.
Assist in development of on-going funding applications to continue the project.
Assist in drafting and submission of journal articles relating to the findings.
Assist in reporting on the outcomes of the project.
Actively engage in the intellectual life of the Behavioural Science Centre including initiating journal clubs, making suggestions on the work of other researchers, participating in seminars and making suggestions for social media outputs.


Essential Criteria

An Honours degree, or equivalent professional qualification.
Strong intrinsic interest in research in a relevant area (e.g. Behavioural Science, Behavioural Medicine, Behavioural Economics, Health Economics)
High level proficiency in STATA and/or SPSS.
Ability and willingness to contribute to the intellectual life of the Behavioural Science Centre including participating in seminars, journal clubs, group discussions and related activity.
Excellent written and oral communication skills.
Ability to work individually and autonomously as well as potential to work as part of a team.
Ability to manage time and work to deadlines.
Commitment to academic research and professional development.


Desirable Criteria

Postgraduate training in Psychology or Economics with a strong emphasis on statistics.
Specific knowledge of techniques for multilevel and panel data analysis.
Existing experience directly in the area of statistical analysis of determinants of health and well-being.
Evidence of active engagement with the area of behavioural science including student publications, internship experience and social media activity.
Proven ability in preparing high quality original research papers for publication.
Experience of preparing research funding applications.

Apply for this position here.

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