Research Fellow in Psychopharmacology

The appointee will be based in the Clinical Psychopharmacology Unit (CPU) within the Psychology division at UCL. Psychology research at UCL is among the best in the world. We are ranked 2nd in Europe and 6th globally (Times Higher Education World Rankings, 2024). This reflects excellence in research and teaching across the range of psychological and brain sciences subfields. UCL provides exceptional collaboration and interdisciplinary research opportunities and is an excellent environment for early-career researchers. The CPU is a friendly and supportive group of psychopharmacologists, medics and neuroscientists dedicated to advancing clinical science through high-quality research.

We are recruiting a research fellow with a strong interest in psychopharmacology, clinical neuroscience and/or clinical trials of investigational medicinal products to work on a ground-breaking clinical t rial of a novel intervention for posttraumatic stress disorder called "Retrieval-dependent Nitrous Oxide Therapy" (R-NOT). The project draws on the strengths of the CPU in novel intervention development and 'memory therapeutics. The R-NOT trial will evaluate if nitrous oxide can modify traumatic memories in PTSD when combined with a brief retrieval procedure. If, as we hope, R-NOT is highly efficacious and well-tolerated, this will represent a significant advance in PTSD treatment.

The post is full-time, initially for one year, with the possibility of funding for an additional three years. Reporting to the principal investigator (Prof Sunjeev Kamboj), the researcher will join a dynamic multidisciplinary research team consisting of clinical trials specialists, PTSD experts, anaesthetists, clinical psychologists, and psychiatrists. The appointee will have the opportunity to shape the intervention from the earliest stages of its development. Specifically, they will (1) work with the principal investigator (Prof Kamboj) and the co-lead, Professor Jonathan Bisson (Cardiff University), to design and refine the intervention according to evidence-based principles for treating PTSD (2) collaborate closely with the clinical trials manager and clinical trials unit to ensure all regulatory, ethical and technical requirements of the project are followed, (3) form collaborative relationships with local clinical services to ensure successful recruitment, (4) collect high-quality quantitative and qualitative data, (5) analyse the data and (6) contribute to writing publications based on the findings.

We are looking for someone with excellent organisational skills, and technical and quantitative proficiency. They must have a PhD in psychology, neuroscience or other relevant discipline, or equivalent substantial experience and a proven track record of successful project leadership. An enhanced DBS check is required. Appointment at Grade 7 depends upon having a PhD; if this is not the case, initial appointment will be at Grade 6B with payment at Grade 7 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. Please visit https://www.ucl.ac.uk/work-at-ucl/rewards-and-benefits to find out more.

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. We are committed to equality of opportunity, to being fair and inclusive, and to being a place where we all belong. 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+ people. Our department holds an Athena SWAN Silver award, in recognition of our commitment and demonstrable impact in advancing gender equality.

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