Postdoctoral Research Fellow

University of Plymouth; Plymouth; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading university in the UK is seeking a Postdoctoral Research Fellow to study human pain circuits. This full-time role involves designing experiments, collecting data, and analyzing findings in a collaborative environment at a well-established neuroimaging facility. Applicants must have a PhD in neuroscience or a related field and practical experience in transcranial ultrasound stimulation and MRI data collection. The position starts on February 2, 2026, and offers generous annual leave and a pension scheme.

Benefits

Generous annual leave

Generous pension scheme

Cycle to Work & Electric Car Scheme

Employee Assistance Programme

Development opportunities

Enhanced family leave

Flexible working

Retailer discounts

On-site nursery

Qualifications

• Practical experience with transcranial ultrasound stimulation in humans.
• Experience collecting and analysing MRI data in pain related research.
• A track record of peer reviewed research outputs.

Responsibilities

• Designing and implementing experimental tasks related to pain processing.
• Collecting TUS, MRI, behavioural and physiological data.
• Analysing neuroimaging and behavioural datasets.

Skills

Transcranial ultrasound stimulation

MRI data analysis

Independent working

Collaborative research

Education

PhD in neuroscience or related discipline

Job description

Are you a Postdoctoral Researcher with experience in transcranial ultrasound stimulation and MRI, interested in studying human pain circuits?

About the role

The role of Postdoctoral Research Fellow will be based at the Brain Research Imaging Centre, a well‐established neuroimaging facility equipped with a 3T Prisma scanner and dedicated neurostimulation laboratories. You will report to Professor Elsa Fouragnan (University of Plymouth) and work closely with collaborators at the NHS Trust and the University of Exeter. The project brings together researchers from psychology, neuroscience and clinical pain research across institutions.

Responsibilities

• Designing and implementing experimental tasks related to pain processing
• Collecting TUS, MRI, behavioural and physiological data in healthy volunteers and patients
• Analysing neuroimaging and behavioural datasets using established statistical methods
• Leading dissemination of findings through publications and conference presentations
• Working collaboratively with academic and clinical partners and supporting open science practices

This is a full‑time role working 37 hours per week on a fixed‑term basis for 18 months. The project is due to start 02 February 2026.

For an informal discussion to find out more about the role then please contact Elsa Fouragnan by email at [e-mail] or by telephone on 07703335897.

Due to the nature of the role, unfortunately we are unable to accommodate working from home.

What we’re looking for

Applicants should demonstrate:

• A PhD in neuroscience, physiology or a closely related discipline
• Practical experience with transcranial ultrasound stimulation in humans
• Experience collecting and analysing MRI data, ideally in pain related research
• A track record of peer reviewed research outputs
• Ability to work independently while contributing effectively to a collaborative research team

The successful candidate may be required to obtain an ATAS Certificate prior to this research being undertaken.

About us

The Faculty of Health holds four Silver Athena Swan awards, which recognise our commitment to supporting gender equality within higher education.

The University of Plymouth has a strong interdisciplinary research ethos which is supported by our two strategic Research Institutes; the Marine Institute and the Sustainable Earth Institute. As a member of our academic community, you’ll be expected to contribute to our recognised research strengths. Working holistically across the University, you will be challenged to innovate, collaborate and deliver impactful research contributions as part of a systems thinking approach to addressing today’s global challenges.

For more information on School of Psychology please visit our dedicated webpage at https://www.plymouth.ac.uk/schools

Application Process

Please apply online, demonstrating how you meet the essential criteria outlined in the knowledge, qualifications, training, and experience elements of the job description in your supporting statement.

Following the closing date of the vacancy, you will be notified on the outcome of your application in due course.

Anticipated Interview Date: Tuesday 20 January 2026

Our Offer

Staff appointed within the Faculty of Health may be able to join the NHS pension scheme subject to eligibility criteria.

When joining us, you will receive:

• Generous annual leave: 35 Days Annual Leave plus Bank Holidays & Closure Days
• Generous pension scheme
• Cycle to Work & Electric Car Scheme
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Development opportunities
• Enhanced family leave
• Flexible working
• Retailer discounts
• On-site nursery

A summary of our comprehensive benefits can be viewed here.

Additional Information

The University of Plymouth is an inclusive community where everyone is welcomed regardless of their background. To find out more about our inclusive community initiatives, such as Athena Swan and the Race Equality Charter, please visit our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion webpages.