Research Fellow in Psychology

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The role

Spatial abilities include the ability to understand the spatial properties of objects and to mentally visualise objects and problems. Spatial abilities in childhood predict adult expertise in STEM, and spatial training has been shown to be effective in improving children’s mathematics competence. This project is a partnership between Prof. Emily Farran, Director of the Cognition, Genes and Developmental Variability (CoGDeV) lab (lead unit), an internationally recognised centre for spatial-mathematics research and impact, Dr. Cath Gripton, Associate Director of the Observatory for Mathematical Education, Dr. Sue Gifford, Chair of the Early Childhood Maths Group and Chair of the Royal Society's Advisory Committee on Mathematics Education Primary and Early Years Expert Panel, and Prof. Camilla Gilmore, Director of the ESRC Centre for Early Mathematics Learning.

Drawing on our existing ECMG Spatial Reasoning Toolkit, a set of professional development resources developed for practitioners working with young children, you will be part of a team completing development work to ready the ECMG SRT for a randomised control trial (Phase 1) and then delivering the trial to nursery settings with 3- to 4-year-olds (Phase 2). You will use evidence-based knowledge exchange to lead the work. This involves communicating with nurseries, contributing to the development of material, and supporting the implementation of the ECMG SRT programme. You will contribute to report writing, presentations and publications.

You will be part of a strong team of experts in spatial cognition and mathematics, and in intervention research.

This is a part-time (0.8 FTE) fixed-term post starting in March 2027 and running until December 2028.

About you

You will be part of a strong team of experts in spatial cognition and mathematical learning at the interface between research and practice. You will have a PhD or equivalent qualification in Psychology or a related subject (or will be close to finishing your PhD), have experience in conducting cognitive behavioural studies, and be a strong team member with excellent communication and organisational skills.

An Enhanced DBS check is required for this position.

How to apply

To apply, please submit your CV & cover letter via the University website. You will also be asked some brief questions to help us understand your suitability for the position.

You are welcome to contact Prof. Emily Farran (e.farran@surrey.ac.uk) if you would like further information or to discuss the post.