Post-Doctoral Research Fellow

The opportunity

This is an exciting opportunity for a Developmental Science/Knowledge Exchange Researcher to play a key role working on a new cutting-edge UKRI-funded interdisciplinary research project at University of the Arts London (UAL) investigating the age appropriateness of children’s animation.

The Animating Minds project will bring together industry representatives with developmental cognitive neuroscientists, media theorists, creative computing and machine learning experts to develop a computational tool that predicts the neurocognitive impact of video clips on 3- to 6-year-old children. 

The AI tool will be a useful instrument for media creatives to check whether content is developmentally appropriate for their target audience. Simultaneously, it will allow parents to make more informed decisions on what their children watch.

As the lead Post-Doctoral Research Fellow at the Creative Computing Institute (CCI), you will play a critical role in managing the day-to-day running of the project and the research assistants in collaboration with Prof. Tim Smith. 

You will be responsible for project planning and developing the protocols for both qualitative knowledge elicitation activities with our industry partners and quantitative online developmental studies, measuring the direct impact of videos on children, as well as analysing the resulting data. 

You will work closely with the machine learning and signal processing team who will use the data to build the predictive models.  

Your profile

You will need a PhD or equivalent experience in Developmental Science, Psychology, or Cognitive Science with a specific focus on researching the psychological impacts of audiovisual media on children.

You will also need experience of conducting research studies with children and knowledge of mixed-methods, qualitative psychology and knowledge-exchange practices.

Advanced experience in processing, analysing, statistical modelling and interpreting behavioural and neurocognitive data is equally important.

We are UAL

University of the Arts London (UAL) generates and inspires the creativity the world needs for a better future. Since 1842, our colleges have been defining creative education. With curiosity, imagination and intent we make work which creates lasting change for people and our planet. London is core to who we are, a place where we meet and share ideas with people from different backgrounds and cultures.

Our creative network influences learning, culture, industry and society on a global scale. Our academics and practitioners deliver creative education and inspire new ways of thinking through research and innovation. We work with students at every level from pre-degree and short courses to postgraduate and online learning, enabling them to build the careers they want. Together, we are a community of makers, thinkers, pioneers and storytellers redesigning the future.

As a University we are ranked second in the world for Art and Design. We are formed of 6 Colleges with unique histories and identities: Camberwell College of Arts, Central Saint Martins, Chelsea College of Arts, London College of Communication, London College of Fashion and Wimbledon College of Arts. UAL also has 4 Institutes, 5 Research Centres, 1 Pre-Degree School and 2 subsidiary companies delivering specialist activities.

Application process

We operate a fair and open anonymous selection process. Thus, you will need to create an account and submit an application through our job board. As part of this, you will need to provide a supporting statement/answer some competency questions to demonstrate your suitability. Our recruitment process involves: Application, Shortlisting, Interview and Assessment, Offer, Onboarding.

We understand the benefits of using AI in work. But, if you are thinking of using it to submit an application, we ask you to think about what value it adds. AI tools tend to lack the personal touch and authenticity we value in candidates. We encourage you to showcase your unique knowledge and skills using your own voice.

If we receive a high volume of applications, the closing day date might close early. We aim to communicate any changes to the closing date with at least 24 hours’ notice. If you have any general questions or have accessibility needs, please refer to our Contact us page.

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