Research Assistant

About us

Over the past 25 years, the Department of Imaging Neuroscience, home to the internationally renowned Functional Imaging Laboratory (FIL), has pioneered the development and application of imaging techniques to advance our understanding of the human brain. It continues to play a leading role in progressing and transforming research in many areas of neuroscience.

The FIL conducts cutting-edge brain research using two 3T Siemens Prisma MRI scanners, a 7T Siemens Terra MRI scanner, a SQUID magnetoencephalography (MEG) system, a dedicated optically-pumped MEG (OP-MEG) scanning suite, and neuropsychological testing.

About the role

We seek a highly motivated individual to join us in exploiting the exciting opportunities afforded by 7T fMRI and MEG to study the neural substrates of visual perception. You will assist with conducting neuroimaging experiments probing, for example, layer-specific responses in visual cortex induced by expectations (using 7T fMRI) and time-resolved decoding of the neural dynamics underlying integrating of top-down signals with sensory inputs (using MEG). As a key member of Professor Peter Kok’s research team, you will gain substantial experience and training by working on cutting-edge human neuroimaging research.

The post is available from 01 May 2025 and is funded by the European Commission for one year in the first instance.

About you

You will have an honours degree (2.1 minimum) in experimental psychology, neuroscience, cognitive science or a related discipline, and experience of the recruitment and behavioural testing of adult participants. Experience of conducting cognitive experiments using 7T fMRI and/or MEG is essential, as are strong programming skills (e.g. in Matlab), data entry experience, and an interest in of studying visual perception. Excellent oral and written communication skills, good interpersonal skills, exceptional attention to detail, and a very high level of consideration and care for research volunteers are also required.

We will also consider applications from candidates that hold a PhD in cognitive neuroscience or a related discipline. If you hold a PhD in one of these areas, then you would be appointed as a Research Fellow with starting salary on the Grade 7 salary scale (£43,124 - £51,610 per annum).

What we offer

Starting salary on UCL Grade 6B, £38,357 - £41,005 per annum, inclusive of London Allowance.

As well as the exciting opportunities this role presents, we also offer some 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. Please visit https://www.ucl.ac.uk/human-resources/conditions-service-research-teaching-and-professional-services-staff for more information.

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.

Customer advert reference: B02-08340

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