About The Role

We are looking for one Research Assistant for the RELMED project, which is a Wellcome-Trust funded research project which aims to understand which computational (reinforcement learning) mechanisms are engaged by different antidepressant treatments.

RELMED is a unique opportunity to contribute to fundamental research in the field of computational psychiatry. It will combine rigorous clinical-trial and computational psychiatry methods. It will involve two large-scale clinical trials in primary care, and as such is to-date the largest-scale attempt at establishing a causal evidence-based regarding computational mechanisms of clinical treatments.

The Research Assistant will assist the postdoctoral research fellows with EEG data acquisition and preprocessing. They will work closely with the Chief Investigator, Prof. Quentin Huys, who will provide line management and supervision, and with Co-Investigators including Prof. Michael Browning (Oxford), Prof. Ray Dolan (UCL), Prof. David Kessler (Bristol), Prof. Richard Morriss (Nottingham), Dr. Neil Nixon (Nottingham), Prof. Nicola Wilson (Bristol), Prof. Stuart Watson (Newcastle) and with Collaborators.

The RELMED study is currently in the setup phase. It consists of two randomized clinical trials to be run in sequence. The first trial will start mid 2024 to 2026. This will be followed by a second trial to be run from mid 2027 to mid 2029. Each of the two RCTs will involve randomization of 516 participants to one of three treatment arms, and repeat behavioural neurocognitive and EEG testing.

About You

You will have a Bachelor’s degree or Master’s degree in cognitive neuroscience, psychology, computational neuroscience, or a related area, coupled with experience of conducting EEG experiments. Experience of EEG data processing, and good communication, interpersonal, and problem-solving skills are also essential for this role.

This role meets the eligibility requirements for a skilled worker certificate of sponsorship or a global talent visa under UK Visas and Immigration legislation. Therefore, UCL welcomes applications from international applicants who require a visa.

The Research Assistant positions are funded at Grade 6B, Spine Point 25. Initial appointments will be for two years, and subject to renewal. Any offer of employment will be subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.

If you need reasonable adjustments or a more accessible format to apply for this job online, or have any queries regarding the application process, please contact the Institute of Neurology HR Team (ion.hradmin@ucl.ac.uk).

What We Offer

As well as the exciting opportunities this role presents we also offer some great benefits some of which are below:

  • 41 Days holiday (including 27 days annual leave 8 bank holiday and 6 closure days)
  • Defined benefit career average revalued earnings pension scheme (CARE)
  • Cycle to work scheme and season ticket loan
  • On-Site nursery
  • On-site gym
  • Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption pay
  • Employee assistance programme: Staff Support Service
  • Discounted medical insurance

Our Commitment To Equality, Diversity And Inclusion

As London’s Global University, we know diversity fosters creativity and innovation, and we want our community to represent the diversity of the world’s talent. We are committed to equality of opportunity, to being fair and inclusive, and to being a place where we all belong.

We therefore particularly encourage applications from candidates who are likely to be underrepresented in UCL’s workforce.

These include people from Black, Asian and ethnic minority backgrounds; disabled people; LGBTQI+ people; and for our Grade 9 and 10 roles, women.

The Athena SWAN Charter recognises commitment to advancing women’s careers in science, technology, engineering, maths and medicine (STEMM) employment in academia and the Division is delighted to have an Athena Swan Silver Award since 2022. All staff are invited to contribute to EDI initiatives within the Division to contribute to improving working conditions and opportunities for all.  Mentoring is a crucial part of supporting career progression and mentoring schemes are available for staff in the Division.

You can read more about our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion here: https://www.ucl.ac.uk/equality-diversity-inclusion/ 

Detailed information can be found here.

RA RELMED study @UCL Division of Psychiatry