Postdoctoral Research Associate in the Department of Neuroimaging

King's College London; London; On-site; GBP 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent research institute in London seeks a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher to focus on cognitive computational modelling within the Social Computation and Representation Lab. The role involves conducting research on cognitive mechanisms and offers opportunities for developing independent research projects. Applicants should have a PhD in relevant fields and previous experience in social cognitive research. The position supports flexibility in working arrangements and provides a collaborative environment.

Qualifications

• PhD in developmental cognitive computational science, neuroscience, or computer science.
• Previous experience in social cognitive research.
• Knowledge of model simulation and decision-making data.
• Ability to work independently and in a team.
• Good organizational skills and ability to meet deadlines.

Responsibilities

• Refining decision-making paradigms for research.
• Conducting model simulations and statistical analyses.
• Writing manuscripts and disseminating research findings.
• Mentoring students within the lab.
• Managing own workload effectively.

Skills

Cognitive computational modelling

Social cognitive modelling

Model simulation

Excellent communication skills

Teamwork

Education

PhD in cognitive science or related disciplines

Tools

Python

R

Job description

About us

The Social Computation and Representation Lab (SoCR Lab; www.socrlab.net) uses mathematical models and causal experimental designs to understand the fundamental rules behind human and AI social interaction in health and disorder. This is with the ultimate aim to improve psychiatric support for service users and improve the intuition, ethics, and efficiency of AI systems. We are based at the IoPPN, King's College London, a world-leading institute well-known for its close-knit community, collaborative atmosphere, and outstanding research support.

About the role

We are seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher with expertise in cognitive computational modelling (preferably social cognitive modelling) and an interest in cognitive neuroscience and psychiatry to join the SoCR Lab led by Dr Joseph M Barnby. You will work within a wider project funded by the Wellcome Trust that will test the social and non-social cognitive mechanisms underlying paranoia across social context, under psychopharmacological manipulation, and in those who are seeking support for psychosis. This will be with the intention to test how parameters may be biased by THC manipulations, or in support-seeking participants with a diagnosis of psychosis. The postdoctoral researcher will lead a research program focused on developing and testing the computational mechanisms of social inference, although will have plenty of scope, and will be encouraged, to develop and expand their own research interests. The postholder will work under the supervision of Co-I Dr Joseph M Barnby and also benefit from the supervision of Co-I Dr Michael Moutoussis (UCL), Co-I Amir Englund (KCL), Co-I Syeda Tahir (City) and PI Prof Mitul Mehta (KCL).

This role will provide you with the freedom to develop new and creative ideas, methodologies, and/or approaches to challenging important questions of interest to the lab. In addition to leading the project, you will be supported in finding a research area that interests you, encouraged to develop a research programme of your own, and apply for independent funding. The postdoctoral researcher will also have teaching opportunities if this is of interest. You will be primarily based at the Centre for Neuroimaging Sciences (KCL, London, UK) but will also have the opportunity to travel and work at the Centre for AI and Machine Learning (ECU, Perth, AU) and the School of Psychiatry and Clinical Neuroscience (UWA, Perth, AU).

Importantly, we adopt a flexible working environment within the lab and are happy to organise working arrangements that suite your individual needs. We enjoy diversity of thought, ideas, and experience within the lab and approach our work with the same mindset. All of our data and code is open, and we will expect the postholder to adopt open science principles during the course of their stay with the SoCR lab.

This role will involve:

• Refining the implementing decision-making social and non-social paradigms for pre specified research hypotheses.
• Conducting model simulations, fitting, and recovery, as well as statistical inferences on model outputs, for pre specified research hypotheses.
• Suggesting further appropriate methods and analyses.
• Writing manuscripts in to disseminate research findings.
• Present summaries of study updates at internal meetings and meetings with external collaborators, and at national and international conferences.
• Mentoring undergraduate, masters, and PhD students in the SoCR Lab and within the Department of Neuroimaging.
• Collaborating with the wider team in order to achieve the aims of the project.
• Managing and organising own workload. It is the postdoc’s responsibility to make sure that deadlines are met and the necessary resources are available for the job at hand.
• Working with Dr Joseph Barnby and the wider team to develop novel research questions and theories of interest. This will be highly encouraged.
• Other relevant activities as directed by the line manager.

This is a full-time post (35 Hours per week), and you will be offered a fixed term contract until 31st August 2029.

About you

To be successful in this role, we are looking for candidates to have the following skills and experience:

Essential criteria

1. PhD in developmental cognitive computational science, neuroscience, computer science, or related disciplines*.
2. Previous experience in social cognitive research
3. Knowledge and prior experience of model simulation, recovery, and fitting of decision-making data
4. Excellent verbal and written communication skills
5. Ability to work independently as well as within a team.
6. Good organisational and time management skills, including ability to prioritise workload and work to deadlines.

Desirable criteria

1. Coding skills and experience in one or more open-source languages (e.g. Python, R)
2. Experience in the use of neuroimaging analysis (fMRI, MRI) to study mechanisms of brain function
3. Previous experience of using Bayesian methods in both model development and fitting.
4. Previous experience and knowledge of research methods and study design in clinical trials.
5. Knowledge of Good Clinical Practice (GCP) in clinical trials and knowledge of Research Governance Frameworks.

Downloading a copy of our Job Description

Full details of the role and the skills, knowledge and experience required can be found in the Job Description document, provided at the bottom of the next page after you click "Apply Now". This document will provide information of what criteria will be assessed at each stage of the recruitment process.

* Please note that this is a PhD level role but candidates who have submitted their thesis and are awaiting award of their PhDs will be considered. In these circumstances the appointment will be made at Grade 5, spine point 30 with the title of Research Assistant. Upon confirmation of the award of the PhD, the job title will become Research Associate and the salary will increase to Grade 6.

Further information

We pride ourselves on being inclusive and welcoming. We embrace diversity and want everyone to feel that they belong and are connected to others in our community. We are committed to working with our staff and unions on these and other issues, to continue to support our people and to develop a diverse and inclusive culture at King's. As part of this commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion and through this appointment process, it is our aim to develop candidate pools that include applicants from all backgrounds and communities.

We ask all candidates to submit a copy of their CV, and a supporting statement, detailing how they meet the essential criteria listed in the advert. If we receive a strong field of candidates, we may use the desirable criteria to choose our final shortlist, so please include your evidence against these where possible. Your cover letter should also describe the following: 1) past research experience and contributions to science, 2) relevance of research experience for current position, and 3) career development plans.

To find out how our managers will review your application, please take a look at our "How we Recruit" pages.