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The role
We invite applications for a part-time (0.25FTE) Research Assistant to join a team of psychologists working on a project funded by the Economic and Social Research Council to understand nostalgia in romantic couple relationships, on a fixed term contract of up to 10 months.
The project includes a programme of quantitative and qualitative studies as well as a suite of activities and outputs to engage the public and key stakeholders (e.g., charities and relationship therapists). This post will work on the first study of the project, which will involve semi-structured interviews with couples about their thoughts, feelings and experiences of shared nostalgia.
Key Responsibilities
The post-holder will:
- Help to prepare the study (e.g., respond to ethics committee queries, refine and pilot-test interview schedule)
- Recruit couples to take part (e.g., create advert materials, deliver presentations, post online, communicate with potential participants)
- Organise, schedule and conduct semi-structured interviews
- Correct and anonymise interview transcripts
- Synthesise and analyse data using thematic analysis
- Write up a report of study methods and themes
- Contribute to dissemination, which may include assisting with writing up for publication and preparing/delivering presentations
The post-holder will be based in the School of Psychology at the University of Surrey. Working hours are flexible and will vary from week to week according to project demands. Attendance at some meetings on university campus will be needed, but in general the work can be conducted on campus or remotely as preferred. Some evening or weekend work might be required to facilitate scheduling of interviews with couples.
About you
The successful candidate will have:
- A Bachelors degree, and either postgraduate qualification or equivalent research experience, in psychology or a related discipline
- Experience in conducting research interviews or focus groups
- Experience with thematic analysis
- Good skills in communication, organisation, and a balance of working independently under supervision
Experience with participant recruitment and research on sensitive topics would be an advantage. Given the part-time and flexible nature of the work, this post would be well-suited to a candidate who is already studying for a PhD or working part-time.
How to apply
Please apply on the University website with your CV and cover letter.
For informal inquiries, please contact Dr Erica Hepper, School of Psychology, University of Surrey, E.Hepper@surrey.ac.uk.
Interviews are scheduled to take place week commencing 24th March’25.
For more information and to apply online, please download the further details and click on the 'apply online' button above.
In return we offer a generous pension, relocation assistance where appropriate , flexible working options including job share and blended home/campus working locations (dependent on work duties), access to world-class leisure facilities on campus, a range of travel schemes and supportive family friendly benefits including an excellent on-site nursery.
Click here to find out more about the benefits we offer to support you.
The University of Surrey is committed to providing an inclusive environment that offers equal opportunities for all. We place great value on diversity and are seeking to increase the diversity within our community. Therefore we particularly encourage applications from under-represented groups, such as people from Black, Asian and minority ethnic groups and people with disabilities.