About the Role

This is an exciting opportunity for a Research Associate to deliver a 3-year ESRC-funded research project lead by Dr Calum Hartley (PI) in collaboration with Dr John Shaw (Co-I, Edge Hill University), Dr Mengyi Gong (Co-I, Lancaster University), and partners at Ygam, Internet Matters, and ADHD UK.

The project will investigate how primary school children engage with video games, microtransactions and loot boxes, including the developmental and wellbeing risks for children with ADHD and autism. Although gaming and in-game purchasing are widespread among UK children, little is known about how loot-box engagement develops, its wider psychological effects or which children are most vulnerable.

Developed with Ygam, Internet Matters and ADHD UK, the research will:

• Identify patterns and predictors of gaming and loot-box engagement, including among children with ADHD and autism;

• Assess the long-term effects on mental and physical health, risk-taking and vulnerability to gambling;

• Explore whether caregivers’ gaming and loot-box behaviours predict similar behaviours in their children; and

• Understand what drives children’s interest in in-game items and their motivations for opening loot boxes.

The findings will strengthen understanding of gaming and microtransactions within families and support evidence-based interventions and policy. Partner collaboration will ensure meaningful engagement and help translate the research into online resources for families and educators, policy briefings, knowledge-exchange events and wider digital communications.

As part of the University’s ongoing commitment to redeployment, please note that this vacancy may be withdrawn at any stage of the recruitment process if a suitable redeployee is identified.

Please note this role is currently only open to Edge Hill University staff members within a substantive post.

For informal enquiries about this vacancy, please contact John Shaw, Senior Lecturer in Psychology at John.Shaw@edgehill.ac.uk .

About You

As Research Associate you will:

•Have experience conducting research involving in-person interactions with neurotypical and neurodivergent children.

•Have excellent verbal and written communication skills and the skills required to manage research projects effectively.

•A strong understanding of ethics and data protection regulations in relation to research activity involving children.

•Be willing to engage in Open Science practices, including pre-registering research and data sharing.

•Be willing to disseminate research to non-academic audiences and stakeholders.

It is important to note that the successful applicant will be required to undertake an enhanced disclosure from the Disclosure and Barring Service, including a check of the Children’s Barred List and that this will form part of the conditions of offer of employment.

At Edge Hill University we value the benefits a rich and diverse workforce brings to our community and therefore welcome applications from all sections of society.

Rewards & Benefits

• A minimum of 36 days annual leave per annum, (inclusive of bank holiday and University closure days)
• Discounted membership to our onsite state-of-the-art sport and leisure facilities
• Staff benefits scheme, which provides you with discounts across the high street, supermarket shopping, cinema tickets, dining out and more.
• Employee assistance programme with access to free confidential counselling sessions, legal & financial advice, and health & wellbeing resources
• A wide range of development programmes to enhance your career
• Beautiful award-winning on-campus working environment.
• Automatic enrolment into the Local Government Pension Scheme

About Us

At Edge Hill University we believe in the life changing opportunities knowledge can create. Since 1885, we’ve been creating access to knowledge for those who may not have had the opportunity to before.

Today, the effect we have has a far-reaching impact, not just for those who come to study here but for those who work, invest in, and live in our local communities too. So, if you’ve ever wondered if one person can make a difference, simply speak to our alumni, students, and award-winning staff.

Because for us education isn’t about how much you take in. It’s about what you take out into the world.

Inspiring minds and changing futures since 1885, Edge Hill University is “A great success story… an institution that improves and impresses year after year” – Times Higher Education.

Closing Date: 05 Oct 2026

Department: Support

Salary: £32,080 to £34,610 per annum
Fixed Term for 3 Years

About the Role

This is an exciting opportunity to join our Medical School as Research Support Technician and play a key role in supporting an innovative cancer research project investigating the molecular mechanisms that drive head and neck and cervical cancers.

As a Research Support Technician, you will work closely with academic researchers to deliver high-quality laboratory-based research, helping to generate findings that could contribute to a greater understanding of cancer biology. The role involves cell culture, protein analysis, Western blotting, cell viability assays and flow cytometry, alongside the collection, management and analysis of research data.

You will also help maintain laboratory equipment, manage consumable stock levels and ensure research activities are carried out safely and efficiently. This is an excellent opportunity to further develop your laboratory skills, gain experience in cutting-edge biomedical research and contribute to research with real-world impact.

For informal enquiries about this vacancy, please contact Dr Carlos P. Rubbi, Senior Lecturer, at rubbic@edgehill.ac.uk.

While we welcome external applications for this role, internal applicants will be prioritised. 

As part of the University’s ongoing commitment to redeployment, please note that this vacancy may be withdrawn at any stage of the recruitment process if a suitable redeployee is identified.

About You

As Research Support Technician you will be educated to degree level and will bring practical laboratory experience, particularly in cell culture, cell maintenance, Western blotting and cell viability analysis.

You will be comfortable working with research data, maintaining accurate records and supporting the day-to-day operation of a busy research laboratory.

You will have strong organisational skills and attention to detail will enable you to manage laboratory consumables, follow technical procedures and contribute to the delivery of high-quality research outputs.

You will be confident using Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel and Word, and will be able to work independently while collaborating effectively with academic colleagues.

An understanding of research data management, statistical analysis, flow cytometry or related techniques would be advantageous, but most importantly you will have enthusiasm for research, a proactive approach to problem solving and a commitment to maintaining high standards in a laboratory environment.

Rewards & Benefits

• A minimum of 35 days annual leave per annum, pro rata (inclusive of bank holiday and University closure days)
• Discounted membership to our onsite state-of-the-art sport and leisure facilities
• Staff benefits scheme, which provides you with discounts across the high street, supermarket shopping, cinema tickets, dining out and more.
• Employee assistance programme with access to free confidential counselling sessions, legal & financial advice, and health & wellbeing resources
• A wide range of development programmes to enhance your career
• Beautiful award-winning on-campus working environment.
• Automatic enrolment into the Local Government Pension Scheme

About Us

At Edge Hill University we believe in the life changing opportunities knowledge can create. Since 1885, we’ve been creating access to knowledge for those who may not have had the opportunity to before.

Today, the effect we have has a far-reaching impact, not just for those who come to study here but for those who work, invest in, and live in our local communities too. So, if you’ve ever wondered if one person can make a difference, simply speak to our alumni, students, and award-winning staff.

Because for us education isn’t about how much you take in. It’s about what you take out into the world.

Inspiring minds and changing futures since 1885, Edge Hill University is “A great success story… an institution that improves and impresses year after year” – Times Higher Education.

Closing Date: 22 Oct 2026

Department: Support

Salary: £26,093 to £28,031 per annum pro rata
Fixed Term