The Manchester Institute of Education
The UK’s first Faculty of Education was launched at the University of Manchester in 1914, and we have been championing the vulnerable and addressing educational challenges ever since. Manchester Institute of Education (MIE) currently has over 150 members of academic staff, and over 100 postgraduate research students. We offer range of successful postgraduate and undergraduate courses, delivered both face-to-face and at a distance, which recruit over 1,000 students per year. Our initial teacher education programmes are all rated outstanding, and we prepare over 500 new teachers for the classroom every year.
We are looking for an ambitious, collegiate and motivated Research Assistant/Associate to work on an ESRC funded project to adapt and evaluate a parent-delivered early language intervention (Parents and Children Together; PACT https://sites.manchester.ac.uk/pct/) for young children with Down syndrome. This project involves: 1) A pilot study with a small group of parents and children to explore adaptations to the existing PACT programme; 2) A feasibility randomised controlled trial (RCT).
This project offers an exciting opportunity for the post holder to develop their research skills and contribute to early language intervention research and practice. Under the guidance of the Principle Investigator, Dr Kelly Burgoyne (University of Manchester), and the Co-Investigators Professor Vesna Stojanovik and Dr Emma Pagnamenta (University of Reading) the post holder will work on key aspects of the project including participant recruitment; day to day contact with families taking part in the project; conducting home visits with families; data collection (including administering language assessments with young children, and conducting focus groups and interviews with parents), data coding and data entry; supervision of casual research assistants; data analysis and reporting; and dissemination and writing activities.
You will have a strong undergraduate degree (2:1 or above) and a Master’s degree (or equivalent) in Psychology, Speech and Language Therapy, Education, or a related discipline, and experience conducting research with children and/or families. A PhD (completed or near to completion) is required for appointment at Research Associate level. Experience working with families and individuals with developmental disorders would be an advantage. The candidate will have strong knowledge and experience of quantitative and qualitative research methods and analysis, and will be skilled in using a range of software packages (e.g. MS Office; SPSS; NVivo). The post holder will be able to manage their own workload and prioritise tasks, and will have excellent interpersonal skills to liaise with participants and ensure clear communication throughout. Good problem solving and decision making skills are needed to make day to day decisions and overcome potential challenges.
Although the post is based in Manchester, the role will require some travel across the North-West to visit families. Some occasional evening and weekend working may be required. The appointment will be subject to successful Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) clearance.
As an equal opportunities employer we welcome applicants from all sections of the community regardless of age, sex, gender (or gender identity), ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation and transgender status. All appointments are made on merit.
Our University is positive about flexible working – you can find out more here
Blended working arrangements may be considered
Please note that we are unable to respond to enquiries, accept CVs or applications from Recruitment Agencies.
Enquiries about the vacancy, shortlisting and interviews:
Name: Kelly Burgoyne, Lecturer in Psychology and Education
Email: Kelly.Burgoyne@manchester.ac.uk
General enquiries:
Email: hrservices@manchester.ac.uk
Technical support:
https://jobseekersupport.jobtrain.co.uk/support/home
This vacancy will close for applications at midnight on the closing date.
Please see the link below for the Further Particulars document which contains the person specification criteria.
