Research fellow - School of Psychology - 105747 - Grade 7

University of Birmingham; Birmingham; On-site; GBP 36,000 - 46,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Birmingham is seeking a post-doctoral researcher in the School of Psychology to study opioid usage post-surgery. The role involves collaboration with experts in various fields and requires a strong background in psychology and data analysis.

Qualifications

• Strong background in psychology and cognitive science required.
• Experience in multi-modal data integration is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Develop novel computer-based models and techniques.
• Analyse and interpret data for research.
• Disseminate research findings through publications.

Skills

Cognitive Science

Data Analysis

Communication

Education

PhD in Psychology

PhD in Neuroscience

Job description

Position Details

School of Psychology

Location: University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham UK

Full time starting salary is normally in the range £36,130 to £45,413 with potential progression once in post to £48,149

Grade: 7

Full Time, Fixed Term contract up to March 2027

Closing date: 21st May 2025

Background

This post will be funded by a multi-million pound award from Wellcome Leap programme awarded to the University of Birmingham to study Untangling Addiction. Our project, entitled “Predicting persistent opioid usage after surgery: Integrating multi-omics, neurobiology, and AI-interviews".

Our research programme aims to address persistent opioid usage by identifying molecular, neurobiological and cognitive signatures characterizing patients at risk of prolonged opioid use post-surgery.

Role Summary

This post-doctoral research will be conducted in collaboration with a multidisciplinary team of experts in the fields of neuroscience, immunology, pain, anaesthesia, and machine learning.

Supervision will be provided by Prof. Ali Mazaheri, as well as Prof. Fang Gao Smith, and Prof. Helen McGettrick.

The successful candidate will have a strong background in psychology, cognitive science and multi-modal data integration. Experience, in particular in combining different modalities (longitudinal data, multi-omics, EEGs, NLP, etc.), is a clear advantage.

In your online application please include detail on how you match the person specification.

Main Duties

The responsibilities may include some but not all of the responsibilities outlined below.

• Developing novel computer-based models, techniques and methods
• Develop research objectives and proposals for own or joint research, with assistance of a mentor if required
• Contribute to writing bids for research funding
• Analyse and interpret data
• Apply knowledge in a way which develops new intellectual understanding
• Disseminate research findings for publication, research seminars etc
• Supervise students on research related work and provide guidance to PhD students where appropriate to the discipline
• Contribute to developing new models, techniques and methods
• Undertake management/administration arising from research
• Contribute to Departmental/School research-related activities and research-related administration
• Contribute to enterprise, business development and/or public engagement activities of manifest benefit to the College and the University, often under supervision of a project leader
• Collect research data; this may be through a variety of research methods, such as scientific experimentation, literature reviews, and research interviews
• Present research outputs, including drafting academic publications or parts thereof, for example at seminars and as posters
• Provide guidance, as required, to support staff and any students who may be assisting with the research
• Deal with problems that may affect the achievement of research objectives and deadlines
• Promotes equality and values diversity acting as a role model and fostering an inclusive working culture.

Person Specification

• A PhD (ornearto completion) in the areas of psychology, vascular physiology and neuroscience. Candidates with a PhD from the healthcare area with excellent and proven computational skills are encouraged to apply
• Demonstrable knowledge of cognitive assessments, psychology, statistics
• Experience with data collection from elderly populations
• High level analytical capability
• Ability to disseminate research findings through publication and/or presentations
• Ability to communicate effectively with colleagues from different academic disciplines and deliver information clearly
• Self-directed, flexible approach to work
• Contribute to the planning and organising of the research programme and/or specific research project
• Knowledge of the protected characteristics of the Equality Act 2010, and how to actively ensure in day-to-day activity in own area that those with protected characteristics are treated equally and fairly

Informal enquiries to Ali Mazaheri, email: [e-mail]

We believe there is no such thing as a 'typical' member of University of Birmingham staff and that diversity in its many forms is a strength that underpins the exchange of ideas, innovation and debate at the heart of University life. We are committed to proactively addressing the barriers experienced by some groups in our community and are proud to hold Athena SWAN, Race Equality Charter and Disability Confident accreditations. We have an Equality Diversity and Inclusion Centre that focuses on continuously improving the University as a fair and inclusive place to work where everyone has the opportunity to succeed. We are also committed to sustainability, which is a key part of our strategy. You can find out more about our work to create a fairer university for everyone on our website .