Research Assistant/Associate in Neural Circuits for Perceptual Interference

Newcastle University; England; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

Newcastle University is looking for a Research Assistant/Associate in Neural Circuits for Perceptual Interference. This role involves cutting-edge research at the neurobiological level with nonhuman primates, focusing on auditory cognition. Applicants should hold a PhD and have relevant research experience. The position offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to innovative therapeutic interventions in neuroscience.

Benefits

Generous holiday package

Great pension schemes

Support for health and wellbeing initiatives

Qualifications

• Experience in behavioral and electrophysiological methods is desirable.
• Experience in functional MRI with nonhuman primates is a plus.
• Strong publication record expected and ability to work independently.

Responsibilities

• Focus on neurobiology of fronto-temporal brain regions.
• Conduct laminar neurophysiology and fMRI studies.
• Contribute to grant applications and research proposals.

Skills

Organizational skills

Communication skills

Problem-solving capability

Analytical skills

Education

PhD in neurobiology, neuroscience, or related field

Good honours degree (or equivalent)

Tools

Matlab

Python

Job description

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Research Assistant/Associate in Neural Circuits for Perceptual Interference

Requisition ID: 28184

Location:

Newcastle, GB

Contract Type: Fixed Term

Working Pattern: Full Time

Posted Date: 29 May 2025

Research Assistant:£32,546to£34,132per annum

Research Associate:£35,116 to£37,174per annum

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 post-doctoral Research Assistant or Research Associate on an MRC (UK) funded project onNeuronal Circuits for Perceptual Inference, based at the Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, UK (lead supervisor Dr Yuki Kikuchi). Our laboratory focuses on the neurobiological basis of auditory cognition and memory, with the potential to inform new treatments and therapeutic interventions for nervous system disorders. We develop programs to link with clinical and neurosurgical patient work, which strongly aligns with the vision of Newcastle University and Newcastle University Centres of Research Excellence (NUCoREs) .

You will focus on understanding the neurobiology of fronto-temporal brain regions at cortical laminar and neuronal circuit levels that support auditory cognition and perceptual inference. The studies will also inform on the connectivity and circuit level of understanding between frontal and temporal lobe regions using innovative approaches being used by the clinical group in parallel with neurosurgical patients in Iowa. Our goal is to advance medical science by providing insights on the neural mechanisms underlying auditory cognition and the associated networks understanding human disorders such as autism, schizophrenia, mood disorders and others, where perceptual inference is increasingly hypothesised as a core deficit.

The research will involve cutting-edge laminar neurophysiology and laminar fMRI studies of prefrontal, auditory, and hippocampal circuits in awake, behaving nonhuman primates.

You will hold a PhD in neurobiology, neuroscience, or a related field, with a strong publication record. Experience in behavioural, electrophysiological methods and/or functional MRI in awake nonhuman primates is highly desirable. We are looking for a strong team player with a proven ability to drive independent research while also contributing effectively to collaborative projects.

This is a full-time, fixed-term position starting immediately for a duration of 9 months.

To apply, please complete an online application and upload a plain text copy of your CV and covering letter only. In your covering letter, you should evidence how you meet or exceed the essential and desirable requirements for the role. Please note, any other ‘Additional Document’ you upload may not be received by the reviewing panel.

Find out more about our Laboratory of Cognitive and Translational Neuroscience, please click here

Find out more about the Faculty of Medical Sciences, please click here

Find out more about our Research Institutes, please click here

As part of our commitment to career development for research colleagues, the University has developed 3 levels of research role profiles . These profiles set out firstly the generic competences and responsibilities expected of role holders at each level and secondly the general qualifications and experiences needed for entry at a particular level.

Please note that if you are successful to this role, you will require a DBS before you can commence in the role.

Key Accountabilities
• Although working under the general guidance of an academic or Principal Investigator, the postholder will contribute ideas, including enhancements to the technical or methodological aspects of their studies, thus providing substantial 'added value'
• Develop and carry out the specified project using appropriate techniques and equipment as outlined in the personal requirements
• Determine appropriate methodologies for research, with advice and support where required
• Contribute to grant applications submitted by others and in time develop own research objectives and proposals for funding
• Begin to write, with appropriate support, proposals for individual research funding or, where funders do not permit this, contribute to the writing of collective bids
• Assess research findings for the need/scope for further investigations
• Contribute to the writing up of their research for publication and dissemination, either through seminar and conference presentations or through publications
• Present research findings, either at conferences or through publications in reputable outlets appropriate to the discipline
• May be involved in the supervision, with guidance, of final year undergraduate research projects and in providing support to postgraduate research students or Research Assistants
• Will need to work with the support staff and, on occasions, with undergraduate and postgraduate students, and interact intellectually with other academic members of the Institute.
• May contribute to events celebrating the public engagement of science/social sciences/humanities
• Develop an awareness of University structures, policies and procedures and relevant issues in the higher education, research, social and political environment

The Person

Knowledge, Skills and Experience

• Well-developed organisational and communication skills to meet deadlines with a positive and proactive approach to duties and attention to detail
• Ability to work well as part of a team and rapidly acquire new skills
• Detailed subject knowledge (PI to describe subject knowledge required) in the area of research
• Likelihood of advanced skills directly related to the research projects
• High level of analytical and problem-solving capability
• Ability to communicate complex information with clarity and to encourage the commitment of others
• Ability to work in a fast-paced and demanding research environment
• Experience of research with clear transferable skills and some experience or awareness of the research environment
• Presentations at conferences and/or high-quality publications

• Nonhuman primate research and behavioral training experience, or relevant animal research experience
• An understanding of the regulatory requirements to work with nonhuman primates
• Experience of working with animals in research settings.
• Experience in a range of neuroscience techniques, including neurophysiology, fMRI, computer programming or histological processing is desirable.
• Experience with signal processing, programming (Matlab/Python) and advanced analysis and statistical testing.

Attributes and Behaviour

• Professional and collegial individual that works independently and as part of a team
• Ability to progress on weekly and longer term objectives with support from the supervisors
• Ability to communicate clearly both in written and spoken form

Qualifications

• Good honours degree (or equivalent) with some subject knowledge in the relevant area (Research Assistant)
• A PhD in the research area required (Research Associate)
• Completing PhD student can be considered and appointed at Research Assistant grade until the PhD degree has been obtained for Research Associate promotion and appointment

Newcastle University is a global University where everyone is treated with dignity and respect. As a University of Sanctuary, we aim to provide a welcoming place of safety for all, offering opportunities to people fleeing violence and persecution.

We are committed to being a fully inclusive university which actively recruits, supports and retains colleagues from all sectors of society. We value diversity as well as celebrate, support and thrive on the contributions of all of our employees and the communities they represent. We are proud to be an equal opportunities employer and encourage applications from individuals who can complement our existing teams, we believe that success is built on having teams whose backgrounds and experiences reflect the diversity of our university and student population.

At Newcastle University we hold a silverAthena Swan award in recognition of our good employment practices for the advancement of gender equality. We also hold a Race Equality Charter Bronze award in recognition of our work towards tackling race inequality in higher education REC. We are a Disability Confident employer and will offer an interview to disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the role as part of the offer and interview scheme.

In addition, we are a member of the Euraxess initiative supporting researchers in Europe.