Post-Doctoral Research Associate: A Unique Opportunity in Neurodevelopmental Research

This part-time (0.5 FTE) Post-Doctoral Research Associate position at the Aston Institute for Health & Neurodevelopment (IHN) presents an exciting and impactful career opportunity for experienced researchers. Focused on a Cerebra-funded project, this role offers the chance to contribute significantly to the development and evaluation of a novel anxiety intervention for autistic children with rare genetic syndromes and moderate to severe intellectual disabilities. If you are passionate about improving the lives of children and families within underserved populations, this role warrants your close attention.

Key Advantages for Aspiring Researchers:

• Meaningful Project Impact: You will be at the forefront of delivering and evaluating a critical intervention, directly impacting the well-being of autistic children and their families. This is an opportunity to make a tangible difference.
• Embedded within a Pioneering Network: This role offers the unique advantage of being embedded within the Cerebra Network for Neurodevelopmental Disorders. This collaborative network unites expertise from four leading institutions, fostering cross-pollination of ideas and resources to drive groundbreaking research in autism, mental health, sleep, and behaviour.
• Child-Centred, Translational Research Environment: Working within Aston's IHN, you'll be part of a dynamic research environment that prioritizes translational research, aiming to bridge the gap between fundamental scientific discoveries and practical applications for child development and wellbeing.
• Comprehensive Research Experience: The role provides a broad spectrum of research activities, from project oversight and management to conducting literature reviews, data interpretation, dissemination of findings, and engaging with external stakeholders. This breadth of experience is invaluable for career advancement.
• Opportunity for Dissemination and Knowledge Exchange: You will actively contribute to publications, attend conferences, and engage in knowledge exchange with external partners, including syndrome support organisations and NHS partners. This is crucial for building your research profile and network.
• Contribution to Future Research: This position offers the chance to contribute to the development of future grant applications and research opportunities, shaping the future direction of neurodevelopmental research.
• Professional Development: The role emphasizes continuous personal and professional development, ensuring you remain at the cutting edge of your field.

Key Considerations for Your Career Path:

• Specific Expertise Required: The ideal candidate will possess experience working with children with intellectual and developmental disabilities and/or underserved populations. A strong understanding of anxiety interventions and research methodologies in this area will be highly beneficial.
• Part-Time Commitment: This is a 0.5 FTE (part-time) position. Candidates should be comfortable with and seeking a part-time role that allows for other commitments or a focused approach to this specific project.
• UK-Wide Travel: Be prepared for occasional travel to various locations in the UK for meetings and dissemination events with project partners.
• Ethical Conduct and Wellbeing: The role involves responsibilities related to ensuring the personal health, safety, and wellbeing of staff and students, as well as promoting fairness, trust, equality, diversity, and inclusion. A commitment to these values is essential.
• Collaboration and Teamwork: Success in this role will rely on effective collaboration with a PhD student, research team, project partners, and NHS professionals.

This Post-Doctoral Research Associate position offers a compelling pathway for individuals seeking to deepen their expertise in neurodevelopmental disorders and contribute to impactful research. By joining the Cerebra Network and the Aston IHN, you will be at the heart of a supportive and innovative research community dedicated to improving the lives of children.