Research Trainee in Psychology

Department

Psychology

Salary

£32,080 - £33,951 per year, reduced pro-rata for part time working

Grade

Grade 5

Contract status

Fixed term

Hours of work

Part-time

Based at

University of York campus

Posted Date

23 / 09 / 2025

Apply by

06 / 10 / 2025

Job Reference

14380

Documents

• 14380 Job description Research Trainee.pdf (PDF, 242.55kb)

Role Description

Department

The Department of Psychology is seeking a part-time (5 hours per week) Research Trainee to join an existing research project working with Prof Silke Göbel for 12 months starting on 01 / 11 / 2025 on an ESRC-funded project investigating the foundations of understanding fractions and decimal numbers.

The ability to understand and handle rational numbers such as fractions and decimal numbers (e.g., 1 / 3, 2.14) is an important foundational skill for advanced mathematics and a gateway into STEM-subjects. Rational numbers are also common in the workplace and proficiency with rational numbers is important for health-related decisions and to manage personal finances. Given the positive outcomes linked to proficiency with rational numbers, the currently low levels of rational number proficiency are worrying.

In this project we are using cognitive psychological research to improve proficiency with rational numbers. The project consists of a longitudinal study in secondary schools and eye-tracking experiments with secondary school children and adults.

Role

The main purpose of the role is to provide support to the research project and assist with its day-to-day operation. The post holder will have an undergraduate degree in psychology or a related discipline and experience working with children. The project will involve testing in schools, as well as liaising with parents and teachers to build contacts in the community. The post will also involve organising events and promoting public engagement with science.

Skills, Experience & Qualification Needed

The appointment of the successful candidate will be conditional on a Disclosure and Barring Service Check.

Interview date : To be confirmed

For informal enquiries : please contact Prof Silke Goebel on [HIDDEN TEXT]

Condition of employment

This role is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act. Consequently, all applicants will be asked to declare both unspent and spent convictions on their application form.

Appointment of the successful candidate will be conditional on a Disclosure and Barring Service check.

The University strives to be diverse and inclusive – a place where we can ALL be ourselves.

We particularly encourage applications from people who identify as Black, Asian or from a Minority Ethnic background, who are underrepresented at the University.

We offer family friendly, flexible working arrangements, with forums and inclusive facilities to support our staff. #EqualityatYork

Skills Required

public engagement