Research Assistant

Updated: almost 2 years ago
Location: Cardiff, WALES
Deadline: The position may have been removed or expired!

Advert

Research Assistant: Experimental approaches to investigating language evolution
Centre for Language and Communication Research (CLCR)

Applications are invited for a Research Assistant to join a project that will investigate the conditions which facilitated the evolution of language in humans. The project will collect and formally describe theories of how linguistic abilities evolved as a response to social, economic or ecological factors, using a special database (CHIELD, https://correlation-machine.com/CHIELD ). Secondly, it will test these theories using experiments where participants will collaborate with each other to complete tasks in a virtual environment (Minecraft). The aim is to understand which tasks and environments reliably create a pressure to develop a communication system.

The successful applicant will have a background in linguistics, anthropology, or psychology, ideally with a focus on evolutionary theories. Experience with running experiments, quantitative methods, and basic programming would be beneficial, but training will be provided. Excellent organisational and team-working skills and a proven ability to prioritise and meet deadlines within an agreed timeframe are essential. The post holder will take a central role in recruiting participants, collecting data, coding and analysing results. They will also be involved in the write up of analyses for publication and in the dissemination of the results at conferences.

This 4-year project is funded by the AHRC and is led by Dr Seán Roberts, at the Centre for Language and Communication Research in the School of English, Communication and Philosophy here at Cardiff University.

This post will be based in Cardiff and is full-time (35hrs per week) for a fixed term of 15 months. The successful applicant will be expected to take up the post from 1st August 2022 or as soon as possible thereafter.

Salary: £27,924 - £32,344 per annum (Grade 5).  It is not expected that an appointment be made above £29,614 per annum. 

Interested applicants are invited to contact Dr.Seán Roberts ([email protected] ) for more info.

Date advert posted: Thursday, 19 May 2022

Closing date: Monday, 6 June 2022

Cardiff University is committed to supporting and promoting equality and diversity and to creating an inclusive working environment. We believe this can be achieved through attracting, developing, and retaining a diverse range of staff from many different backgrounds.  We therefore welcome applicants from all sections of the community regardless of sex, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, trans identity, relationship status, religion or belief, caring responsibilities, age, or socioeconomic position.  In supporting our employees to achieve a balance between their work and their personal lives, we will also consider proposals for flexible working or job share arrangements.  

“Cardiff University is a signatory to the San Francisco Declaration on Research Assessment (DORA), which means that in hiring and promotion decisions we will evaluate applicants on the quality of their research, not publication metrics or the identity of the journal in which the research is published. More information is available at: https://www.cardiff.ac.uk/research/our-research-environment/integrity-and-ethics/responsible-research-assessment”  


Job Description

Main Function

To contribute to research within specialist area, carrying out supporting work that helps lead to the publishing of high-quality research. To pursue excellence in research and to inspire others to do the same.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

  • To undertake research, e.g. by planning, preparing, setting up, conducting and recording the outcome of experiments.
  • Actively participate within the research group, communicating and presenting research at meetings, through publications and other recognised avenues as appropriate, ensuring information is communicated to internal and external partners
  • To contribute and support research publications and presentations as required
  • To contribute and support research funding bids as required
  • To analyse and communicate complex ideas, concepts and data using appropriate methods and packages
    To resolve issues and support colleagues in devising procedures required to ensure accurate and timely reporting
  • To generate research output and contribute to the development of independent  and original ideas as appropriate
    To provide support in research activities for undergraduate courses and research programmes and provide guidance to other members of staff within the research team
  • To maintain and update area of specialist knowledge, researching and critically appraising relevant literature within the area.
Other
  • To participate in School administration and activities to promote the School and its work to the wider University and the outside world
  • To undergo personal and professional development that is appropriate to and which will enhance performance.
  • To ensure that an understanding of the importance of confidentiality is applied when undertaking all duties
  • To abide by the University policies on Health and Safety and Equality and Diversity
  • Any other duties not included above, but consistent with the role.

Person Specification

Essential Criteria

Qualifications and Education

  • A degree in a relevant discipline, or equivalent experience
  • Knowledge, Skills and Experience
  • Knowledge of research methods and techniques within specialist field
  • Proven ability to analyse complex information and summarise appropriately
  • Knowledge and understanding of competitive research funding to be able to develop applications to funding bodies
  • Communication and Team Working
  • Proven communication skills, including presentation to various audiences
  • Excellent organisational and team-working skills
  • Other
  • Proven ability to demonstrate creativity, innovation and teamworking within work
  • Desirable Criteria
  • Postgraduate degree at MA or PhD level in a related subject area or relevant industrial experience.
  • Proven ability to work without close supervision
  •  Proven ability to adapt to the changing requirements of the Higher Education community.

  • Additional Information

    Experience with entropy measures, data visualisation, and constructing databases would be beneficial.


    Job Category

    Academic - Research



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