Edinburgh Napier University
Research Assistant, Fixed term
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Shape the Future of Virtual Reality Research for Autistic Children
(12 Weeks, 14 hours per week)
Edinburgh Napier University is seeking a motivated and compassionate Research Assistant to join an exciting Royal Society of Edinburgh funded project exploring how virtual reality (VR) can support emotion and sensory regulation in autistic children.
You will contribute to a pioneering co-produced study that places autistic children and their families at the centre of developing future VR interventions. Delivered in partnership with The Yard Edinburgh, an inclusive adventure play centre, this research will generate valuable insights to help shape more accessible and meaningful digital experiences for autistic young people.
The Role
This is an excellent opportunity for someone looking to develop their research career within an applied, community-focused project with clear social impact.
You will support all stages of qualitative research activity, including conducting interviews with autistic children, parents, carers and staff, facilitating observations, managing and analysing qualitative data, and contributing to project outputs and publications. The role involves regular engagement with participants and partner organisations, requiring a sensitive, inclusive and neurodiversity-affirming approach.
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About You
You will hold an undergraduate degree in Psychology or a related discipline and have experience of qualitative research methods, including interviews, observations and thematic analysis.
We are particularly interested in candidates who can demonstrate:
- Experience working with autistic people, children or other vulnerable groups.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
- Excellent organisational and time-management abilities.
- A thoughtful and empathetic approach to participant engagement.
- The ability to work independently while contributing effectively as part of a collaborative research team.
- Strong attention to detail and commitment to high-quality research practice.
A postgraduate qualification and knowledge of co-production or neurodiversity-affirming research approaches would be advantageous.
Why Join Us?
At Edinburgh Napier University, our research makes a difference. You'll have the opportunity to contribute to a project with real-world impact, working alongside experienced researchers and community partners to improve understanding of how emerging technologies can support autistic children and their families.
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This role offers valuable experience in qualitative research, stakeholder engagement and applied psychology within a supportive and inclusive research environment.
For detailed role description, please see the attached document on our careers page.
Additional information:
- Salary: £31,236 - £ 37,694, calculated pro rata
- Contract: Part time, Fixed Term (12 weeks, 14 hrs per week)
- Interviews: Week of 7th of September
- Start date: No later than October 1st, 2026
Additional Information
The successful candidate will be required to obtain and maintain PVG (Protecting Vulnerable Groups) Scheme membership before undertaking fieldwork involving children and vulnerable participants.
The University is unable to sponsor the employment of international workers in this role. International applicants will only be able to take up this role if they can demonstrate an alternative right to work in the UK and start before the proposed start date.
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