Postdoctoral Research Fellow

University of Reading - School of Psychology & Clinical Language Sciences

Location: Reading

Salary: £38,784 per annum / pro rata

Hours: Part Time

Contract Type: Fixed-Term/Contract

Placed On: 15th October 2025

Closes: 20th November 2025

Job Ref: SRF52124

This exciting post offers an opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge clinical research on speech improvement in Parkinson’s disease. The successful applicant will join a dynamic, multidisciplinary team investigating the use of experimental transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) for speech enhancement as part of the UTTER-PD project, funded by the Health Innovation Partnership Fund. The project will be based in the Centre for Integrative Neuroscience and Neurodynamics (CINN) at the University of Reading, in collaboration with the Movement Disorders Clinic at the Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust (RBFT).

The Postdoctoral Research Associate/Fellow will play a central role in co-designing and delivering experimental and clinical studies aimed at improving speech outcomes in people living with Parkinson’s disease. The postholder will contribute to all stages of the research cycle, including:

• Preparing ethics applications and study documentation
• Participant recruitment and clinical assessments
• Experimental set-up, piloting, and data collection
• Quantitative and qualitative data analysis
• Preparation of manuscripts, conference presentations, and dissemination activities

This position offers a unique opportunity to develop research and clinical skills in non-invasive brain stimulation, speech science, and neurodegenerative disorders, within a supportive and innovative research environment.

You will have:

• A PhD (or near completion) in Communication Sciences and Disorders, Experimental Psychology, Neuroscience, or a related discipline
• Clinical and/or research experience in speech and language therapy, particularly in relation to neurological or neurodegenerative conditions
• Strong analytical and communication skills, with experience of engaging with patients, families, and interdisciplinary teams
• The ability to organise, manage, and prioritise work effectively to meet research deadlines
• A collaborative and proactive approach to teamwork

The University is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and as such safeguarding checks will be undertaken.

Safeguarding Requirements and Responsibilities

• To undertake safeguarding training and follow the University’s Safeguarding Children & Adults at Risk Policy at all times.
• To consider Safeguarding in Risk Assessment processes for events and activities you deliver.
• To report any disclosures or concerns using the Safeguarding Incident Form and submit this to the UK Student Recruitment and Outreach team Designated Safeguarding Officer.

An Enhanced DBS with a adult barred list check is required for this position. This role is a regulated activity. This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (ROA) 1974.

Interview date: 4th December 2025

For more information, please contact:

Contact Name: Dr. Fatemeh Mollaei

Contact Job Title: Lecturer

Contact Email address: f.mollaei@reading.ac.uk

Alternative Contact Name: Dr. Aileen Ho

Alternative Contact Job Title: Professor

Alternative Contact Email address: a.k.ho@reading.ac.uk

The University is committed to having a diverse and inclusive workforce, supports the gender equality Athena SWAN Charter and the Race Equality Charter, and champions LGBT+ equality. We are a Disability Confident Employer (Level 2). Applications for job-share, part-time and flexible working arrangements are welcomed and will be considered in line with business needs.