Leading Researcher

Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No

Offer Description

UNIVERSITY OF LATVIA (Registration No. 90000076669), Faculty of Education Sciences and Psychology, invites applications for 1 (one) Leading Researcher position (part-time, 0.6 FTE) in the area of Psychology, with specialization in general/cognitive psychology and psychological assessment.

The position is intended to strengthen the Faculty's research capacity in the psychological assessment of cognitive and learning-skills domains, including the development, adaptation, standardization and practical implementation of assessment instruments, as well as the development and experimental testing of interventions for children's psychological development. The successful candidate will contribute to research within the project “European Union Cohesion Policy Programme for 2021–2027, specific support objective 4.3.6 ‘To promote the social inclusion of people at risk of poverty or social exclusion, including the poorest and children’, measure 4.3.6.7 ‘Establishment of an inter-sectoral cooperation and support system for children’s healthy development and successful self-realization’”, carried out in cooperation with the State Chancellery of the Republic of Latvia.

Work duties and areas of responsibility

Scientific work:

• continue the development of the BAASIK screening system in the new RAVIS e-environment, as the author of BAASIK;
• develop new developmental-support interventions in the cognitive and learning-skills domain for children aged 1–6 years;
• set up and lead 6 experimental studies testing the intervention programmes; manage data collection, data processing and scientific analysis of the programmes’ effectiveness;
• contribute to the preparation of the project’s required deliverables.

Pedagogical work:

• develop and deliver continuing-education courses for psychologists, audiologists/speech and language therapists, educators and physicians.

Organisational work:

• work within the project team, planning and implementing project activities and supporting the nationwide implementation of BAASIK in family doctors’ practices and pre-school institutions;
• communicate with the public about the BAASIK system and its results; participate in seminars and conferences.

Main qualification requirements:

• Doctoral degree (Dr. psych. or equivalent) in Psychology, together with an established, independent research record corresponding to the Leading Researcher (R4) profile;
• demonstrated expertise in the psychological assessment of cognitive and learning-skills domains, including instrument development, adaptation and standardization, and in the design and scientific supervision of research and intervention projects for children;
• language requirements: Latvian – C1 (proficient user); English – B2 (good, confirmed by an official University of Latvia examination).

Specific Requirements:

• experience leading a large, externally funded research project (running until 2029), no additional resource attraction is required for this position, as project funding is already secured;
• publication record in SCOPUS-indexed psychology journals (at least 3 scientific publications expected within the evaluation period);
• experience developing and delivering continuing-education / professional-development courses commissioned by the State Chancellery of the Republic of Latvia.

Documents to be submitted:

• application to the Rector of the University of Latvia;
• CV;
• self-declaration;
• copy of educational documents.

What We Offer:

• gross monthly salary: 1750 EUR;
• health insurance and social guarantees;
• 56 paid vacation days (8 weeks) annually, with the potential up to 10 additional paid vacation days;
• support for research, teaching, professional development or mobility;
• access to infrastructure, laboratories, databases or research equipment;
• opportunities to participate in national and international projects;
• the starting date of the position can be discussed for convenience.

Applications must be submitted electronically through the website www.lu.lv/en/about-us/vacancies/ by 14 of October 2026.

To learn more, please contact UL by writing to pd.vakances@lu.lv.

The University of Latvia is the largest comprehensive university in Latvia with a prominent standing both in the development of the entire education system and in the overall growth of the country's economy. UL is a modern center of academic and professional studies, which along with research in natural sciences, humanities, social sciences, technical sciences, and medicine provides opportunities to acquire various types and levels of higher education to the residents of Latvia and other countries.

Where to apply

Website: https://www.lu.lv/en/about-us/vacancies/

Requirements

Research Field: Psychological sciences » Psychology

Education Level: PhD or equivalent

Languages: ENGLISH

Level: Good

Languages: LATVIAN

Level: Excellent

Work Location(s)

Number of offers available: 1

Company/Institute: Faculty of Education Sciences and Psychology

Country: Latvia

Contact

City: Riga

Website: https://www.lu.lv/en/

Street: Raiņa bulvāris 19

Postal Code: LV-1586