Graduate Research Assistant in Neurodiversity and Mathematical Learning

We are seeking a graduate researcher or equivalent professional to join an
exciting new project at the interface between developmental psychology,
education, and neurodiversity. The new team member will join an
interdisciplinary longitudinal project that will employ standardised
assessments, experimental measures (e.g., child friendly iPad-based
assessments, online assessments), and mixed methods to understand cognitive
and educational contributors to early mathematical learning for neurodivergent
children. Our focus will be three groups of children with genetic conditions
diagnosed early in life (Down’s syndrome, fragile X syndrome, or Williams
syndrome), to understand both general and specific contributors to good
outcomes leading to independence in early numeracy for neurodivergent
children.





Currently located in the Radcliffe Observatory Quarter, Experimental
Psychology will be moving to the new, purpose-built Life and Mind Building a
multidisciplinary research and teaching facility due to open in the summer of
2025.





This position will involve joining an extended team connecting the University
of Oxford, Surrey University and University College London. You will be
jointly responsible (alongside a postdoctoral researcher and a recruitment
officer) for visiting and liaising with schools, working with participating
children to collect data, and data coding. You will work collaboratively with
the extended research team on all dimensions of the project (recruitment, data
collection, longitudinal data collection planning, data curation and open
science). You will also contribute to report writing, presentations,
publications and dissemination to non-academic audiences.





A keen interest in developmental psychology and education are essential, and
either a keen interest or prior experience of working with children with
genetic conditions and / or intellectual disability and / or neurodiversity
would be an advantage. Excellent communication skills, interests in working as
part of an interdisciplinary team are essential. The post-holder will be
involved in all aspects of the research project, with a particular focus on
cognitive and educational assessment, data entry and data analysis. Prior
experience of primary school settings in the context of cognitive or
educational assessments is essential.





The successful applicant would be principally based in Oxford, working with
Prof Gaia Scerif, but they will benefit from being embedded in an extended
research team for this project, including co-PIs Prof Emily Farran (University
of Surrey) and Prof Jo van Herwegen (University College London). Gaia Scerif
is an internationally recognised expert in genetic syndrome, executive
function and mathematics. Emily Farran is an internationally recognised expert
in genetic syndromes, and the relationship between spatial ability and
mathematic. Jo Van Herwegen is an internationally recognised expert in genetic
syndromes, educational environments and mathematics.





This is a fixed term post, working either part time at 0.5 FTEs (2.5 day per
week) for 12 months, or full time at 1.0 FTEs for 6 months. Other part-time
pro rata arrangements might be considered.





The closing date for applications is midday on Tuesday 10th June 2025. It is
anticipated that interviews will be held in early July. It is hoped the post-
holder will be able to start in post on 1st September 2025 or as soon as
possible thereafter.



Applications for this vacancy are to be made online. You will be required to
upload a supporting statement and CV as part of your online application. For
more details about the role please contact Gaia Scerif
(gaia.scerif@psy.ox.ac.uk).





To apply for this role and for further details, including the job description
and selection criteria, please see the link below.