Job Description
Part Time and Fixed Term
The closing date for applications is 23.59 on 20 November 2025
This role is not eligible for Skilled Worker visa sponsorship. The successful candidate(s) will have to ensure that they have the right to work in the UK or be able to secure this through another means without the sponsorship of the University. Further information about sponsorship is available on the UK Visas and Immigration Website.
This exciting post offers an opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge clinical research on speech improvement in Parkinson’s disease. The successful applicant will join a dynamic, multidisciplinary team investigating the use of experimental transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) for speech enhancement as part of the UTTER-PD project, funded by the Health Innovation Partnership Fund. The project will be based in the Centre for Integrative Neuroscience and Neurodynamics (CINN) at the University of Reading, in collaboration with the Movement Disorders Clinic at the Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust (RBFT).
The Postdoctoral Research Associate/Fellow will play a central role in co-designing and delivering experimental and clinical studies aimed at improving speech outcomes in people living with Parkinson’s disease. The postholder will contribute to all stages of the research cycle, including:
- Preparing ethics applications and study documentation
- Participant recruitment and clinical assessments
- Experimental set-up, piloting, and data collection
- Quantitative and qualitative data analysis
- Preparation of manuscripts, conference presentations, and dissemination activities
This position offers a unique opportunity to develop research and clinical skills in non-invasive brain stimulation, speech science, and neurodegenerative disorders, within a supportive and innovative research environment.
You will have:
- A PhD (or near completion) in Communication Sciences and Disorders, Experimental Psychology, Neuroscience, or a related discipline
- Clinical and/or research experience in speech and language therapy, particularly in relation to neurological or neurodegenerative conditions
- Strong analytical and communication skills, with experience of engaging with patients, families, and interdisciplinary teams
- The ability to organise, manage, and prioritise work effectively to meet research deadlines
- A collaborative and proactive approach to teamwork
Desirable experience includes:
- Registration with the HCPC and certification with the RCSLT
- Experience conducting research in NHS or clinical environments
- Familiarity with non-invasive brain stimulation techniques (e.g., tDCS, TMS)
- Skills in speech analysis software (e.g., Praat) or data programming (e.g., MATLAB)
- Experience supervising students or junior research staff
The University is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and as such safeguarding checks will be undertaken.
Safeguarding Requirements and Responsibilities
- To undertake safeguarding training and follow the University’s Safeguarding Children & Adults at Risk Policy at all times.
- To consider Safeguarding in Risk Assessment processes for events and activities you deliver.
- To report any disclosures or concerns using the Safeguarding Incident Form and submit this to the UK Student Recruitment and Outreach team Designated Safeguarding Officer.
An Enhanced DBS with a adult barred list check is required for this position. This role is a regulated activity. This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (ROA) 1974.
Please see these links for information on Safeguarding and Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) Procedure, including Recruiting ex-offenders principles.
Please see the job description and personal specification for further details.
Interview date:4th December 2025
For more information, please contact:
Contact Name: Dr. Fatemeh Mollaei
Contact Job Title: Lecturer
Contact Email address: f.mollaei@reading.ac.uk
Alternative Contact Name: Dr. Aileen Ho
Alternative Contact Job Title: Professor
Alternative Contact Email address: a.k.ho@reading.ac.uk
The University is committed to having a diverse and inclusive workforce, supports the gender equality Athena SWAN Charter and the Race Equality Charter, and champions LGBT+ equality. We are a Disability Confident Employer (Level 2). Applications for job-share, part-time and flexible working arrangements are welcomed and will be considered in line with business needs.
