“How engagement with complex screen media is reshaping early cognitive development and attention systems”

*Unfortunately, we cannot accept international applications, unless self-funded, for this PhD

The Project 

A funded PhD position is available to address a fundamental question in developmental science: how does shared reading between caregivers and young children support early learning, and what are the interpersonal neural mechanisms that underpin these benefits? Shared reading is one of the strongest predictors of children's early language, literacy and cognitive development. Through shared books, children are exposed to new vocabulary, more complex language structures, as well as reciprocal interactions with adults. Experimental research has shown that interventions promoting caregiver-child book sharing can improve children's subsequent language outcome and attention skills. 

Shared reading is a dynamic, interactive process. Caregivers continuously adapt their speech, gaze, gestures and pacing in response to children's attention and behaviour. These moment-to-moment adjustments may create optimal opportunities for learning by helping children attend to, process and retain new information. The temporal coordination of adult behaviour and infant’s neural activity may therefore be a key mechanism through which shared reading supports development.

Currently, however, we understand very little about how learning unfolds moment-to-moment during these interactions, and how underlying neural mechanisms support later developmental outcomes.

The PhD project aims to move beyond quantity-based measures of shared reading to investigate the neural mechanisms through which caregiver-child interactions support learning. By addressing the following questions:

• How do caregivers and children coordinate their behaviour during shared reading, and which features of this interaction create optimal opportunities for learning?
• How does moment-to-moment neural activity, measured using dual-brain EEG, become coordinated between caregivers and children during shared reading?
• How does interpersonal neural coordination relate to children's attention, engagement and learning during shared reading?
• How do the timing and quality of shared reading interactions predict children's subsequent learning and developmental outcomes?

By integrating measures of behaviour, attention and dual-brain neural activity, the project will provide a mechanistic account of how shared reading supports early learning. Combining state-of-the-art caregiver-child EEG recordings with fine-grained measures of interaction will help reveal how learning emerges through real-time coordination between two people, providing new insights into the processes through which early shared experiences shape children's development.

The University and ISEY 

The PhD will be based at The Institute for the Science of Early Years and Youth ISEY, at the Stratford Campus of The University of East London. This research institute is led by Prof. Sam Wass, and the PhD will be supervised by Dr Ira Marriott Haresign. The successful candidate would be working within a wider team of 20 researchers at ISEY.

Knowledge exchange and dissemination will be a key part of this PhD and the successful candidate will be expected to share project findings and associated research with teachers and early years practitioners, as part of the training and 

development services that ISEY offers. Therefore, this role is especially suitable for someone passionate about bridging the gap between research and practice and translating research for a non-scientific audience. This may involve writing articles for educator-facing publications, attending early years events and running online and face to face training, support will be given in these areas. 

The applicant

Experience

The PhD candidate must have a first or upper second-class undergraduate honours degree and preferably a Masters in a discipline relevant to the project. While we expect that this project would suit graduates from a psychology background, we are happy to receive applications from a range of backgrounds that have potential to enhance the project (e.g. computer science, education psychology, media analysis...) 

• Experience working with children is highly desirable. 
• Familiarity with programming and data analysis tools is also preferable as the PhD will involve advanced quantitative data analysis, although support will be given in this area.

Successful applicants should have an interest in auditory or visual attention, speech and language processing, arousal, and EEG.

Methods 

The successful candidates will also potentially use our custom-built wearable devices and be willing to analyse multi-streamed timeseries (physiological and behavioural day-long recordings). 

Familiarity with eye-tracking and EEG is also highly desirable, as is experience with associated data analysis tools. 

ISEY also has a newly developed virtual reality and motion tracking lab and this project may also consider the use of these methods to address the research questions. 

Whilst some remote work is possible, the successful candidate will need to be willing to be based at the ISEY lab, in Stratford, London for at least 50% of the time. During data collection periods PhD students may need to be in London every day. 

Please note that we are drawing all applicants’ attention to the fact that unfortunately, the funding available for this project does not cover the higher tuition fees required for international students. As a result, we are only able to consider applicants who would be classified as UK/home students (including UK nationals and those with settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme). If you are an international student, I’m afraid we will be unable to proceed with your application unless you are self-funding. 

How to apply

Applications must be submitted by email to I.Marriott-haresign@uel.ac.uk by the 20th November 2026. Interviews are likely to take place in December. 

• Please send your CV along with the names and contact details of two referees who will be contacted directly. At least one of the references must be academic. 
• Please also include a personal statement/cover letter (no more than 1000 words) which demonstrates your motivation and readiness for undertaking a PhD and for this specific PhD project.

Funding details and start dates

The PhD can start in January 2027. 

Funding covers tuition fees (approx £5-8k per year) and a stipend set at the ESRC/UKRI rate for London Universities (£22,780 p.a) if studying full time. Part time study is based on 0.6FTE and the stipend will be adjusted accordingly (£13,668), lasting for up to 5 years.

Closing Date: 20 Nov 2026

Team: Graduate Placement

Salary: Funding covers tuition fees (approx £5-8k per year) and a stipend set at the ESRC/UKRI rate for London Universities (£22,780 p.a) if studying full time.
Part time study is based on 0.6FTE and the stipend will be adjusted accordingly (£13,668), lasting for up to 5 years.

School: Child Online Harms Policy Think Tank, Institute for Connected Communities 

Grade: Grade E, point scale 29 

Campus: Stratford 

Contract: 0.4 FTE 

                             ABOUT UNIVERSITY EAST LONDON:

The University of East London has been pioneering futures since 1898: from the 2nd Industrial Revolution through to where we are now, the 4th. We are a careers-led university, dedicated to supporting our students to develop the skills, emotional intelligence and creativity needed to thrive in a constantly changing world. 

Vision 2028 has been developed to transform our curriculum, pedagogy, research impact and partnerships to make a positive difference to student, graduate and community success. Our ambitious but achievable goal is to become the leading careers-focused, enterprising university in the UK, one which both prepares our students for the jobs of the future and provides the innovation to drive that future sustainably and inclusively. 

The University of East London is one of the most diverse and vibrant universities in the global capital. Our pioneering and forward-thinking vision is making a positive and significant impact to the communities we serve, inspiring both our staff and students to reach their full potential. 

                              THE INSTITUTE and THE THINK TANK:

The Institute for Connected Communities (ICC) is engaged in world leading research into online harms and youth cybercrime, health and well-being. ICC has attracted funding from UK research councils (NIHR, ESRC, AHRC), charitable trusts, NHS, European Commission, UNICEF, national and international government departments, we also work closely with industry partners. The Child Online Harms Think Tank is in ICC and is an independent academic initiative dedicated to informing and influencing policy on child online safety. Our aim is to identify gaps in existing legislation, address emerging risks posed by AI, VR and other new technologies, and champion children’s digital rights. 

 JOB PURPOSE:

This role offers an exciting opportunity to work as a Research Assistant at the Child Online Harms Policy Think Tank. We are seeking a highly motivated individual who will be expected to make a strong contribution to the development of the Think Tank, supporting on research funding development, undertaking cutting-edge research in priority areas and engaging directly with policy makers to promote the work. The post holder will work closely with the Director Professor Davidson OBE and the wider Team.

 MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: 

• To undertake research activities, including but not limited to supporting ethics applications, data collection, analysis, and other relevant cutting-edge research in priority areas.
• To draft key research-specific documents, including but not limited to information sheets, consent forms, topic guides, and research recruitment materials
• Keep records and accounts of the management of the project
• Prepare short briefings, summaries and literature reviews as required
• Manage participant data and anonymisation
• Record findings
• Support risk assessments and safeguarding protocols
• Maintain secure data storage in line with GDPR and institutional policy
• To develop high-quality research papers to be published in peer-reviewed journals, reports and policy briefings
• To support the Child Online Harms Policy Think Tank efforts as needed
• To disseminate the work of the Think Tank widely, working with a variety of stakeholders.

Due to the sensitive nature of the research, the successful candidate will be subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.

Equal Opportunities 

As an inclusive, equal-opportunities employer, our Stonewall membership and Athena Swan awards reflect our ongoing dedication to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion and we’re committed to closing the "diversity pay gap". We’re proud of the progress we’ve made and honest that there’s more to do. We’re determined to keep moving forward so everyone at UEL can thrive. 

So, if you’d like to take your career to the next level with us here at the University of East London and are inspired by our environment and commit to success, we want you to apply today! 

Please note that this advert may close earlier than the stated deadline if we receive a high volume of applications. We encourage you to submit your application as soon as possible. 

Interviews will be held remotely via Microsoft Teams.

Closing Date: 19 Oct 2026

Team: Research

Salary: £39,824 to £45,281 per annum inclusive of London Weighting

Child Online Harms Policy Think Tank
Institute for Connected Communities
University of East London

Grade: G
Contract: 0.2FTE fixed term 1 year

Location: Stratford campus, University of East London

The University of East London (UEL) is a careers-led, forward-thinking institution committed to making a positive impact on students, graduates and the communities it serves. As one of the most diverse universities in London, UEL is proud to conduct research that addresses real-world challenges and informs policy at national and international levels.

We are seeking a highly motivated Senior Research Fellow/expert in child online harms to join the Child Online Harms Policy Think Tank, based within the Institute for Connected Communities (ICC). The Think Tank is an independent academic initiative dedicated to influencing policy on child online safety, identifying legislative gaps, addressing emerging risks from AI, VR and new technologies, and conducting cutting-edge research.

This role offers an exciting opportunity to work as a Senior Research Fellow at  the Child Online Harms Policy Think Tank. We are seeking a highly motivated individual who will be expected to make a strong contribution to the development of the Think Tank, contributing to the gaming study and collaborating on funding development, undertaking cutting edge research in priority areas and engaging directly with policy makers to promote the work. The post holder will work closely with the Director Professor Davidson OBE, Dr Boglarka Meggyesfalvi and the wider Team. 

MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: 

·       To contribute to world-leading mixed-method research on online harms and child protection

·      To lead on the development of funding bids and in fund raising in the Think Tanks strategic areas, including understanding and responding to the impact of online multiplayer gaming on child and youth safeguarding.

·       To develop high quality research papers to be published in peer reviewed journals, reports and policy briefings. 

·       To play a contributing role in developing Think Tank stakeholder networks, particularly policy makers. 

·       To disseminate the work of the Think Tank widely working with a variety of stakeholders.

-       To manage junior staff as appropriate

Due to the sensitive nature of the research, the successful candidate will be subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.

Equal Opportunities 

As an inclusive, equal-opportunities employer, our Stonewall membership and Athena Swan awards reflect our ongoing dedication to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion and we’re committed to closing the "diversity pay gap". We’re proud of the progress we’ve made and honest that there’s more to do. We’re determined to keep moving forward so everyone at UEL can thrive. 

So, if you’d like to take your career to the next level with us here at the University of East London and are inspired by our environment and commit to success, we want you to apply today! 

The role is expected to start as soon as possible following appointment.

Please note that this advert may close earlier than the stated deadline if we receive a high volume of applications. We encourage you to submit your application as soon as possible. 

Interviews will be held remotely via Microsoft Teams.

Closing Date: 19 Oct 2026

Team: Research

Salary: £53,040 to £60,752 per annum inclusive of London Weighting

East London Primary Care Education Centre (ELPCEC) 
Centre for Health Equity and Sustainable Societies (CHESS) 
University of East London

Grade: E (point scale 29) 
Contract: Fixed Term – 18 months, Part Time

Location: Stratford campus, University of East London (with community outreach across east London)

The University of East London (UEL) is a careers-led, forward-thinking institution committed to making a positive impact on students, graduates and the communities it serves. As one of the most diverse universities in London, UEL is proud to conduct research that addresses real-world challenges and informs policy at national and international levels.

We are seeking a highly motivated Research Assistant to join the Centre for Health Equity and Sustainable Societies (CHESS) Evaluation Unit, within the Institute for Connected Communities. The Evaluation Unit conducts applied research at the intersection of health, education and community wellbeing, leading rigorous, participatory evaluations of complex programmes that generate evidence which is actionable, equitable and grounded in lived experience.

This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to the evaluation of the East London Primary Care Education Centre (ELPCEC), an 18-month pilot programme bringing together education, health and skills pathways for young people who are NEET, neurodiverse or facing multiple disadvantages. The post holder will work closely with Dr Darren Sharpe, Director of CHESS, and the wider programme team, engaging directly with young people, partner organisations and community settings across east London.

Key Responsibilities Include:

• Supporting the design and delivery of a participatory evaluation framework, including developing accessible surveys, interviewguidesand creative research tools
• Recruiting,trainingand supporting young people to act as co-researchers, andfacilitatingcreative and participatory research activities
• Supporting qualitative and quantitative data collection and analysis, including thematic analysis and review of monitoring data
• Managing participant data,anonymisationand secure data storage in line with GDPR
• Drafting research documentation such as participant information sheets, consent forms and topic guides for young people and vulnerable groups
• Supporting safeguarding protocols and risk assessment procedures throughout all research activity
• Preparing evaluation briefings, reports and policy-relevant outputs, and contributing to peer-reviewed publications
• Liaising with partner organisations, schools and community organisations across Newham,Hackneyand Tower Hamlets

The right candidate will have a background in youth work and direct experience of participatory and creative research methods, along with existing knowledge of, and relationships within, youth-facing work in north or east London.

Due to the involvement of young people and vulnerable groups in the research, the successful candidate will be subject to an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.

Interviews will be held remotely via Microsoft Teams. 

Equal Opportunities 

As an inclusive, equal-opportunities employer, our Stonewall membership and Athena Swan awards reflect our ongoing dedication to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion and we’re committed to closing the "diversity pay gap". We’re proud of the progress we’ve made and honest that there’s more to do. We’re determined to keep moving forward so everyone at UEL can thrive. 

So, if you’d like to take your career to the next level with us here at the University of East London and are inspired by our environment and commit to success, we want you to apply today! 

Please note that this advert may close earlier than the stated deadline if we receive a high volume of applications. We encourage you to submit your application as soon as possible. 

Closing Date: 19 Oct 2026

Team: Research

Salary: £39,824 to £45,281 per annum inclusive of London Weighting

We are looking for a Head of social media to lead our social strategy and create content that stops the scroll, starts conversations and strengthens our connection with current and future students.

About the Role

You will lead UEL’s social media strategy across key platforms, shaping a distinctive, audience-led presence through compelling storytelling, video-first content and creator-led campaigns.

Working closely with Marketing, PR and teams across the University, you will lead a small creative team, grow engagement and ensure social media plays a strong role in brand building and student recruitment.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Lead UEL’s social media strategy across key platforms
• Create engaging, high-impact content and campaigns
• Grow our use of video, creators and influencer partnerships
• Lead and develop the social media team
• Work closely with Marketing and PR on integrated campaigns
• Use social listening, analytics and insight to improve performance
• Manage online communities and social responses during sensitive or fast-moving situations

About You

You will be an experienced social media leader with strong creative instincts and sound strategic judgement.

You will bring:

• A strong track record of delivering engaging social content and campaigns
• Excellent knowledge of social platforms, trends and audience behaviour
• Experience leading creative teams
• Strong understanding of paid and organic social
• Confidence working with senior stakeholders
• Strong analytical, communication and community-management skills

Experience in higher education would be useful, but we are equally interested in candidates bringing fresh thinking from other sectors.

What You’ll Need to Thrive

You will be curious, creative and comfortable with change. You will know when to lean into a trend and when to leave it alone, and you will have the confidence to try new ideas while keeping audience needs and brand reputation front of mind.

If you are excited by the opportunity to shape the social voice of an ambitious and diverse university, we would love to hear from you.

Benefits Package

At UEL, we believe that a great role is about more than just a salary. It’s about the complete package, including our outstanding work environment and inclusive culture.

We offer a genuinely competitive salary, dependent on experience (DOE), and a range of excellent benefits.

You can explore our full benefits package here: https://uel.ac.uk/benefits-professional-services-positions

Building an Inclusive Future

As an inclusive, equal-opportunities employer, our Stonewall membership and Athena Swan awards reflect our ongoing dedication to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion and we’re committed to closing the "diversity pay gap". We’re proud of the progress we’ve made and honest that there’s more to do. We’re determined to keep moving forward so everyone at UEL can thrive.

We're a disability confident employer and value all applications. Please let us know if you require any reasonable accommodations throughout the recruitment process.

So, if you’d like to take your career to the next level with us here at the University of East London and are inspired by our environment and commit to success, we want you to  submit your application online using the apply button below!

Closing Date: 16 Oct 2026

Team: Support - UELPS Ltd

Salary: £62,443 to £71,685 per annum inclusive of London Weighting

The University of East London (UEL) is seeking an exceptional Chief Financial Officer (CFO) to help shape the next phase of its development as it looks beyond the conventional boundaries of a single university towards a more global, connected and entrepreneurial education group.

UEL is a modern, inclusive university with a distinctive careers-first mission: creating opportunity, connecting education to employment and ensuring that talent, rather than background, determines what comes next. Under Vision 2028, the University has transformed its student experience, graduate outcomes, enterprise activity and financial resilience, providing a strong platform for its next phase of growth.

Forward to 2040 sets out an ambitious next horizon. UEL intends to evolve into a global, multi-entity education group, with a long-term ambition for turnover exceeding £1bn. Its emerging model will encompass international hubs in India, Egypt and the United States, new routes to market, technology-enabled propositions and commercial partnerships, while retaining the public purpose and inclusive mission at the heart of UEL.

The CFO will be one of the principal architects of this next phase. Reporting to the Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Deputy Group Chief Executive, and working closely with the Vice-Chancellor & President, Board and Executive Leadership Team, they will help build the financial architecture required to support UEL's ambitions: group-wide financial governance, consolidated reporting, investment discipline, capital allocation, commercial insight and scalable systems across an increasingly diverse portfolio.

This is an opportunity to build rather than simply inherit a group finance model. The CFO will combine rigorous financial stewardship with commercial and strategic leadership, protecting UEL's financial resilience while helping to evaluate new markets, investments and partnerships, understand returns and unit economics, and create a finance function capable of supporting sustainable, entrepreneurial growth.

UEL is deliberately looking beyond conventional higher education profiles. Candidates are likely to have operated at CFO or senior Finance Director level in a complex organisation and will bring strong commercial judgement alongside experience of growth, transformation or organisational build. International and/or multi-entity experience will be particularly relevant, as will experience of scaling financial systems and processes and exposure to areas such as corporate development, M&A, partnerships or expansion into new markets.

Cultural contribution will matter as much as technical capability. UEL is collaborative, ambitious and prepared to launch, test, learn and improve. The successful candidate will combine pace and entrepreneurial instinct with financial discipline, constructive challenge and sound judgement, and will be motivated by the opportunity to apply their experience in an institution where commercial ambition sits firmly alongside public purpose.

How to apply

Russell Reynolds Associates is advising the University of East London on this appointment. The closing date for applications is 23:59 GMT on 25 October 2026. To apply, please submit your application through the Russell Reynolds Associates online application portal, quoting reference 2609-063L.

Your application should include:

• a CV setting out your career history, key responsibilities and achievements, including reasons for any gaps within the last two years; and

• a Statement of Suitability of no more than two pages, explaining how your skills, qualities and experience demonstrate your suitability for the role.

Due diligence will be carried out on shortlisted candidates and may include searches of publicly available information, including previous public statements and social media. For an informal and confidential discussion about the role, or if you experience difficulty accessing the online application platform, please contact responses@russellreynolds.com, quoting reference 2609-063L.

Closing Date: 25 Oct 2026

Team: Management Support - UELPS Ltd

The University of East London is seeking a commercially accomplished leader to build and run its Employer Partnership Office (EPO): the University’s single employer-facing front door, operated through CareerVerse Partnerships Ltd, a UEL Group trading subsidiary.

This is a general-management appointment with full P&L ownership, not an academic post. Reporting to the subsidiary Board, with an executive line to the Associate Pro Vice-Chancellor for Careers and Employer Engagement, you will set and deliver multi-year revenue targets across three interdependent streams:

• CPD and micro-credentials
• Workforce-development contracts and apprenticeship employer relationships
• Commercial products, including RDCS Spaces and Facilities and TerraDock

Free employer access to the CareerVerse platform underpins the model, creating the depth of engagement on which each revenue stream depends.

You will lead three Associate Directors and their teams, act as the University’s most senior relationship holder with strategic partners and multinational organisations, and represent UEL at Board and C-suite level in markets including Florida, Chennai and Cairo.

All of this sits within the governance of a publicly accountable institution, so you must be equally at ease operating in commercial and institutional settings.

About You

You will bring a proven record of:

• Owning a commercial P&L
• Leading business development and closing complex deals with organisations ranging from SMEs to multinationals
• Selling CPD, workforce development or professional learning in a commercial context
• Operating within or alongside a regulated environment

Familiarity with higher education, trading subsidiaries or platform business models would be an advantage.

The Opportunity

In return, you will have the rare opportunity to build a commercial function from a standing start, backed by an ambitious university with a distinctive mission: widening participation and improving graduate outcomes.

UEL is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and welcomes applications from candidates of all backgrounds.

If you are ready to take the next step in your career and are inspired by the University of East London’s ambitious, inclusive and success-driven environment, we would be delighted to hear from you. 

🔗 Apply Now: Complete the online form, please ensure you include your CV and a cover letter outlining your suitability for the role. Your cover letter should highlight your relevant skills, experience, and motivation for applying.

Please note that this advert may close earlier than the stated deadline if we receive a high volume of applications. We encourage you to submit your application as soon as possible.

Closing Date: 16 Oct 2026

Team: Management Support - UELPS Ltd

Salary: Competitive and aligned to market expectations