Postdoctoral Researcher in Cognitive Neuroscience and Speech

University of Oxford; Oxford; On-site; GBP 36,000 - 48,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Contributory pension

38 days leave

Childcare services

Family leave schemes

Cycle loan

Public transport loans

Social & sports clubs

Job summary

The University of Oxford invites applications for a Postdoctoral Researcher to join the Brain, Speech & Language Research Group in the Department of Experimental Psychology. The project is funded by the ERC for STUTTER, investigating neural mechanisms of stuttering across the lifespan.

The successful applicant will lead a randomized controlled trial combining non-invasive brain stimulation with speech fluency training in adults who stutter, manage recruitment, run experiments including MRI/MEG,

Qualifications

• PhD/DPhil in cognitive neuroscience, psychology, speech and language sciences, or a related discipline.
• Experience with human participant research and behavioural assessment is essential.
• Experience with MRI/MEG or non-invasive brain stimulation techniques would be advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Lead a randomized controlled trial investigating non-invasive brain stimulation with speech fluency training in adults who stutter.
• Recruit participants, deliver experimental procedures and evaluate outcomes using speech recordings, MRI and MEG.
• Contribute to publications, conference presentations and other research outputs.
• Provide day-to-day supervision of a graduate research assistant.

Skills

RCT leadership

Participant recruitment

Data analysis

Interdisciplinary collaboration

Education

PhD/DPhil in cognitive neuroscience/psychology/speech and language sciences

Tools

MRI

MEG

Non-invasive brain stimulation

Job description

Postdoctoral Researcher

Applications are invited for a Postdoctoral Researcher to join the Brain, Speech & Language Research Group led by Kate Watkins within the Department of Experimental Psychology. The post is funded by the European Research Council for the STUTTER project, which investigates the neural mechanisms underlying stuttering across the lifespan.

The successful applicant will lead a randomized controlled trial investigating the effects of non-invasive brain stimulation combined with speech fluency training in adults who stutter. The postholder will be responsible for participant recruitment, delivery of experimental procedures and evaluation of outcomes using speech recordings, MRI and MEG. They will also contribute to publications, conference presentations and other research outputs arising from the project and provide day-to-day supervision of a graduate research assistant. The project team comprises the Principal Investigator, two postdoctoral researchers and two graduate research assistants and benefits from expertise and infrastructure at the Oxford Centre for Integrative Neuroimaging (OxCIN).

The post is full-time and fixed term for 2 years in the first instance, with the possibility of extension subject to funding. Flexible working, including evenings and weekends, may occasionally be required. The role is based in the Life and Mind Building and involves work at the Oxford Centre for Human Brain Activity in Headington, Oxford.

Applicants should hold, or be close to completing, a PhD/DPhil in cognitive neuroscience, psychology, speech and language sciences, or a related discipline. Experience of human participant research and behavioural assessment, neuroimaging or neurostimulation methods is essential. Experience of MRI, MEG or non‑invasive brain stimulation techniques would be advantageous.

As an employer, we genuinely care about our employees' wellbeing and this is reflected in the range of benefits that we offer including: an excellent contributory pension scheme, 38 days annual leave, a comprehensive range of childcare services, family leave schemes, cycle loan scheme, discounted bus travel and season ticket travel loans, membership to a variety of social and sports clubs.

The University of Oxford is committed to equal opportunity, and to being an inclusive institution where everyone belongs and is supported to succeed. We welcome applications from individuals from all backgrounds, including those under-represented within higher education. No applicant or members of staff shall be unlawfully discriminated against on the basis of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation.