Research Fellow in Eyewitness Memory

Job Description / Grading Form

Section 1 – For completion by Line Manager (please complete all boxes as appropriate so that your submission is not delayed. Guidance notes are available for support on writing Job Descriptions).

Position Name Research Fellow in Eyewitness Memory

College/Budget Centre LES/Psychology

Position Number (if Known)

Proposed Grade Grade 7

Reason for grading request X New role : – If comparator role exists please give post title / number:

Re-grade for existing post-holder

Background

This is an opportunity to join one of the largest eyewitness memory research groups in the UK on a four-year fixed term post linked to the appointment of Professor Heather Flowe as Director of Research for the College of Life & Environmental Sciences until July 2026. The successful applicant will support and collaborate with the research group of Professor Flowe. Current research in Professor Flowe’s group includes experimental, field, and literature-based study of eyewitness memory retrieval processes in criminal identification lineups, and in police interviews. Our research group develops memory enhancing, broad reach, low-cost procedures (e.g., 3D interactive lineups) that are integrated into legal systems around the world.

Summary of Role

The Research Fellow will support and collaborate with Professor Flowe’s research group through: generation and analysis of new datasets; involvement in laboratory and field-based research; dissemination of research results; contributing to the development and writing of research funding proposals; contributions to undergraduate and postgraduate research supervision; and contributions to research group management.

Main Duties / Responsibilities

The responsibilities may include some but not all of the responsibilities outlined below.

• To pursue a programme of research as agreed with Professor Heather Flowe

• To develop study materials

• To collect data using online platforms

• To undertake data management, analysis and interpretation

• Contribute to developing new models, techniques and methods

• Conduct systematic literature reviews and interpret these for professionals and practitioners

• Contribute innovative ideas and evidence-based support (literature review) to the project

• To make a major contribution towards publishing the outcomes of research in outlets of international standing

• To take an active role in developing new research initiatives

• Contribute to writing bids for research funding

• Disseminate research findings for publication and research seminars

• Supervise students on research related work and provide guidance to MSc and PhD students where appropriate to the discipline

• Undertake management/administration arising from research

• Contribute to School research-related activities and research-related administration

• Contribute to enterprise, business development and/or public engagement activities of manifest benefit to the College and the University, often under supervision of a project leader

• Present research outputs, including drafting academic publications or parts thereof, for example at seminars and as posters

• Provide guidance, as required, to support staff and any students who may be assisting with the research

Deal with problems that may affect the achievement of research objectives and deadlines

Person Specification

Essential

• First degree in Psychology and a PhD relevant to the research area or equivalent qualifications

• High level analytical capability

• Ability to communicate complex information clearly

• Fluency in relevant cognitive models of memory, techniques and methods and ability to contribute to developing new ones

• Excellent quantitative and analytical skills

• Track record of high-quality scientific publication

• Demonstrable experience in disseminating research results via conference presentations

• Ability to communicate complex information clearly

• Ability to work independently and identify and develop novel and significant research questions and approaches

• Ability to assess resource requirements and use resources effectively

• Understanding of and ability to contribute to broader management/administration processes

• Contribute to the planning and organising of the research programme and/or specific research project

• Co-ordinate own work with others to avoid conflict or duplication of effort

Applicants with relevant skillsets that have potential to develop novel interdisciplinary collaborations in areas such as social science and the arts are also encouraged to apply.