Research Fellow in Computational Psychiatry
About us
The Max Planck UCL Centre for Computational Psychiatry and Ageing Research (MPC) is dedicated to studying the causes of psychiatric disorders as well as the causes of individual differences in cognitive development.
The overarching goal of the MPC is to understand the cognitive and neural underpinnings of neuropsychiatric disorders. Computational models of differences and changes in brain-behaviour relations are the Centre’s major theoretical tool. The Centre’s findings will provide information on how cognitive functioning can be maintained into old age and on how psychiatric disorders can be better recognised and treated more efficiently.
About the role
We are looking for two Research Fellows to join the RELMED project aiming to understand which computational (reinforcement learning) mechanisms are engaged by different antidepressant treatments.
You will develop and analyse the reinforcement learning assessments. This will comprise both behavioural assessments and imaging (electroencephalography, EEG) measures combined with advanced, state-of-the art computational modelling. You will work closely with the Chief Investigator, Professor Quentin Huys, who will provide line management and supervision, and with Co-Investigators including Professor Ray Dolan and other collaborators.
Offers of employment will be subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.
The roles are available immediately and funded by Wellcome for two years in the first instance with the possibility of extension, subject to successful funding renewal.
To apply, please complete the online application form and upload a recent CV and a supporting statement outlining your interest in joining the MPC and clearly addressing how you meet the selection criteria for the role as detailed in the person specification.
The advert will close on 21 February 2024 at 23:59 GMT, however we may close applications early if we receive a high volume of applications. Early application submission is recommended. As a minimum we will keep the advert open for 2 weeks.
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).
Informal enquiries regarding the role can be addressed to Professor Quentin Huys (q.huys@ucl.ac.uk).
A full job description and person specification for this role can be accessed below.
About you
You’ll have a PhD in computational neuroscience, psychology, cognitive neuroscience, or a related area, coupled with experience of conducting neuroscience research and a good publication record of high-quality research results. Experience of conducting EEG data collection and analysis, of programming, and good communication, interpersonal, and problem-solving skills are also required for this role.
These roles meet 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.
What we offer
The roles are offered on UCL Grade 7 with salary in the range of £42,099–£50,585 per annum including London Allowance.
Appointment as Research Fellow is dependent upon having been awarded a PhD; if this is not the case, initial appointment will be as Research Assistant (salary £37,332 – £39,980 per annum) with appointment as Research Fellow being backdated to the date of final submission of the PhD thesis.
As well as the exciting opportunities this role presents, we also offer great benefits, some of which are below:
- 41 Days holiday (27 days annual leave 8 bank holiday and 6 closure days)
- Additional 5 days’ annual leave purchase scheme
- Defined benefit career average revalued earnings pension scheme (CARE)
- Cycle to work scheme and season ticket loan
- Immigration loan
- Relocation scheme for certain posts
- On-site nursery
- On-site gym
- Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption pay
- Employee assistance programme: Staff Support Service
- Discounted medical insurance
Visit https://www.ucl.ac.uk/work-at-ucl/reward-and-benefits to find out more.
This appointment is subject to UCL Terms and Conditions of Service for Research and Professional Services Staff. Please visit https://www.ucl.ac.uk/human-resources/conditions-service-research-teaching-and-professional-services-staff for more information.
Our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
The Institute prides itself on operating in an all-inclusive environment irrespective of personal, physical, or social characteristics. Teamwork is highly valued, individual strengths are recognised and celebrated, and we are committed to advancing the careers of everyone. 12% of Institute staff are actively working on Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) initiatives; visit our EDI website for more information about our initiatives and priorities. The Institute also holds an Athena SWAN Silver award, in recognition of our commitment and demonstrable impact in advancing gender equality.
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+ and gender diverse people in all roles, and women in Grade 9 and 10 roles.