Research Assistant(UK visa sponsorship available)
Job Description
About the Role
We are seeking a highly motivated Research Assistant to join a collaborative team working on the UKRI-funded project Predictors of Listening and Reading Comprehension in Multilingual and Monolingual Children: Do Text Type and Modality Matter?
This project is led by Professor Ludovica Serratrice (University of Reading) in partnership with Dr Alessandra Valentini and Dr Stephanie Martin Vega (University of Greenwich). The research focuses on Year 3 multilingual and monolingual children’s comprehension of fiction and non-fiction oral and written texts in English.
This is a full-time fixed-term position for 17 months, commencing in January 2026.
Data collection will take place in person at three primary schools in Newham, East London.
Working hours will generally align with school hours (8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.), although occasional attendance at school events (e.g. parents’ evenings) may be required.
Key Responsibilities
Liaise with participating schools and the PDRA to recruit multilingual and monolingual Year 3 pupils.
Support caregivers in completing the Q-BEx language background questionnaire on school premises.
Administer a range of language (vocabulary, grammar) and cognitive (memory, attention) assessments, alongside comprehension tasks.
Score and record assessments following established protocols.
Manage, store, and archive data securely in accordance with data protection and ethical guidelines.
Contribute to the dissemination of findings to participating families and schools.
Attend regular project and departmental meetings, maintaining effective communication with the research team.
Participate in relevant departmental activities such as seminars and lab meetings.
Complete all required training, including safeguarding and data management.
About You
Essential:
Relevant experience in psychology, linguistics, education, or a related discipline.
Strong organisational, communication, and interpersonal skills.
Experience working with children or in school environments.
Attention to detail and accuracy in data collection and entry.
Ability to work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary research team.
Desirable:
Experience administering or scoring cognitive or language tasks.
Familiarity with ethical research procedures involving children.
Safeguarding and DBS Requirements
The University is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. As this role involves direct work with children, the successful candidate will be required to:
Complete safeguarding training and follow the University’s Safeguarding Children & Adults at Risk Policy.
Report any safeguarding concerns or disclosures via the appropriate University channels.
Undergo an Enhanced DBS check with a child barred list check (this role is a regulated activity and exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974).
Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) – GOV.UK
Safeguarding Children and Adults at Risk Policy – University of Reading
Visa and Right to Work Information
Due to the complexity of the Skilled Worker Visa route, applicants requiring sponsorship are advised to check their eligibility via the official government guidance:
Skilled Worker Visa – GOV.UK
The University cannot offer visa advice at the application stage and will only discuss visa options with candidates invited to interview.
Our Commitment to Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion
The University of Reading is committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce. We proudly support the:
Athena SWAN Charter (gender equality),
Race Equality Charter, and
LGBT+ equality initiatives.
We are a Disability Confident Employer (Level 2) and welcome applications for part-time, job-share, or flexible working arrangements where feasible.
Join a leading research team exploring how children understand language across different contexts — and contribute to impactful, real-world research in education and linguistics.
