Research Associate

Salary: Full time starting salary is normally in the range £31,396 to £33,966 with potential progression once in post to £38,205

Hours: Part Time (30 working hours weekly)

Contract Type: Fixed Term contract up to July 2025

Background

We welcome applications from a highly motivated, curious and driven individual to join our team as a Research Associate. Join us to work in a friendly and exciting research environment.

The role is to provide research assistance to Dr Barbara Pomiechowska (Birminhgam Babylab) and Dr Anna Kowalczyk (Quantum Neuroscience Group) on a range of interdisciplinary projects involving the use of cutting-edge neuroimaging (OPM MEG) and eye tracking methods with human infants and adults. The role is for 0.8 FTE initially but has the potential to transition to full-time at a later stage.

The successful candidate will work on topics spanning developmental cognitive psychology, human neuroscience, and computational modelling. The primary focus of this role will involve collecting and analysing data from neuroimaging (OPM MEG, EEG) and eye-tracking experiments with infants and adults. The Research Associate is also expected to help with experimental design, ethical approval, handling minor administrative tasks and contributing to the writing of manuscripts for publication.

This role offers excellent training opportunities for a early career researcher who is considering a doctorate degree. They will be embedded in a vibrant research community bridging two word-class research centres, Centre for Human Brain Health (CHBH) and Centre for Developmental Science (CDS), and have access to a variety of training resources. For highly motivated individuals, there will be opportunities for data analysis and leading their own research projects. 

Main Duties

• Conducting experiments involving behavioural (eye tracking) and neuroimaging measures (e.g. OPM MEG, EEG) with infants and adults (with training)
• Recruiting and contacting participants
• Analysing behavioural and brain imaging data (with training)
• Writing and contributing to manuscripts for research publications, and presenting data 
• Working collaboratively with other members of the group 
• Helping to look after and ordering relevant equipment when required
• Helping the advisors heads with administrative processes
• Develop or adapt techniques, models and methods
• Provide guidance as required to support staff and any students who may be assisting with 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

• Have or be close to the completion of a BSc or MSc in cognitive neuroscience, neuroimaging, experimental psychology or a closely related discipline 
• Ability to work independently 
• Resourcefulness and organisational skills to act on own initiative 
• Strong presentation skills including the ability to present research proposals and results 
• Good inter-personal skills with an ability to work collaboratively, and help others with ongoing projects 
• Willingness to work with infants (with training) 

Informal enquires can be made to Dr Barbara Pomiechowska, email: b.pomiechowska@bham.ac.uk and Dr Anna Kowalczyk, email: a.kowalczyk@bham.ac.uk

To download the full job description and details of this position and submit an electronic application online please click on the 'Apply' button above

Valuing excellence, sustaining investment
We value diversity and inclusion at the University of Birmingham and welcome applications from all sections of the community and are open to discussions around all forms of flexible working

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