Post Doctoral Research Fellow

About the role

We are seeking a skilled and highly motivated full-time Post-Doctoral Research Fellow to join the Lab of Professor Elsa Fouragnan at the University of Plymouth, UK. You will work on an ARIA-funded project investigating the proof of principle that Transcranial Ultrasound Stimulation (TUS) can be used safely to regulate mood in healthy volunteers and patients, using state-of-the-art multimodal neuroimaging methods, including functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI), resting-state fMRI, and computational modelling of mood-related behaviours.

This is an exciting opportunity for a post-doctoral researcher to conduct and develop high-quality research as part of a team of internationally recognized leaders in the field. You will be supervised by Professor Elsa Fouragnan and will work closely with Neurosurgeon and Clinician Scientist Dr. Aimun Jamjoom (Barking, Havering, and Redbridge University Hospitals NHS Trust). The role will also involve collaboration with the USA-based non-profit Focused Research Organization, Forest Neurotech, particularly with Dr. Sumner Norman and Dr. Tyson Aflalo.

The position will be based at the Brain Research Imaging Centre (BRIC), the most advanced facility in the Southwest of the UK. BRIC is equipped with cutting-edge neuroscience technology, including a 3T Prisma scanner and eight human research laboratories. These facilities include two non-invasive neurostimulation labs (TUS, TMS, tES) and an MR-compatible TUS and EEG recording system. Additionally, the role will require travel to London to assist with task setup in a clinical environment, with the potential for transatlantic travel.

This research will integrate multimodal neuroimaging and neurostimulation with computational modelling to characterize and manipulate the brain networks underlying mood. You will lead the design and execution of a combined fMRI/TUS experiment, investigating various parameters and brain regions associated with different biotypes of mood-related psychological traits. Furthermore, you will be responsible for disseminating findings through academic publications and conference presentations.

Candidate Requirements

You must hold a PhD (or equivalent) in neuropsychology, neuroscience, clinical neurophysiology, cognitive science, or a related discipline.

You must have:

• Practical experience and expertise in fMRI research related to reward or mood, as evidenced by a strong track record of publications in international journals.
• Proficiency in programming and experience using FSL or SPM analysis software.
• Demonstrated experience working with healthy participants or patients in research and/or clinical settings.

Desirable skills include:

• Experience with TUS experiments.
• Experience in multivariate analysis of fMRI data.
• Expertise in computational modelling of mood.

This is a full-time, fixed-term position starting on 1st March 2025, or as soon as possible thereafter, for a duration of two years (24 months), with the possibility of an additional year.

For more information on School of Psychology please visit our dedicated webpage at https://www.plymouth.ac.uk/schools

Due to the nature of the role, unfortunately we are unable to accommodate working from home.

For an informal discussion to find out more about the role then please contact Elsa Fouragnan: by email at elsa.fouragnan@plymouth.ac.uk or by telephone on 07703 335 897. Please note that applications sent directly to this email will not be considered.

Anticipated Interview Date: Monday 24 March 2025

Our Offer

A summary of our comprehensive benefits can be viewed here.

Closing date:  12 midnight, Sunday 16 March 2025

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