"Research Assistant - CBCD"

We are excited to announce an opening for a Research Assistant at Birkbeck, University of London, to contribute to a Wellcome Trust-funded longitudinal study of sensory processing and responsivity in young children.

The Centre for Brain and Cognitive Development, (CBCD; Birkbeck, Department of Psychological Sciences) is seeking a Research Assistant to join the study team from 2026.

The project, directed by Dr Virginia Carter Leno, uses a range of methodologies, including EEG and novel integrated neuroimaging-virtual reality (VR) technology, to understand:

1. the neurocognitive drivers of individual differences in sensory responsivity, and,
2. the impacts of individual differences in sensory responsivity on child development, including neurodevelopmental and mental health outcomes.

To be successful as Research Assistant, you should have a BSc degree in Psychology or related subject, and experience of conducting developmental experimental psychology studies. You should also have substantial experience using either behavioural assessments, EEG, eye-tracking or fNIRS with toddlers.

The post will involve recruiting families with young children who have varying levels of sensory responsivity.

As Research Assistant you will also schedule families’ visits to the CBCD and administer a testing battery with toddlers - this is in collaboration with a postdoctoral researcher and the wider research team. It may involve occasional weekend testing to accommodate family schedules.

This is an excellent opportunity for an individual looking to gain research experience in a world-renowned centre for developmental science before applying for a further study (e.g., PhD). There are multiple opportunities for training in research methodology and theoretical knowledge.

The Centre for Brain and Cognitive Development (CBCD) incorporates a group of researchers studying brain and psychological development in typically and atypically developing babies and toddlers. We use behavioural testing and brain imaging methods to further our understanding and contribute to the field. We are part of Birkbeck, University of London, a world-renowned institution.

Salary and benefits£38,981 rising to £44,247 per year. Grade 6 on the College's London Pay Scale which includes a consolidated London weighting allowance.

Benefits of working at Birkbeck: a competitive salary and pension scheme, 31 days paid leave, flexible working arrangements, generous benefits in the HE sector, and being located in the heart of Bloomsbury, Euston, London.

Contract:Fixed-term 18 months, full-time contract (35 hours a week), some weekend testing. Please submit a CV and statement for consideration. Closing date: Sunday, 30 November 2025, interview date: w/c 15 December 2025. Appointment will be subject to a satisfactory enhanced DBS check.

Enquiries:  If you would like to know more about the role, please contact Virginia Carter Leno, Postdoctoral Fellow at v.carterleno@bbk.ac.uk.

If you have difficulty using the recruitment portal, please contact jobs@bbk.ac.uk providing your name and the job reference number of the position. While we are happy to respond to all informal enquiries, only formal applications through the online system will be considered.

We welcome applicants from all sections of the community. The College is committed to improving the gender and cultural diversity of its workforce, holding an Athena SWAN award and operating Disability Confident & Mindful Employer schemes.