UNIVERSITY OF GRANADA

FACULTY OF PSYCHOLOGY

Applications are invited for an Experienced Researcher (ER) fellowship for one year. The fellow will join a 7-member Marie Curie-funded training network: ELDEL (Enhancing Literacy Development in European Languages). The ELDEL Network consists of a programme of research focusing on typical and atypical literacy development in learners of several European languages. For the present post, the successful ER fellow will contribute to one of the Work Packages of the Network: Work Package 3 (WP3), Developing Effective Intervention Programs for Children Experiencing Literacy Failure (http://www.eldel.eu/workpackageoverview).

Closing Date: 31^st January 2010

JOB DESCRIPTION

The position will be based at the University of Granada under the supervision of S. Defior, and will involve close collaboration with the coordinator of the network (M. Caravolas at Bangor University) and the University of York.

As part of the ER fellowship, the post-holder will be involved in all aspects of the research project including the implementation of the intervention, activities of coordination, ESR supervision, data analysis, interpretation, and dissemination, among others.

Advanced knowledge of statistics, modelling and psycholinguistic approaches to reading and spelling will be an asset, as will experience of research involving children. The ELDEL network's research programme has a strong cross-linguistic theme which will necessitate the availability to travel for training and research purposes to other European network sites.

Salary: 49.660 € p.a.

Specific duties will include:

To work closely with the Supervisor, S. Defior, WP3 Coordinators, and Senior Scientists on the coordination of the WP3.
To support the principal and co-investigator (ESR) in planning and developing the work package (intervention design, compilation and analysis of data).
To conduct statistical data analysis using SPSS and similar packages.
To acquire and maintain a thorough and up-to-date knowledge of the background scientific literature that is relevant to the research project.
To prepare research report write-ups and to assist in the completion of other aspects related to the publication of research findings.
To participate in conference presentations of research findings.
To attend ELDEL's Workshops and other relevant training activities.
To support broader research activities, workshop organisation, and communications with internal and external bodies in the field of language and literacy development.

Person Specification:

Due to the stipulations of the funding source (Marie Curie Fellowships), the successful candidate must:

Be a non-Spanish national or have legally resided and had his/her main activity in a non-Associated third country (non-EU, or Associated state) for at least three of the last four years.
Non-Spanish nationals must not have worked and resided in Spain for more than 12 months in the past 3 years (preceding the start date).
The post holder will be an Experienced Researcher, as defined by the Marie Curie FP7 scheme.

Essential qualifications:

A PHD in Psychology, or closely related discipline such as Education, Speech and Language Therapy, Linguistics or equivalent research training, experience and achievement.
A good command of oral and written Spanish and English.
Knowledge of reading mechanisms and reading development.
Advanced knowledge and skills in statistical analysis for the behavioural sciences.
Ability to use statistical packages for analysing large data sets using software such as Microsoft Excel, SPSS.
Ability to manage time and complete tasks accurately to agreed deadlines.
Proven ability to coordinate research involving liaison with participants and students.
Experience in psychological research, including study design, data collection, and data analysis, interpreting and reporting of results in written and oral form.
Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate with young children, teachers, education professionals, research assistants as well as European colleagues at all levels.

Desirable qualifications:

Previous experience of research and/or psycho-educational practice in areas of language and literacy development with preschool, primary-school-aged children, dyslexic children and/or special populations.
Knowledge of how environments impact learning.
Ability to use multilevel models and growth curve analysis.
Familiarity with assessments/measures often used in intervention research with preschool and school-aged children.
Research publications in peer-reviewed journals.
Experience of preparing proposals for research grant funding.