Research Assistant (Fixed Term) at University of Cambridge

Q: What qualifications are needed for the Research Assistant role?

Applicants must hold a psychology degree or related field, with proven experience delivering research projects. Strong project management and communication skills are essential for building clinician relationships and managing testing in clinical settings.

Q: What are the main responsibilities of this Research Assistant position?

Key duties include developing a large-scale post-stroke aphasia database , recruiting volunteers through clinician networks, arranging and conducting cognitive testing, and supporting studies in the Hearing and Language Group. See research assistant jobs for similar roles.

Q: Is this Research Assistant role fixed-term or permanent?

This is a fixed-term position funded for 1 year in the first instance by an MRC grant. Extensions may be possible depending on funding and project progress.

Q: Where is the Research Assistant job based and who will I work with?

The role is based at the MRC Cognition and Brain Sciences Unit in Cambridge, working directly with Dr. Ajay Halai and in collaboration with Dr. Elisabeth Warburton at Cambridge University Hospitals. Explore faculty positions for related academic opportunities.

Q: How can I apply for this Research Assistant Fixed Term role?

Applications should be submitted before the deadline of 25 June 2026 . Prepare a CV highlighting research experience and a cover letter addressing database development and clinical collaboration skills. Check academic CV advice for guidance.

Research Assistant (Fixed Term)

There are approximately 100,000 first-time stroke incidents per year in the UK. At least 30% will have language deficits (aphasia) and executive dysfunction in the acute stage (<6 months), while 20% will experience this chronically. This suggest that recovery of language and other higher cognitive functions is variable and often incomplete after left hemisphere stroke. The uncertainty and variability in recovery has a negative impact on quality of life (i.e. unable to work, withdrawing from social activities, etc.) and mental health leading to higher dependence on social and assisted care. There is a lack of large-scale longitudinal data on post-stroke aphasia, resulting in very few formal models of recovery.

The post holder (funded by a Medical Research Council grant to Dr. Halai) will lead the development and building of a world leading database on individuals with post stroke language and executive problems.

The post holder will be based in the MRC Cognition and Brain Sciences Unit and will join the Hearing and Language Group, working directly with Dr. Ajay Halai and in collaboration with Dr Elisabeth Warburton (lead acute stroke consultant; Cambridge University Hospitals).

The post holder will be responsible for identifying suitable volunteers by building relationships with local clinicians as well as arranging and carrying out testing.

The post holder should be a psychology graduate (or related degree), with knowledge and experience of delivering research projects, ideally in applied settings.

The post holder will work as a research assistant on studies within Dr. Halai's research group and will be encouraged to develop their own research direction.

This role will require: good project management skills, the ability to work independently whilst also working collaboratively, being able to manage parallel demands, and answering queries from members in academia, hospitals and the general public.

Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available for 1 year in the first instance.

🎓What qualifications are needed for the Research Assistant role?

Applicants must hold a psychology degree or related field, with proven experience delivering research projects. Strong project management and communication skills are essential for building clinician relationships and managing testing in clinical settings.

📋What are the main responsibilities of this Research Assistant position?

Key duties include developing a large-scale post-stroke aphasia database, recruiting volunteers through clinician networks, arranging and conducting cognitive testing, and supporting studies in the Hearing and Language Group. See research assistant jobs for similar roles.

📅Is this Research Assistant role fixed-term or permanent?

This is a fixed-term position funded for 1 year in the first instance by an MRC grant. Extensions may be possible depending on funding and project progress.

📍Where is the Research Assistant job based and who will I work with?

The role is based at the MRC Cognition and Brain Sciences Unit in Cambridge, working directly with Dr. Ajay Halai and in collaboration with Dr. Elisabeth Warburton at Cambridge University Hospitals. Explore faculty positions for related academic opportunities.

✍️How can I apply for this Research Assistant Fixed Term role?

Applications should be submitted before the deadline of 25 June 2026. Prepare a CV highlighting research experience and a cover letter addressing database development and clinical collaboration skills. Check academic CV advice for guidance.

Research Assistant (Fixed Term)

University of Cambridge

Cambridge, United Kingdom