About us

The Department of Imaging Neuroscience comprises two Centre’s of excellence: Wellcome Centre for Human Neuroimaging (WCHN) and the Max Planck Centre for Computational Psychiatry and Aging Research.

WCHN is an interdisciplinary Centre for neuroimaging excellence. We bring together clinicians and scientists who study higher cognitive function using advanced neuroimaging techniques. Our goal is to understand how thought and perception arise from brain activity, and how such processes break down in neurological and psychiatric disease. The Centre studies all aspects of higher cognitive function and develops cutting edge data acquisition and analysis methods.

About the role

You will work on the ESRC-funded research project "A cognitive-computational model of avoidance learning" (CogLearn), which is formally held by Professor Martina Callaghan and scientifically supervised by Professor Dominik Bach. We have developed a virtual-reality task in which people move to avoid aversive events, which can be predicted from sensory stimuli. You will coordinate and conduct behavioural experiments in this set up and assist with data curation, data pre-processing and data analysis.

The role is available from 01 July 2023 and funded by ESRC to 30 June 2025 in the first instance.

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 ([email protected]).

Informal enquiries regarding the role can be addressed to Professor Martina Callaghan ([email protected]).

We expect to hold interviews in mid-May.

A full job description and person specification for this role can be accessed below.

About you

You will have a degree in psychology, neuroscience or related field and experience in conducting experimental research in neuroscience / psychology. Experience conducting psychophysiology experiments and with immersive virtual reality experiments are also required. Familiarity with data analysis software, modern code development techniques and with human and non-human literature on aversive learning is desirable.

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.

What we offer

Starting salary on UCL Grade 6b in the range £35,702 – £37,548 per annum including London Allowance.

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.

We will consider applications to work on a part-time, flexible, and job share basis wherever possible.

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-stafffor 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.