Research Associate Psychology (Fixed Term)

Applications are invited for a Postdoctoral Research Associate for 18 months initially with possibility of extension dependent on funding) at the Department of Psychology. This position is funded by a UKRI Future Leaders Fellowship, awarded to Dr Sarah Lloyd-Fox, which aims to identify robust biomarkers of age-dependent brain and cognitive function from birth onwards in relation to early exposure to poverty. This exciting role is embedded within an established and thriving research team (www.pipkinstudy.com), as well as within Dr Lloyd-Fox’s global developmental science research programme. The PIPKIN study focuses on collecting data across pregnancy and the first months of life to trace individual differences in behaviour and brain function. The wider global developmental science research programme concerns partnering with families and stakeholders to develop support and intervention strategies for those transitioning to parenthood in the UK and Africa.

The post-holder will work with Dr Sarah Lloyd-Fox and collaborators on the collection of data in the PIPKIN study and feature extraction of neural markers and longitudinal modelling of the rich, complex, multimodal, developmental datasets that are being collected (i.e. fNIRS/EEG/neurocognitive eye-tracking markers/language, motor and developmental assessments). This will also include modelling the contribution of exposure phenotypes (i.e. poverty associated factors / caregiving context) to the substantive variation in developmental outcomes seen in infants.

They will be supported by a team of established research academics both at the University of Cambridge and across the collaborating institutes (BBK, UCL, KCL, Durham, MRCG@LSHTM).

As part of this collaborative team, the postholder will also contribute to identifying primary targets of intervention and the delivery of a scalable developmental toolkit (including optimized designs for accessible lower-density NIRS and EEG systems and a battery of cognitive behavioural tasks).

The post will be based in Central Cambridge in the Department of Psychology, and will require an enhanced disclosure (DBS check) as you will be working directly with children and families. As the research is conducted, in part, at Cambridge University Hospitals an occupational health check will also be required.

This is a wide-ranging position, which would suit a self-motivated individual who is experienced in working in a diverse team and able to perform effectively under multiple demands. Applicants should be educated to PhD level in a relevant discipline, have experience of working with R, multilevel modelling, and with longitudinal / neuroimaging data. Applicants must have experience of working with fNIRS/DOT with 0 – 5 year olds (in particular data collection and analysis of neonatal data). This post will allow the candidate to develop their skills in a range of areas including advanced statistical analyses, developmental science, neuroimaging, and collaborating across diverse multidisciplinary, international networks. Excellent organisational and computing skills, the ability to work independently and the ability to prioritise tasks effectively are essential, as is meticulous attention to detail.

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