Postdoctoral Research Associate (Fixed Term)

CamWebDir; United Kingdom; Remote; GBP 38,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Cambridge seeks a Postdoctoral Research Associate (PDRA) in auditory cognitive neuroscience for a Wellcome Trust funded project examining audiovisual speech processing in adult cochlear implant users.

The role involves advanced EEG/HD-DOT imaging, data analysis, and collaboration with leading researchers to understand how vision and audition integrate during CI rehabilitation.

Qualifications

• PhD in neuroscience, psychology or related field.
• Strong experience conducting EEG/MEG and/or functional neuroimaging.
• Experience with clinical populations is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Conduct EEG/MEG and related neuroimaging experiments with adult CI users.
• Analyze multimodal neuroimaging data and contribute to interpretation.
• Collaborate with clinicians and other researchers to advance project aims.

Skills

EEG/MEG

Python programming

Matlab programming

Education

PhD in neuroscience, psychology or auditory/speech sciences

Tools

HD-DOT

fNIRS

fMRI

Job description

# Postdoctoral Research Associate (Fixed Term)UUniversity of CambridgeCB2 1TNvia University of CambridgePosted 14 Sep 2026Apply on cam.ac.uk →We are seeking to appoint a Postdoctoral Research Associate (PDRA) in auditory cognitive neuroscience based at the CBU (with its transition into CMBI). The PDRA will work on a Wellcome Trust funded project led by Dr Guangting Mai studying the neural basis of audiovisual speech processing in adult cochlear implant (CI) users. Main advisors/collaborators include Drs Matt Davis and Bob Carlyon (CBU) and Prof Doug Hartley (Nottingham BRC).The project aims to study how different sensory modalities (audition and vision) work together to support day-to-day speech comprehension by CI users. We also aim to address an imminent and critical clinical question of whether processing of visual speech (talker's lip movement during face-to-face communication) is associated with adaptative or maladaptative changes in auditory processing and audiovisual integration of speech during CI rehabilitation. We will address these questions through sets of cross-sectional and longitudinal experiments in adult CI users combining sophisticated brain imaging of electroencephalography (EEG) and high-density diffuse optical tomography (HD-DOT). Findings of the project would provide important implications for clinicians to consider appropriate strategies as to how patients should be instructed to use visual speech and what their impacts may be for speech and language development during CI rehabilitation. The findings may also provide evidence to use brain imaging to better predict post-implantation outcomes and/or guidance for neuromodulation to improve CI users' speech comprehension.An ideal candidate is expected to have a strong background (PhD in neuroscience, psychology or auditory/speech sciences) and extensive experience in conducting EEG/MEG and/or functional neuroimaging experiments (fNIRS/DOT/fMRI) in human participants. Experience in working with clinical populations (e.g., participants with hearing, speech or language disorders) is highly desirable. Relevant analyses expertise (including Matlab or Python programming) will also be a strong asset.Funding for this post is available for a fixed term of 3 years full time or extended pro rata for part time (preferably 0.7 FTE).Once an offer of employment has been accepted, the successful candidate will be required to undergo a health assessment, a security check and a standard Disclosure and Barring Service check. This appointment also requires a Research Passport application.Click the 'Apply' button below to register an account with our recruitment system (if you have not already) and apply online.Please ensure that you upload a covering letter and CV in the Upload section of the online application. The covering letter should outline how you match the criteria for the post and why you are applying for this role. If you upload any additional documents which have not been requested, we will not be able to consider these as part of your application.Please include details of your referees, including email address and phone number, one of which must be your most recent line manager.Closing Date: 16th October 2026Interview Date: to be confirmed (expected November 2026)Please quote reference SU51024 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.