Postdoctoral Research Fellow

Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Psychology: Exploring the Nuances of Skilled Reading in Arabic

This exciting 3-year, full-time Postdoctoral Research Fellow position in the Department of Psychology at Royal Holloway, University of London, presents a unique opportunity for an ambitious researcher to contribute to a cutting-edge ESRC-funded project. The research delves into the fascinating realm of skilled reading in Arabic, specifically investigating the impact of diacritical mark removal on reading comprehension. By focusing on Arabic, this project aims to foster a more generalized understanding of reading acquisition across diverse languages and writing systems, making it a significant contribution to the field of cognitive psychology.

Advantages for Potential Candidates:

• Cutting-Edge Research: Be at the forefront of research into reading acquisition in non-Latin scripts, a critical area for expanding our understanding of human cognition.
• Collaborative Environment: Work within Professor Kathy Rastle's esteemed lab at Royal Holloway, fostering collaboration with leading experts including Professor Denis Drieghe (University of Southampton) and Dr. Sami Boudelaa (United Arab Emirates University). This interdisciplinary network offers invaluable learning and networking opportunities.
• International Fieldwork: Gain valuable international research experience through fieldwork in the United Arab Emirates, working directly with Dr. Boudelaa. This component offers a rich cultural and professional immersion.
• Skill Development: Hone exceptional quantitative skills, including experimental design, data handling, and advanced statistical analysis. The opportunity to gain or enhance eye-tracking experience in sentence reading will further bolster your research toolkit.
• Career Advancement: This postdoctoral position is an excellent springboard for a career in academia or research, providing a strong publication record and exposure to significant funding bodies.
• Comprehensive Benefits: Royal Holloway offers a competitive rewards and benefits package designed to support its staff, including generous annual leave, extensive training and development opportunities, a robust pension scheme with a significant employer contribution, and various employee assistance programs.
• Attractive Location: The position is based in Egham, Surrey, on a beautiful, leafy campus conveniently located near Windsor Great Park and within easy commuting distance of London.

Key Considerations for Your Career Path:

• Quantitative Expertise: A strong foundation in quantitative psychology is essential. Candidates must demonstrate outstanding skills in experimental design and sophisticated statistical analysis.
• Language Proficiency: While not strictly mandatory, proficiency in Arabic is a distinct advantage. For candidates without this skill, a clear commitment to learning Arabic is expected. This represents a significant opportunity for personal and professional growth.
• Commitment to Fieldwork: The role involves extended periods of fieldwork in the UAE. Candidates should be prepared for and enthusiastic about this international research component.
• PhD Completion Timeline: Applicants must have submitted their PhD by no later than February 9, 2026.

This Postdoctoral Research Fellow position is an exceptional opportunity for a dedicated and skilled researcher looking to make a significant impact in the field of cognitive psychology. The combination of pioneering research, international collaboration, and comprehensive support makes this a highly attractive prospect for those aiming to advance their research careers.