Research Associate

About King’s:

From its earliest years, the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience (IoPPN) has been fundamentally changing and shaping how we understand, prevent and treat mental illness and other conditions that affect the brain. 

The Department of Psychosis Studies, part of the School of Academic Psychiatry, is one of the world’s leading centres for research into psychotic disorders. Our research includes the following major themes: Comorbidities & transdiagnostic approaches; Interventions; Neuroscience & biological mechanisms; Prediction and analytics; Risk factors and population health; and Treatment resistance.

About the role:

This is an exciting position where the successful candidate will have the opportunity to work as part of an internationally leading team of researchers investigating biological bases of neuro-psychiatric and neurodegenerative disorders and the mechanism of action of treatments. The team has a particular interest in investigating the mechanism of action of cannabinoids and a key component of this program of work will involve the application of cutting-edge neuroimaging techniques (such as fMRI) to investigate the neural substrates underpinning the harmful effects of recreational cannabis use as well as potential therapeutic effects of cannabinoids. They will take the lead role in coordinating the neuroimaging components of ongoing studies and guiding doctoral students or other researchers involved in this aspect. They will also be involved in the analysis of data, drafting publications, taking part in knowledge exchange and dissemination activities, teaching and/ or supervision of other researchers, PhD/ MSc students as appropriate. 

The person will be based in the Department of Psychosis Studies, School of Academic Psychiatry, IoPPN at KCL and will work closely with Prof Sagnik Bhattacharyya and other investigators based at King’s College London, in particular Dr Latha Velayudhan. They will also interact with clinical fellows, research assistants, postdoctoral researchers and PhD students working in the group.

The successful candidate will have a PhD in neuroimaging or a related field and will need excellent communication skills. Previous experience in the acquisition and analysis of neuroimaging data is essential. This position may also suit a researcher who has either had their PhD viva and/ or have submitted corrections and are awaiting the award of their PhD.

This is a full-time, fixed term post, currently funded for 12 months with potential for extension. The successful candidate will be encouraged to apply for postdoctoral fellowships.

About You:

Essential criteria

• PhD in neuroimaging or related field (or pending results). 
• Experience in imaging acquisition and the analysis of neuroimaging data. 
• Proficiency in Python, R, MATLAB or another relevant language Good communication skills, ability to critically appraise research findings and present at meetings and conference.  
• Self-motivated with ability to work independently and having good organisational and time management skills. 
• Strong publication record appropriate for career stage with first-author neuroimaging publication/s. 
• Excellent interpersonal skills to develop and maintain effective working relationships 
• Knowledge and interest in study design (research) and statistical analysis approaches 

Desirable criteria

• An understanding of data protection and patient confidentiality.
• Knowledge of neuropsychiatric or neurodegenerative disorders. 
• Experience and/ or interest in the analysis of multimodal imaging datasets 

This role does meet the requirements of the Home Office and therefore we are able to offer sponsorship for candidates who require the right to work in the UK.

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