Postdoctoral Research Associate in Network Science, Graph Machine Learning, and Cognitive & Social Sciences

Discipline: Network Science

Location: London, Devon House (St Katherines Dock)

Term: Full time / Fixed term 2 years

Direct Reports: Andreia Sofia Teixeira

Reports to: Andreia Sofia Teixeira

Benefits: The university supports staff maintaining a good work/life balance, offer flexible working and parental leave opportunities, an Employee Assistance Programme which provides free, confidential advice on both home and work concerns as well as optional private medical insurance, season ticket loans and being part of the cycle to work scheme.

Start: Flexible Start

The role

The Network Science Institute (NetSI) at Northeastern University London (NUL) is looking for an exceptional candidate to fill an open Postdoctoral Research Associate position in Network Science, Graph Machine Learning, and Cognitive & Social Sciences, with applications in mental health, social environments, cognition and human behavior.

The appointed researcher will be an integral part of Dr. Andreia Sofia Teixeira’s group and will work under her supervision. The researcher is expected to collaborate with members of the group, as well as with fellow researchers, graduate, and PhD students, and engage in cutting-edge projects at the intersection of complex systems, network theory, cognitive science, and mental health research.

The primary focus of the researcher will be on analyzing and modeling multimodal datasets, including social and cognitive data, neuroimaging, and electronic health records, to uncover the complex interactions between social environments, brain function, cognitive structures, and mental health outcomes. The researcher will develop data-driven approaches, leveraging graph machine learning, network neuroscience, signed networks, and information-theoretic methods, to derive new insights about the interplay between human behavior, health and brain function.

We welcome applicants with a strong background in network science, graph theory, cognitive and social sciences, and computational methods. Our priority is to attract researchers who have a passion for defining new mathematical frameworks and computational models to advance our understanding of mental health from a network perspective. We value a multidisciplinary mindset and encourage researchers who can bridge the gap between neuroscience, cognitive science, and machine learning.

We provide an enriching and collaborative research environment that encourages interdisciplinary engagement and innovation. As a part of our team, you'll benefit from personalized mentoring, access to cutting-edge computational resources, and collaborations with leading experts in network science, neuroscience, and computational social sciences. 

Job duties will include the following roles, with distribution of time, dependent on expertise and seniority.

• 50-60% Assist in initiating, executing, and completing research and analysis.
• 20-25% Prepare and write research papers, presentations, grant proposals, etc.
• 15-20% Data and project management.
• 5-10% Collaborate and provide mentorship for graduate students. 

We are committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and equitable research environment and strongly encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, particularly those from underrepresented groups in science and academia. 

About the Network Science Institute (NetSI)

In 2023, NetSI established a new institute hub in London, UK at Northeastern University London. The new NetSI in London was created to advance research, education, and innovation centred around network science. The hub in London will also facilitate the development and growth of collaborations and partnerships within the UK and across Europe and US. The London hub, along with others in the US, is part of the NetSI Global program which is dedicated to engaging and integrating regional network science communities and partnering with regional talent, institutions, ecosystems of innovation.

Postdoctoral Research Associates will be core members of the Network Science Institute (NetSI), which has offices in Boston MA, Portland MA, and London UK. NetSI, founded in 2014, has emerged as a world leader of multidisciplinary research communities in the field of network science. NetSI brings together expertise from diverse disciplines, from the physical, information, and social sciences, with the goal to build and expand common, synthesizing methodology and theory of networks, and to apply these tools to important societal challenges. Research staff will be connected to NetSI’s vibrant community, with dozens of externally funded research programs, diverse faculty, and a uniquely skilled pool of doctoral students. 

About the University 

Founded in 2012, Northeastern University London (formerly known as New College of the Humanities) has established itself as a prestigious higher education institution based in the heart of London. Northeastern University London is part of Northeastern University’s Global Campus Network. Positioned as top ranking in the USA, Northeastern has campuses in Arlington, Boston, Charlotte, Miami, Oakland, San Jose, and Seattle in the USA, and Toronto and Vancouver in Canada.

After becoming part of Northeastern University’s global network in early 2019, the University has undergone a period of rapid growth, having been granted Taught Degree Awarding Powers in February 2020 and moved to a new, state-of-the-art campus in 2021.  

Northeastern University London offers a vibrant, collegiate community delivering broad and academically rigorous degree programmes, designed to equip graduates with the combination of skills and knowledge that are increasingly desired by organisations, employers, and society. It offers state of the art audio visual technology in its teaching and meeting spaces across the organisation. 

Person Specification Criteria 

To undertake this role, the following should apply – should you not have the experience below, please do highlight where transferrable skills would assist with you undertaking the role. 

• Proficiency in programming languages relevant to research (e.g., Python, R, Julia, Matlab).
• Experience with software development/maintenance tools, libraries, and frameworks (e.g., Pandas, scikit-learn, Spark, Git).
• Experience in Statistical Analysis, Machine Learning, Complex Systems, and Network Theory.
• Ability to work effectively in small collaborative teams and foster interdisciplinary collaborations.
• Excellent scientific communication and presentation skills.
• Enthusiasm for interdisciplinary applied research.
• Fluency in English, both spoken and written.
• Demonstrate ability to plan, executed and publish research.
• Good time-management and organizational skills
• Ability to mentor junior researchers (e.g. Ph.D., M.Sc. students).
• Experience with proposal preparations for external research funding.
• Experience of data visualization techniques, and vectorial image design for presentation and project websites.
• Experience with text/imaging data and/or computational social science.
• A track record of conducting and publishing independent research. 

Additional Information 

Enquiries 

Informal enquiries may be made to Andreia Sofia Teixeira (sofia.teixeira@nulondon.ac.uk). However, all applications must be made in accordance with the application process specified. 

Application Process 

Please ensure that your application includes a CV and cover letter. Applicants should address the selection criteria and indicate how their background and expertise are aligned with those at NetSI and NUL.  You may use bullet points if you wish. 

Names and contact information of three references should be provided through the cover letter. References will only be sought for finalists. 

Interviews are expected to commence April 2025. 

The panel will be shortlisting for this position on a rolling basis so please apply as soon as possible. We reserve the right to close this post before the closing date if we receive a large number of applications. 

Please note this role may require a basic or enhanced DBS check. Our organisation acknowledges the duty of care to safeguard, protect and promote the welfare of our students and staff, and is committed to ensuring safeguarding practice reflects statutory responsibilities, government guidance and complies with best practice and Ofsted requirements. You must adhere to the above if you are offered a role with NU London. 

Applications are welcome from all sections of the community and will be judged on merit alone. We welcome applications from underrepresented groups. Candidates must be able to demonstrate their eligibility to work in the UK in accordance with the Immigration, Asylum and Nationality Act 2006.