Research Associate

Fixed Term (24 months)

Applications are invited for a full-time Postdoctoral Research Associate to work on a project investigating the neurocognitive mechanisms underpinning alcohol consumption in adolescence, funded by the Academy of Medical Sciences. This post is based at the School of Psychology and Aston Institute for Health & Neurodevelopment (AIHN) at Aston University, Birmingham. AIHN is a world-leading CQC-registered brain-imaging facility with an excellent interdisciplinary research environment fostering ‘bench-to-bedside’ research into health and neurodevelopment.

This is a unique opportunity to join a world-leading team in addiction and neuroimaging research led by Dr Charlotte Pennington. The project will comprise a large-scale neuroimaging experiment to determine whether reward sensitivity and inhibitory control predict alcohol-related attentional bias and consumption in adolescence.

The successful candidate will provide essential research assistance for all aspects of the project. Support is particularly required for the programming of experimental tasks and analysis pipelines for functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) data and collecting such data from a large sample of adolescents at the AIHN. Therefore, the candidate must have a track record of excellent programming and quantitative data analysis skills. Some experience with the collection and analysis of fMRI data is desirable, but full training will be provided. The candidate must be able to travel to Aston University, Birmingham as data collection will happen on site.

The candidate must have a PhD in Psychology, Neuroscience, or a cognate discipline. They should have advanced skills in programming and data analysis and experience of writing up research for high-quality publications and conference presentations. Additional essential criteria and responsibilities can be found in the job description and person specification.

If you have any queries regarding this post, please contact the Principal Investigator, Dr Charlotte Pennington (c.pennington@aston.ac.uk). 

Aston University is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all sections of the community. It promotes equality and diversity in all aspects of its work. We strive to have robust inclusivity strategies in place, including race and sexual orientation, to encourage colleagues to have the confidence and freedom to be themselves in the workplace. For more information, visit: https://www2.aston.ac.uk/about/inclusive-aston 

If you require the job details document or an application form in an alternative format please contact the recruitment team at recruitment@aston.ac.uk

What we offer:

• Aston University is a vibrant campus located within Birmingham city centre, which has excellent transport links via bus or train.
• Excellent training and development opportunities.
• A generous annual leave scheme with 30 days bookable leave and a further 13 days of bank holiday and University closure days.
• Everyday discounts to a number of activities and retailers.
• Great family-friendly policies.
• On-site gym and pool with discounted staff membership available.
• Further information on our Benefits and Rewards can be found here.

The salary being offered for this role is below the minimum threshold for required to sponsor new applicants to the Skilled Worker route. However, Aston University may be able to sponsor the successful candidate if they:

• Are under 26 years old
• Hold a PhD that is relevant to the role
• Have held a Student or Graduate visa in the last 2 years
• Are already in the UK with a Tier 2 or Skilled Worker visa issued before April 4th 2024

Please contact hr_immigration@aston.ac.uk if you would like to discuss your eligibility for Skilled Worker sponsorship.

Closing Date: 23.59 hours BST on Friday 11 April 2025

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