Research Associate in Cognitive Neuroscience

The University of Manchester; Manchester; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 38,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Manchester is hiring a Research Associate in Cognitive Neuroscience for an exciting project combining cutting-edge methods like virtual reality and MRI. Candidates should have a PhD and expertise in programming and neuroimaging techniques, supporting research with potential for impact in cognitive studies. This is a postdoctoral role for 3 years, funded by the Royal Society, with a supportive work environment.

Benefits

Market-leading pension scheme

Excellent health and wellbeing services

Generous annual leave entitlement

Paid closure over Christmas

Discounts at major retailers

Qualifications

• PhD in a relevant field is essential.
• Strong academic record and relevant experience are required.
• Expertise in programming languages used in cognitive neuroscience is a must.

Responsibilities

• Conduct research combining virtual reality and neuroimaging.
• Utilize pharmacology and eye-tracking for project aims.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams on advanced cognitive neuroscience studies.

Skills

Advanced neuroimaging methods

Presentation skills

Communication skills

Empirical skills

Analytical skills

Programming (MATLAB, Python, R, C#)

Education

PhD in Cognitive/Computational Neuroscience, Experimental Psychology, or a closely-related discipline

Job description

We are seeking to employ a Research Associate in Cognitive Neuroscience. This postdoctoral position is part of an exciting Royal Society-funded University Research Fellowship awarded to Dr Darya Frank, in collaboration with Prof Daniela Montaldi, Dr Paul Warren, Dr Rajiv Mohanraj (Northern Care Alliance NHS), and Prof Nelson Trujillo-Barreto (Manchester Metropolitan University).

The project combines virtual reality, computational modelling, and task-based functional MRI, including pharmacology and eye-tracking, to translate a well-established biological phenomenon - behavioral tagging - from rodents to humans. Please see the job description for further details on the project.

The candidate must have a PhD in Cognitive/Computational Neuroscience, Experimental Psychology, Human-Computer Interaction, or a closely-related discipline. Candidates should have a strong academic record, relevant experience, empirical and analytical skills, as well as strong presentation and communication skills. Previous experience with advanced neuroimaging methods is highly desirable. Expertise in at least one programming language used in cognitive neuroscience (e.g., MATLAB, Python, R, C#) is essential. This post is funded for a period of 3 years initially, with potential extension subject to funding renewal.

Interviews for this role will take place on the w/c 08 September 2025.

What you will get in return:

• Market-leading pension scheme
• Excellent health and wellbeing services including an Employee Assistance Programme
• Generous annual leave entitlement plus bank holidays
• Additional paid closure over Christmas
• Discounts at major retailers

As an equal opportunities employer, we support an inclusive working environment and welcome applicants regardless of age, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender expression, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, or transgender status. All appointments are made on merit.

Our university is positive about flexible working arrangements, including hybrid working.

Please note that we are unable to respond to enquiries, accept CVs or applications from recruitment agencies. Any CVs submitted by agencies will be considered a gift.

Enquiries about the vacancy, shortlisting, and interviews:

Name: Dr Darya Frank

Email: [e-mail]

General enquiries:

Email: [e-mail]

Technical support:

https://jobseekersupport.jobtrain.co.uk/support/home

This vacancy will close at midnight on the closing date. Please see the link below for the Further Particulars document containing the person specification criteria.

Note: Due to the volume of applications, individual feedback cannot be provided.