Research Assistant (AI-assisted Autism Diagnosis with Neuroscience)

University of Plymouth - School of Psychology

Are you interested in autism, in neuroscience, and in the possibility of AI assisted diagnosis?

About the role

If so, this junior research assistant role may be for you! You work directly with the project leader, Prof. Andy J. Wills, and also interact from time to time with a broad research team.

Your main role is to support the recruitment of participants and the collection of data, both online and in person. This involves the use of online questionnaires, voice recording, movement/sleep data collection using smart watches and, predominately, the collection of fNIRS data in person (fNIRS is a safe non-invasive brain scan technology that uses near-infrared light). You'll also interact with clinicans and people with lived experience.

The successful candidate may be required to obtain an ATAS Certificate prior to this research being undertaken.

For more information on School of Psychology please visit our dedicated webpage at https://www.plymouth.ac.uk/schools

Due to the nature of the role, unfortunately we are unable to accommodate working from home.

This is a part-time position working 14.8 hours per week on a fixed-term basis for 36 weeks due to funding.

For an informal discussion to find out more about the role then please contact: Andy Wills; by email at andy.wills@plymouth.ac.uk

What we’re looking for

You need to be a careful and methodological person, ideally with experience of fNIRS - or, if not, experience of another lab-based procedure for human data collection (we can provide fNIRS training). You should be numerate and competent with technical devices such as standard computers. You should be well organised, self-motivated, and able to seek and take direction when needed.

About us

Although your work will be entirely based in Plymouth, you'll join a research team that spans the Universities of Plymouth, Aston, Birmingham, and Warwick. We have expertise and experience in the wide range of skills required to make this project a success. The team includes a psychiatrist, computer and data scientists, psychologists and neuroscientists.

The Faculty of Health holds four Silver Athena Swan awards, which recognise our commitment to supporting gender equality within higher education.

The University of Plymouth has a strong interdisciplinary research ethos which is supported by our three strategic Research Institutes; the Marine Institute, the Sustainable Earth Institute, and the Plymouth Institute of Health and Care Research. As a member of our academic community, you’ll be expected to contribute to our recognised research strengths. Working holistically across the University, you will be challenged to innovate, collaborate and deliver impactful research contributions as part of a systems thinking approach to addressing today’s global challenges.

Application Process

Please apply online, demonstrating how you meet the essential criteria outlined in the knowledge, qualifications, training, and experience elements of the job description in your supporting statement.

Following the closing date of the vacancy, you will be notified on the outcome of your application in due course.

Anticipated Interview Date: Wednesday 15 October 2025

Closing date: 12 midnight, Wednesday 1 October 2025.