Research Assistant/Associate in Auditory Memory and Prediction

TN United Kingdom; Newcastle upon Tyne; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player seeks a Research Assistant/Associate to join a groundbreaking project in auditory memory and prediction. This role involves cutting-edge research using laminar electrophysiology in a primate model, contributing to advancements in auditory neuroscience. You will receive training in state-of-the-art neurobiological technology and enjoy career development support in a collegial environment. Ideal candidates will possess strong analytical skills, a proactive approach, and the ability to collaborate effectively. Join a team dedicated to improving diagnostic and treatment options for neurological patients.

Benefits

Generous Holiday Package

Pension Scheme

Health and Wellbeing Initiatives

Career Development Support

Qualifications

• Strong academic record and relevant experience in neurobiology or neuroscience.
• Experience with electrophysiological methods and functional MRI is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to research projects and assist in grant applications.
• Evaluate research findings and disseminate results through publications.

Skills

Organisational Skills

Communication Skills

Neurobiology Knowledge

Analytical Skills

Problem-Solving Skills

Team Collaboration

Education

Honours Degree in Relevant Area

PhD in Research Area

Tools

Matlab

Python

Neuroscience Techniques

Job description

Social network you want to login/join with:

Research Assistant/Associate in Auditory Memory and Prediction, Newcastle upon Tyne

col-narrow-left

Client:

Newcastle University

Location:

Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom

Job Category:

Other

-

EU work permit required:

Yes

col-narrow-right

Job Reference:

4754063ca786

Job Views:

2

Posted:

07.05.2025

Expiry Date:

21.06.2025

col-wide

Job Description:

Newcastle University is a great place to work, with excellent benefits. We have a generous holiday package; plus the opportunity to buy more, great pension schemes and a number of health and wellbeing initiatives to support you.

The Role

We are seeking a Research Assistant/Associate on a BBSRC-NSF US-UK partnership grant funded project on Auditory Memory and Prediction.

The research bridges work with an animal model system that can inform studies with neurosurgery patients at the University of Iowa, providing insights into neuronal mechanisms for auditory prediction and memory using laminar electrophysiology. This work will be based at the Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, UK (lead supervisor Dr Yuki Kikuchi).

The research is part of an international partnership at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinic, relevant for advancing auditory neuroscience and improving diagnostic and treatment options for neurological and neurosurgical patients, including individuals with amnesia, epilepsy, autism spectrum disorder, and communication disorders.

A position is available at the Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University. The research involves cutting-edge laminar electrophysiology of prefrontal, auditory, and hippocampal circuits in a primate model. Candidates should have a strong academic record, relevant experience, empirical and analytical skills, as well as strong presentation and communication skills.

This role offers training in state-of-the-art neurobiological technology and career development support in a collegial environment in a high-quality research setting. Experience in behavioural, electrophysiological methods, and/or functional MRI in awake nonhuman primates is highly desirable. We seek a team player capable of independent research and effective collaboration.

This is a full-time, fixed-term position for 3 years.

To apply, complete an online application and upload a plain text CV and cover letter demonstrating how you meet the role's requirements. Please note that other uploaded documents may not be reviewed.

Learn more about our Laboratory of Cognitive and Translational Neuroscience, the Faculty of Medical Sciences, and our Research Institutes by clicking the respective links.

Our university supports career development through three levels of research role profiles, outlining competencies, responsibilities, and qualifications for each level.

Key Accountabilities

• Contribute ideas and technical or methodological enhancements under the guidance of an academic or PI, adding value
• Develop and execute the specified research project using appropriate techniques and equipment
• Determine suitable methodologies with support as needed
• Assist in grant applications and develop own research proposals over time
• Evaluate research findings for further investigation opportunities
• Contribute to publication and dissemination of research findings through seminars, conferences, and journals
• Potentially supervise undergraduate research projects and support postgraduate research students or Research Assistants
• Collaborate with support staff and students, engaging with academic colleagues
• Participate in public engagement events related to science/social sciences/humanities
• Develop awareness of university policies, structures, and the broader research environment

The Person

Knowledge, Skills and Experience

• Strong organisational and communication skills, attention to detail, and a proactive approach
• Ability to work well in a team and quickly learn new skills
• Subject knowledge in neurobiology, neuroscience, or related fields
• Advanced skills relevant to the research projects
• High analytical and problem-solving capabilities
• Ability to clearly communicate complex information and motivate others
• Experience in a fast-paced research environment
• Research experience with transferable skills and familiarity with the research setting
• Experience presenting at conferences and publishing high-quality research
• Research experience with nonhuman primates, behavioral training, or relevant animal research
• Understanding of regulatory requirements for working with nonhuman primates
• Experience with neuroscience techniques such as neurophysiology, fMRI, programming, or histology is desirable
• Skills in signal processing, programming (Matlab/Python), and advanced data analysis and statistics

Attributes and Behaviour

• Professional, collegial, independent, and team-oriented
• Ability to meet weekly and long-term objectives with supervisor support
• Clear communication skills in writing and speaking

Qualifications

• Honours degree (or equivalent) in a relevant area for Research Assistant
• PhD in the research area for Research Associate
• Enrolled PhD students may be considered for the Research Assistant role until graduation; post-PhD, eligible for the Research Associate position

We are committed to diversity, inclusion, and equal opportunities, supporting a welcoming environment for all applicants and staff, and holding awards recognizing our efforts in gender equality, race equality, and disability confidence. We are part of the Euraxess initiative supporting researchers in Europe.