Job Description

The Post

Psychology, Faculty of Natural Sciences is offering a part-time, fixed-term Lab Assistant position to work with Dr Anna Bobak on an Economic and Social Research council funded project 'Improving Eyewitness Accuracy with 3D Interactive Lineups'.



Summary/aims of project



Accurate witness identification (ID) is a cornerstone of police inquiries and national security investigations. Yet, the technology used to display lineups has not fundamentally changed over the past century. Worldwide, police present witnesses with 2D photographic or video lineups. Eyewitnesses often err on ID tests--analyses of real-world police identification parades reveal that witnesses quite often identify known-innocent suspects as culprits. Eyewitness mistakes can have dire consequences and been implicated in about 70% of wrongful convictions. This project implements recent advances in 3D image technology and virtual reality (VR) to increase witness ID accuracy.



The post holders will join the Cognition in Complex Environments Research Group in Psychology.

https://www.stir.ac.uk/about/faculties/natural-sciences/our-research/research-groups/cognition-in-complex-environments/



Informal enquiries can be made to Dr Anna Bobak, email: a.k.bobak@stir.ac.uk

Description of Duties

The successful applicant will work with the Principal Investigator, primarily to collect and analyse data for the project.



Duties will involve:


Operate and carry out routine maintenance on standard equipment Assist with cognitive assessments Prepare and carry out tests/experiments following standard protocols Assisting project researchers in studies involving research participants following set procedures Carry out basic interpretation of data/test results and present findings accurately Support student learning and provide user-support through the demonstration of equipment and techniques Assist project researchers in conducting literature reviews Resolve routine work problems independently, referring more complex problems to senior colleagues Comply with Health & Safety procedures affecting self and others A degree of physical effort may be required, e.g. lifting/carrying, cleaning Maintain accurate records and draft routine documentation Plan own work schedule to meet work unit demands, referring to more senior colleagues for prioritisation and scheduling of work Replenish stocks of consumables/stores of basic equipment, following routine stock control procedures Continue to develop technical skills and ability in own area

Essential Criteria

Qualifications


Vocational qualifications (N/SVQ 2/3, ONC or equivalent, including Psychology UG study experience)

Knowledge & Experience


Competent written and oral communication skills Competent numeracy and IT skills Experience of undertaking a range of technical support activities without constant guidance Understanding of policies and procedures relevant to the role, particularly those governing health and safety

Skills & Attributes


Competence with equipment and technical tools Work scheduling and prioritising Satisfaction of staff and/or students with the quality of technical support provided Consistency, accuracy/precision and following agreed methods Flexibility and enthusiasm

Desirable Criteria

Previous work experience in a relevant role Working knowledge of relevant systems, equipment, processes and procedures, such as performing recordings of movement data from human participants Experience with programming in Python

Additional Information

Part time (40% FTE)

Fixed term for 11 months



Grade 4: 24,215 - 26,093

p.a. pro-rata

The closing date for applications is midnight on Sunday 09 November 2025.

Interviews are expected to take place on Monday 01 December 2025.



There is an expectation that work will be undertaken in the UK.



This role is not eligible for sponsorship. Applicants require to have existing right to work in the UK.



The University of Stirling recognises that a diverse workforce benefits and enriches the work, learning and research experiences of the entire campus and greater community. We are committed to removing barriers and welcome applications from those who would contribute to further diversification of our staff and ensure that equality, diversity and inclusion is woven into the substance of the role. We strongly encourage applications from people from diverse backgrounds including gender, identity, race, age, class, and ethnicity.

About Us

The Faculty of Natural Sciences (FNS) encompasses the Divisions of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Computing Science and Mathematics, Psychology, and the Institute of Aquaculture. FNS is a distinctive academic arena where new fundamental understandings of the complex and challenging inter-relationships between human behaviours, technologies, biological and environmental systems are created, explored, and tested. The most recent national assessment of research - REF2021 -confirmed that 80% of our research is classed as world leading and internationally excellent. It is supported through UK Research Councils, European Union, and a range of research charities We work with businesses and public service organisations both at home and overseas to achieve direct and positive outcomes for society across a range of critical problems. Substantial investment aligned with the City, Region, and Growth deals is supporting major new infrastructure developments linked to the Faculty including Scotland's International Environment Centre and the National Aquaculture Technology and Innovation Hub.

The University

The University of Stirling is committed to providing education with a purpose and carrying out research which has a positive impact on communities across the globe. Driven by our mission to be the difference, we are addressing real issues, providing solutions, and helping to shape society.



The University has more than 17,500 students globally and employs 1,800 staff, with more than 140 nationalities represented within our community. Our campus environment is ranked first in the UK and top 10 in the world, and our sports facilities rank first in the UK and second in the world (International Student Barometer 2024, wave two), reflecting our long-standing designation as Scotland's University for Sporting Excellence.



We were shortlisted for University of the Year 2024 at the Times Higher Education Awards and are proud holders of a Silver institutional award from the Athena Swan Charter, in recognition of our commitment to advancing gender equality. We have an overall five-star rating in the QS Stars University Ratings and are ranked top 30 in the UK for postgraduate teaching and learning (Postgraduate Taught Experience Survey 2024). In recognition of our excellence in business education, we are accredited by AACSB International.



Eighty-seven per cent of our research has an outstanding or very considerable impact on society, with more than 80% rated either world leading or internationally excellent (Research Excellence Framework 2021), and we are ranked among the top 100 institutions in the world for our contribution to meeting 10 of the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals. We have twice been recognised with a Queen's Anniversary Prize; for our Institute for Social Marketing and Health (2014) and our Institute of Aquaculture (2019).



Alongside partners, the University spearheads the 214 million Stirling and Clackmannanshire City Region Deal - which will deliver three major University-led projects: the National Aquaculture Technology and Innovation Hub, Scotland's International Environment Centre, and the Intergenerational Living Innovation Hub. We are also a central partner in the Forth Valley University College Health Partnership.

www.stir.ac.uk

Job Reference: FAC02059