Research Fellow, School of Behavioural Sciences

JOB PURPOSE:

To be an active member of the project “The importance of social context in interpreting and generating laughter”. The post-holder will
meet regularly with Dr Will Curran and Dr Gary McKeown to discuss the project.

MAJOR DUTIES:

1. Undertake research on a grant funded by the Leverhulme Trust on laughter in social interaction.
2. Undertake basic research activities, including for example, implementing experimental design, recruitment of participants, data
analysis, critical evaluation and interpretation in consultation with the reserch grant holders. Set-up and maintain behavioural
monitoring equipment requiring a degree of technical and computational ability. Recording and editing audio-visual material for
use in generating stimuli for experiments.
3. Draft research articles for submission to peer-reviewed academic journals. The post-holder will be expected to take the lead on some of the research articles.
4. Present regular progress reports on research to members of the research group or to external audiences to disseminate and publicise research findings.
5. Possibly contribute to some teaching on Psychology modules, tutorials or project supervision, under the guidance of the grant holder.
6. Carry out routine administrative duties as requested, for example, arranging research group meetings.
7. Assist the grant holder in the preparation of funding proposals and applications to external bodies.

Planning and Organising:
1. The post-holder will be expected to take an active role in the planning and organizing of key aspects of the project, especially
with regard to conducting the psychological studies. This will include recruiting participants for laboratory-based testing.

Resource Management Responsibilities:
1. Ensure that resources are used in an effective and efficient manner.
2. The post-holder may be expected to provide guidance and supervision to undergraduate and postgraduate students.

Internal and External Relationships:
1. The post-holder will be expected to engage in activities internal to the university, such as research meetings.
2. External to the university, the successful applicant will be expected to engage in the development of collaborative networks with
other researchers in the field.

ESSENTIAL CRITERIA:

1. Have or about to obtain a PhD in a relevant area (submitted with viva complete).
2. Experience in statistical data analysis.
3. Experience in designing and conducting behavioural studies.
4. Demonstrable ability to develop a record of high quality publications commensurate with stage of academic career.
5. Good breadth and depth of knowledge in research methodology and techniques applicable to the research project.
6. Sufficient breadth and depth of specialist knowledge in the discipline and of research methods to work within established research programmes.
7. Strong level of analytical capability.
8. Demonstrable ability to contribute to method improvement.
9. Ability to communicate complex information clearly.
10. Ability to build contacts and participate in internal and external networks.
11. Ability to communicate with and relate to others at all levels both internally and externally.
12. Excellent written communication skills.
13. Ability to work independently with a high level of self-motivation, whilst also working in a wider team.
14. Ability to build effective working relationships with University staff at all levels, and also other stakeholders.
15. Ability to communicate ideas (and the findings of research studies) to others in a clear and accessible manner.
16. Ability to assess and organise resources.
17. Flexibility and ability to work irregular hours on an occasional basis as required.
18. Travel to academic conferences will be expected.

DESIRABLE CRITERIA:

1. Experience of research into laughter.
2. Experience in the study of social group dynamics.
3. Technical knowledge involving audio-visual, social signal processing and biometric sensors and equipment.
4. A computational ability related to audio-visual recording, editing and the use of sensor equipment for generating experimental stimuli.