Senior Research Associate; RA

Starting salary from £38,249 per annum, with an annual increment up to £46,049 per annum.

Senior Research Associate –

UK-USA ESRC-SBE (NSF)-funded project led by Professor Kenny Coventry, investigating the factors that determine spatial demonstrative use (this/that/here/there) across diverse languages.

The project aims to identify commonalities and differences in spatial communication systems and explore mapping between environment and spatial distinctions languages make.

• Coordinate data collection across languages.
• Liaise with data collection sites.
• Design in-person and online experiments.
• Analyse data using Multi-Level Modelling techniques.
• Contribute to dissemination and impact activities.

• PhD in a relevant field.
• Experience of independent research.
• Publications in respected journals within the field.
• Advanced statistical skills and knowledge of psycho linguistic and cross-linguistic research methods.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, able to work effectively as part of a team.

Full-time post available from 1 September 2026 on a fixed-term basis for 24 months.

• 44 days annual leave inclusive of Bank Holidays and University Customary days (pro rata for part-time).
• Family and Work-life balance policies, including hybrid working and considerable maternity, paternity, shared parental leave and adoption leave.
• Generous pension scheme with life cover for dependants, plus incapacity cover.
• Health and Wellbeing: discounted access to Sportspark facilities, relaxation rooms, 320 acres of rolling parkland, wellbeing walks, Wellbeing Ambassador network, on-campus medical centre including NHS Dentist, Occupational Health, and a 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme.
• Campus Facilities:
  Sportspark, library, nursery, supermarket, post office, bars and catering outlets.
• Exclusive shopping discounts, childcare salary sacrifice scheme, Cycle to Work scheme and public transport discounts.
• Personal Development: unlimited access to Linked In Learning courses, specialist advice and training from our Organisational Development and Professional Learning Team.

Closing date: 28 July 2026

The University holds an Athena Swan Silver Institutional Award in recognition of our advancement towards gender equality.