Research Assistant – Cognitive Ability & Plasticity Lab | University of Sheffield

Location: Sheffield, United Kingdom (Hybrid)
Department: School of Psychology
Salary: £32,080 – £33,002 per year
Contract Type: Fixed-Term, Part-Time
Application Deadline: 26 October 2025
Reference: 1704

🌟 Exciting Opportunity: Research Assistant in Cognitive Psychology at the University of Sheffield

Are you fascinated by memory, cognitive training, and healthy ageing? Do you want to contribute to groundbreaking research that helps us understand how strategy use influences memory performance across different age groups?

The University of Sheffield’s School of Psychology invites applications for a Research Assistant to join the Cognitive Ability & Plasticity Lab, led by Professor Claudia von Bastian.

This role is part of the ESRC-funded project, “Strategy Training to Support Healthy Cognitive Ageing: Behavioural, Neuroimaging, and Real-World Investigations” — an innovative study exploring how cognitive strategies impact visual working memory in younger and older adults.

🔬 About the Role

As a Research Assistant, you will play a vital role in conducting hands-on research in cognitive ageing, helping to collect and manage complex behavioral data.

Key Responsibilities:

• Recruit and screen younger and older adult participants.
• Administer questionnaires, neuropsychological tests, and cognitive tasks.
• Manage data collection using an experience-sampling method over three weeks.
• Collaborate closely with the postdoctoral researcher and broader research team.
• Contribute to data organization, quality assurance, and participant engagement.

You’ll be working within a supportive, high-achieving academic environment alongside distinguished researchers including Professors Louise Brown Nicholls, Richard Allen, Melanie Burke, and Mario Parra Rodriguez.

🎓 About You

This position is perfect for an early-career researcher seeking to deepen their expertise in cognitive psychology, ageing, and experimental research methods.

Essential Qualifications:

• A Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Psychology or a closely related discipline.
• Strong understanding of cognitive and differential psychology.
• Proficiency in quantitative research methods.
• Experience conducting in-person and online data collection.
• Excellent organizational and communication skills.

Desirable Experience:

• Previous experience working with older adult participants.
• Familiarity with experience-sampling or neuropsychological testing.

This is your opportunity to make a tangible contribution to global research on cognitive health and memory training, while developing your technical and analytical research skills.

💼 Why Join the University of Sheffield?

The University of Sheffield is a world-class institution recognized for its research excellence and inclusive work culture. Joining the Cognitive Ability & Plasticity Lab means becoming part of a diverse, innovative, and supportive team.

Benefits Include:

✅ 38 days annual leave (including bank holidays and closure days)
✅ Option to purchase up to 10 extra days of leave
✅ Flexible and hybrid working options
✅ Competitive pension scheme
✅ Cycle to Work Scheme and retail discounts
✅ Professional development programs and mentoring
✅ Inclusive staff networks for support and community
✅ Comprehensive wellbeing programs, including emotional and fertility support

The university’s commitment to diversity, equality, and inclusion ensures that every team member can thrive, regardless of heritage or background.

🌍 A Workplace That Values Diversity

The University of Sheffield celebrates diversity and innovation. Its teams bring together talented individuals from across the world, fostering a culture where different perspectives fuel research excellence.

The institution actively supports flexible working and welcomes applicants from all backgrounds, ensuring a positive and inclusive research environment.

🕓 Application Details

📅 Closing Date: 26 October 2025
💼 Start Date: As soon as possible
🏫 Location: Hybrid – University of Sheffield, UK
📩 Job Reference: 1704

Don’t miss this opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge research in cognitive ageing and strategy training while building a strong foundation for your academic career.

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📌 Summary at a Glance

🔗 Apply Online: https://www.jobs.ac.uk/job/DOZ814/research-assistant-cognitive-ability-and-plasticity-lab