Research Assistant / Associate

Job Purpose

To contribute to / make a leading contribution to a project Improving Neurofeedback Efficacy with Brain-Responsive Music working with Dr Aleksandra Vuckovic, Reader in Rehabilitation Engineering, University of Glasgow and Andrew Jackson, Professor in Neural Interfaces, University of Newcastle. This exiting project represents a new collaboration between two leading groups with expertise in neurotechnology and Brain-Computer Interfacing. The aim is to explore long-term behavioural and neurological effects of regulating EEG brain rhythms in humans using two synergistic techniques: neurofeedback and closed-loop auditory stimulation. The successful candidate will also benefit from being part of larger neurotechnology community through CloseNIT network +

The successful candidate will also be expected to contribute to the formulation and submission of research publications and research proposals as well as help manage and direct this complex and challenging project as opportunities allow.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

1. Plan and conduct assigned research individually or jointly in accordance with the project deliverables and project/group/School/College research strategy.

2. Document research output including analysis and interpretation of all data, maintaining records and databases, drafting technical/progress reports and papers as appropriate.
3. Develop and enhance your research profile and reputation and that of The University of Glasgow/School/Research Group, including contributing to 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.

4. Contribute to the presentation of work at international and national conferences, at internal and external seminars, colloquia and workshops to develop and enhance our research profile.
5. Contribute to 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.

6. Collaborate with colleagues and participate in team/group meetings/seminars/workshops across the research Group/School/College/University and wider community.
7. Contribute to the organisation, supervision, mentoring and training of undergraduate and/or postgraduate students and less experienced members of the project team to ensure their effective development.

8. Perform administrative tasks related to the activities of the research group and School, including Budgets/Expenditure.
9. Carry out modest Teaching activities (e.g demonstrating etc) and associated admin as assigned by the Head of School and in consultation with Principal Investigator. 10. Keep up to date with current knowledge and recent advances in the field/discipline.
11. Engage in continuing professional development activities as appropriate.

12. Undertake any other duties of equivalent standing as assigned by the Head of School/Director of Research Institute.

13. Contribute to the enhancement of the University’s international profile in line with the University’s Strategic Plan, World Changers Welcome.

For appointment at grade 7:

14. 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.
15 Establish and sustain a track record of independent and joint published research to establish and maintain your expert reputation in the subject area.

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

Knowledge, Qualifications, Skills and Experience

Knowledge and Qualifications

Essential:

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

A2 A comprehensive and up-to-date knowledge of current issues and future directions within the wider subject area or subject specialism

A3 Knowledge of EEG recording and analysis and solid programming skills.

For appointment at Grade 7:

A4 Normally Scottish Credit and Qualification Framework level 12 (PhD) or alternatively possess equivalent in professional qualifications and experience of personal development in a similar or related role(s)

Desirable:

B1 An awarded (or recently submitted or near completion) PhD in subject specialism or equivalent.

Skills

Essential:

C1 Excellent communication skills (oral and written), including public presentations and ability to communicate complex data/concepts clearly and concisely.

C2 Excellent interpersonal skills including team working and a collegiate approach.
C3 Appropriate workload/time/project/budget/people management skills.

C4 Extensive IT and data analysis/interpretation skills as appropriate.
C5 Self-motivation, initiative and independent thought/working.

C6 Problem solving skills including a flexible and pragmatic approach.

Experience

Essential:

E1 Sufficient depth of relevant research experience appropriate to an early career researcher

E2 Experience in experimental work with humans.

E3 Proven ability to deliver quality outputs in a timely and efficient manner

E4 Evidence of an emerging track record of publications in a relevant field.

For appointment at Grade 7:

E5 Sufficient depth of relevant research experience, normally including sufficient postdoctoral experience in a related field, appropriate to an early career researcher

E6 A track record of presentation and publication of research results in quality journals/conferences

E7 Experience of making a leading contribution in academic activities

E8 Ability to demonstrate a degree of independence as illustrated by identification of project objectives from assessment of the literature, design & analysis of experiments & drafting of papers.

E9 Experience in undertaking independent research

Desirable:

F1 Experience with neurofeedback or other forms of Brain Computer Interface, familiarity with Matlab/Simulink.

Closing date:  29 February 2024

Terms and Conditions

Salary will be Grade 6/7, £32,332 - £36,024 / £39,347 - £44,263 per annum, pro rata.

This post is part-time (17.5 hours per week), and is funded for up to 12 months in the first instance.

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, including a free 6-month UofG Sport membership for all new staff joining the University  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.