Research Fellow in Computational Psychiatry

About us

The Max Planck UCL Centre for Computational Psychiatry and Ageing Research (MPC) is dedicated to studying the causes of psychiatric disorders. The overarching goal of the MPC is to understand the cognitive and neural underpinnings of neuropsychiatric disorders. Our findings will provide information on how cognitive functioning can be maintained into old age and on how neuropsychiatric disorders can be better recognised and treated more efficiently. Computational models of differences and changes in brain-behaviour relations are the Centre’s major theoretical tool, coupled with use of imaging modalities, including MEG and EEG.

About the role

We are looking for a Research Fellow to undertake high quality research under the supervision of Professor Ray Dolan, in collaboration with Dr Marc Busche and Professor Gareth Barnes. The research will focus on detecting early neural biomarkers of neurodegenerative disease using non-invasive neuroimaging techniques including MEG and Optically Pumped Magnetometers (OPMs). The post is part of a recently announced quantum hub, Q-BIOMED, which aims to exploit advances in quantum sensors for diagnosis, funded by UKRI Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC)

This is a great opportunity for innovative input, including developing independent lines of research. You will be expected to exploit computational approaches to brain function (for example, through use of magnetoencephalography) and behaviour to leverage insights into how early phases of neurodegenerative disease impact upon cognition. The post offers opportunities for the successful candidate to innovate and develop novel lines of research.

The post is available from 01 December 2024 and is funded for two years in the first instance with the possibility of extension to three years.

About you

You’ll have a PhD in computational neuroscience, psychology, cognitive neuroscience, or a related area, coupled with experience of conducting neuroscience research and a good publication record of high-quality research results. Experience in conducting neuroimaging (preferably MEG) and behavioural research, and data collection and analysis, coupled with good communication, interpersonal, and problem-solving skills are essential for this role.

What we offer

Appointment as Research Fellow is dependent upon having been awarded a PhD; if this is not the case, initial appointment will be as Research Assistant (salary £37,332 - £39,980 per annum) with appointment as Research Fellow being backdated to the date of final submission of the PhD thesis.

As well as the exciting opportunities this role presents, we also offer great benefits; visit https://www.ucl.ac.uk/work-at-ucl/reward-and-benefits to find out more.

This appointment is subject to UCL Terms and Conditions of Service for Research and Professional Services Staff.

Our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

As London’s Global University, we know diversity fosters creativity and innovation, and we want our community to represent the diversity of the world’s talent. 12% of Institute staff are actively working on EDI initiatives; visit https://www.ucl.ac.uk/ion/equality-diversity-inclusion for more information about what we’re doing. We therefore particularly encourage applications from candidates who are likely to be underrepresented in UCL’s workforce; these include people from Black, Asian and ethnic minority backgrounds, disabled people, LGBTQI+ and gender diverse people in all roles, and women in Grade 9 and 10 roles.

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