Research Assistant/Research Associate in Computational Modelling of Emotional Memory (Fixed Term)

We are seeking a creative and motivated Research Assistant./Research Associate to work on an ESRC-funded project at Dr Deborah Talmi's Emotional Cognition Lab at the Department of Psychology, University of Cambridge (https://dtalmi.wixsite.com/emotional-cognition), working collaboratively with Prof Rik Henson at the MRC Cognition and Brain Sciences Unit (https://www.mrc-cbu.cam.ac.uk/people/rik.henson) and Prof Emily Holmes (Uppsala, Sweden).

Please note there is a requirement for this position to work from the office in central Cambridge at least 3 days a week.

This post will involve conducting advanced memory modelling. The primary objective of this position is to develop temporal context models which can integrate new empirical evidence collected at the lab as part of this ongoing project. The ideal applicant will have independently conducted model optimisation and fitted complex models to empirical data. They will be able to demonstrate understanding of the mathematical foundations of memory models, and interest in independent model development.

Please enclose a cover letter and a 2-page CV following the guidance here: https://www.careers.cam.ac.uk/files/phdpostdoccvbook.pdf

The successful candidate will have

• A strong quantitative background. Please explain how your training to date provides you with the expertise to develop and analyse formal models independently.
• A track record of publications in modelling human or animal memory (manuscripts in preparation will be considered). Please link to and explain the relevance of each publication, and your specific contribution to the modelling work (e.g. to development, testing etc.).
• Obtained (or be close to the completion of) a PhD in computational neuroscience, mathematical psychology, mathematics, computer science, machine learning, statistics, or a related field. Please include degree dates and outcomes, as well as graduation date and/or viva date.

Preference will be given to candidates with:

• Sufficient programming skills to run numerical simulations and use large-scale optimization packages
• A quantitative undergraduate degree
• Hands-on experience with how experimental data is collected in humans

Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available until 1 October 2026 in the first instance.

To apply online for this vacancy and to view further information about the role, please click the 'Apply' button above. 

Please enclose a cover letter and a 2-page CV following the guidance here: https://www.careers.cam.ac.uk/files/phdpostdoccvbook.pdf

For informal inquiries, please contact Deborah Talmi at dt492@cam.ac.uk

Closing Date: Monday 21st April 2025 at 12 Midnight

Interview Date: Thursday 1st  May 2025

Please quote reference PJ45482 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.

The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.

The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.

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