Job Description

Research Associate

Job Purpose

To make a leading contribution to an ERC-funded project \xe2\x80\x9cDynamic network reconstruction of human perceptual and reward learning via multimodal data fusion\xe2\x80\x9d, working with Prof. Marios Philiastides.

The job has a strong computational cognitive neuroimaging component, requiring advances in 1) theoretical neuroscience - to enable the development of a unified computational framework for integrating perceptual and reward learning and decision making - and 2) multimodal brain imaging - to offer a high spatiotemporal characterisation of the relevant cortical and subcortical pathways. The post holder will have the opportunity to be involved in cutting-edge bespoke neuroimaging technology [7TfMRI-EEG fusion] and advanced data analytics to uncover and predict patterns in large multimodal datasets [e.g. behaviour, simultaneous EEG-fMRI and eye-tracking data]. The successful candidate will also be expected to work closely with other postdoctoral fellows to contribute to the formulation and submission of research publications and research proposals as well as help the PI manage the project as opportunities allow.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

1. Take a leading role in the planning and conduct of assigned research individually or jointly with the PI in accordance with the project deliverables and the ERC project\'s research strategy.

2. Survey the research literature, understand the research challenges associated with the project and subject area, and develop/implement a suitable research strategy.

3. Undertake collection and analyses of EEG-fMRI and eye-tracking datasets using existing and to be developed advanced multivariate analyses inspired by machine learning and statistical pattern recognition.

4. Undertake development and deployment of computational models on existing and to be collected multimodal data to enable new mechanistic insights underlying human decision making and learning.

5. Document research output including analysis and interpretation of all data, maintaining records and databases, drafting technical/progress reports and papers as appropriate.

6. Present the work at international and national conferences, at internal and external seminars, colloquia and workshops to develop and enhance our research profile.

7. Take a leading role in the identification of potential funding sources and to assist in the development of proposals to secure funding from internal and external bodies to support future research.

8. Take a leading role in developing and maintaining collaborations with colleagues across the research group/School/College/University and wider community [e.g. Academic and Industrial Partners].

9. Take a leading role in team/group meetings/seminars/workshops and School research group activities to enhance the wider knowledge, outputs and culture of the School/College.

10. Contribute to the enhancement of the University\'s international profile in line with the University\'s Strategic Plan, Inspiring People Changing The World.

For Appointment at Grade 7

11. Perform the above duties with a higher degree of independence, leadership and responsibility, particularly in relation to planning, funding, collaborating and publishing research, and mentoring colleagues.

12. Establish and sustain a track record of publications of international quality in high profile/quality refereed journals, enhancing the research impact in terms of economic/societal benefit, and gathering indicators of esteem.

13. Contribute to the organisation, supervision, mentoring and training of postgraduate students and less experienced members of the project team to ensure their effective development.

These key tasks are not intended to be exhaustive but simply highlight a number of major tasks which the staff member may reasonably be expected to perform.

Knowledge / Qualifications

Essential:

A1 SCQF Level 10 (Honours degree) in a relevant subject or a cognate discipline, or equivalent.

A2 Recently submitted or near completion PhD in subject specialism or equivalent

A3 Demonstrable interest and experience in computational neuroscience

A4 Experience in human neuroimaging

A5 Theoretical knowledge in areas related to the field of research

Desirable:

B1 Demonstrable interest in open science practices

For Appointment at Grade 7

Essential:

A6 Normally Scottish Credit and Qualification Framework level 12 [PhD] or alternatively possess the equivalent in professional qualifications and experience, with experience of personal development in a similar or related role[s]

A7 An extensive and up-to-date theoretical knowledge in the field of research and related areas

Skills

Essential:

C1 Advanced programming skills in Matlab and/or Python, R

C2 Experience with collection and analysis of EEG and/or fMRI data

C3 Experience with Drift Diffusion and Reinforcement Learning models

C4 Experience with MAP fitting, MCMC sampling and Variational Bayes Analysis

C5 Experience with model simulations, parameter recovery and model falsification procedures

For Appointment at Grade 7

C6 Working knowledge of neurally-informed computational modelling

C7 Experience with multivariate analysis of brain imaging data

Desirable:

D1 Experience with STAN (MatlabSTAN and/or RSTAN)

D2 Experience with simultaneous EEG-fMRI

D3 Experience with eye-tracking

D4 Working knowledge of Fieldtrip and/or EEGlab toolboxes

D5 Working knowledge of FSL and/or SPM packages

Experience

Essential:

E1 Experience in undertaking independent research appropriate to an early career researcher

E2 Proven ability to deliver quality outputs in a timely and efficient manner

For Appointment at Grade 7

E3 A track record of presentation and publication of research results in quality journals/conferences

Desirable:

F1 Experience in scientific/grant writing

Informal Enquiries

For further information, please contact Prof. Marios Philiastides (Marios.Philiastides@glasgow.ac.uk).

Terms and Conditions

Salary: Grade 6/7, \xc2\xa332,332 - \xc2\xa336,024 /\xc2\xa339,347 - \xc2\xa344,263 per annum

.

This post is full time and has funding up to 31 May 2026.

As part of Team UofG you will be a member of a world changing, inclusive community, which values ambition, excellence, integrity and curiosity.

As a valued member of our team, you can expect:

1 A warm welcoming and engaging organisational culture, where your talents are developed and nurtured, and success is celebrated and shared.

2 An excellent employment package with generous terms and conditions including 41 days of leave for full time staff, pension - pensions handbook https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/payandpensions/pensions/, benefits and discount packages.

3 A flexible approach to working.

4 A commitment to support your health and wellbeing https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/staff/healthwellbeing/.

We believe that we can only reach our full potential through the talents of all. Equality, diversity and inclusion are at the heart of our values. Applications are particularly welcome from across our communities and in particular people from the Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) community, and other protected characteristics who are under-represented within the University. Read more on how the University promotes and embeds all aspects of equality and diversity within our community https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/humanresources/equalitydiversity/

We endorse the principles of Athena Swan https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/humanresources/equalitydiversity/athenaswan/ and hold bronze, silver and gold awards across the University.

We are investing in our organisation, and we will invest in you too. Please visit our website https://www.gla.ac.uk/explore/jobs/ for more information.
Vacancy Ref : 122008 Close Date : 31-Aug-2023 23:45

University of Glasgow