Understanding and assessing children with psychological disorders

Applications are invited for a highly motivated, enthusiastic psychologist with an interest in developmental psychopathology (or related field) to join a well-supported, friendly research team, based in the internationally renowned School of Psychology at Cardiff University that has a strong tradition of supporting research careers in psychology. The team (based in Cardiff University’s Centre for Human Developmental Science) is studying young children with emotional and behavioural problems, using neurodevelopmental assessments. The PhD student will be responsible for undertaking assessments of children and their parents in a dedicated laboratory based in the Centre for Human Developmental Science (training in the use of laboratory equipment will be provided). The student will need to liaise with educational and clinical psychologists, and with school-teachers and will be responsible for data analysis and writing papers. In the context of this work, the student will be encouraged to develop his/her own line of research that will serve as the basis for a PhD. The precise topic will be by negotiation with the supervisor, Professor van Goozen, and will need to be compatible with the ongoing work of the Centre, but within this framework there will be an opportunity for the student to pursue his or her own interests.

Teaching responsibilities:
This will be a 4-year studentship. The PhD student will join the teaching staff of the MSc in Children’s Psychological Disorders (CPD) and help deliver tutorials and practicals to the MSc students for a maximum of 180 hours per year. Applicants must have excellent organisational, communication and research skills and an ability to successfully work as part of a teaching team, that includes psychologists, psychiatrists and clinical and educational psychologists.

Eligibility:
Full awards (fees plus maintenance stipend) are open to UK Nationals, and EU students who can satisfy UK residency requirements. To be eligible for the full award, EU Nationals must have been in the UK for at least 3 years prior to the start of the course for which they are seeking funding, including for the purposes of full-time education.

As only one studentship is available and a very high standard of applications is typically received, the successful applicant is likely to have a very good first degree (a First or Upper Second class BSc Honours or equivalent) and/or be distinguished by having relevant research experience.

Requirements:
To be competitive, you will have a first class/good upper second degree, or a distinction/merit at masters’ level, in a relevant subject, with a good knowledge of developmental psychopathology. You will need to prove your ability to carry out research (you will need to present some research you are doing or have done in the interview, e.g. in an undergraduate, masters or summer project). You will be able to work in a team and with children aged 3-8 years old with emotional and behavioural problems. You will be able to learn fast, understand complex problems and apply practical solutions. You will need to have good numerical and excellent communication skills.