Internal Applicants Only - Research Assistant

Advert

This post is currently open to employees of Cardiff University only.  Please do not apply if you do not have a current contract of employment with the University.

Internal Applicants Only - Research Assistant
School of Psychology

We are seeking a highly motivated, proactive, and organised Research Assistant with excellent communication skills to support our research into the development and feasibility evaluation of a novel AI-based rhythmic movement intervention (DRUM-AI) for people with Huntington’s and Parkinson’s disease.

This research assistant position offers an exciting opportunity to join an interdisciplinary team and contribute to high-quality research combining psychology, digital health, and movement-based therapy. You will play a key role in data collection, analysis, dissemination, and supporting the overall success of the project by helping to deliver the project’s aims.

For informal enquiries, please contact: Claudia Metzler-Baddeley, Metzler-BaddeleyC@cardiff.ac.uk

This position is full-time, available from September 2025 and fixed term for 23 months or until 31 August 2027 (whichever is soonest).

Salary: £33,482 - £36,130 per annum (Grade 5). Appointments to roles at Cardiff University are usually made at bottom of scale unless in exceptional circumstances.  Please note that it is not expected that we will appoint above grade 5.25, currently £33,482 per annum. 

Cardiff University offers many excellent benefits, including 45 days annual leave (incl. bank holidays), local pension scheme, a cycle to work scheme and other travel initiatives, annual increments within the pay scale, and more. It's an exciting and vibrant place to work with many different challenges and is a proud Living Wage supporter.

Closing date: Tuesday, 29 July 2025

External applications are currently not being considered for this post.  If the decision is made to open the post to external candidates, the strapline at the top will be removed and you will be given ample time to apply – please check back periodically for details.

Cardiff University is committed to supporting and promoting equality and diversity and to creating an inclusive working environment. We believe this can be achieved through attracting, developing, and retaining a diverse range of staff from many different backgrounds.  We therefore welcome applicants from all sections of the community regardless of sex, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, trans identity, relationship status, religion or belief, caring responsibilities, or age.  In supporting our employees to achieve a balance between their work and their personal lives, we will also consider proposals for flexible working or job share arrangements.

Applications may be submitted in Welsh, and an application submitted in Welsh will not be treated less favourably than an application submitted in English.

Cardiff University is a signatory to the San Francisco Declaration on Research Assessment (DORA), which means that in hiring and promotion decisions we will evaluate applicants on the quality of their research, not publication metrics or the identity of the journal in which the research is published. More information is available at:  Responsible research assessment - Research - Cardiff University

Job Description

JOB PURPOSE

To contribute to research into the development and feasibility evaluation of a novel AI-based rhythmic movement intervention (DRUM-AI) for people with Huntington’s and Parkinson’s disease, carrying out supporting work that helps lead to the publishing of high-quality research. To pursue excellence in research and to inspire others to do the same.

Main Duties & Responsibilities

• To undertake research, by planning, preparing, setting up, conducting and recording DRUM and DRUM-AI feasibility and performance data in people with Huntington’s and Parkinson’s disease.
• Actively participate within the research group, communicating and presenting research at meetings, through publications and other recognised avenues as appropriate, ensuring information is communicated to internal and external partners
• To contribute and support research publications and presentations as required
• To contribute and support research funding bids as required
• To analyse and communicate complex ideas, concepts and data using appropriate methods and packages
• To resolve issues and support colleagues in devising procedures required to ensure accurate and timely reporting
• To generate research output and contribute to the development of independent and original ideas as appropriate
• To provide support in research activities for undergraduate courses and research programmes and provide guidance to other members of staff within the research team
• To maintain and update area of specialist knowledge, researching and critically appraising relevant literature within the area.

• To participate in School administration and activities to promote the School and its work to the wider University and the outside world.
• To undergo personal and professional development that is appropriate to and which will enhance performance.
• To ensure that an understanding of the importance of confidentiality is applied when undertaking all duties.
• To abide by the University policies on Health and Safety and Equality and Diversity
• Any other duties not included above, but consistent with the role.

Person Specification

IMPORTANT NOTE TO CANDIDATES: It is the University’s policy to use the person specification as a key tool for short-listing and we only invite candidates to interview who clearly evidence that they meet (or partially meet) each of the essential criteria. During the application process you will be asked to attach a supporting statement. This statement must outline how you meet the criteria below and we recommended formatting this by using each criteria as a sub-heading and providing your relevant experience/evidence below each sub-heading. It is crucial that you save your supporting statement with the vacancy number (eg. 1234BR) in the filename as failure to do so may result in it being omitted from your application.

Essential Criteria

Qualifications and Education

Job Category

Academic - Research