Research Associate (Behavioural Neuroscience)

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Research Associate (Behavioural Neuroscience)

We seek an enthusiastic and effective researcher to conduct research associated with a three-year project grant funded by the BBSRC.  The successful applicant will be in charge of the day-to-day running of the project, and in ensuring that its objectives are met.  The project involves a combination of behavioural work with the development of a novel computational model of learning and behaviour.  In addition to developing skills directly associated with the research, there are also opportunities to develop the broader potential impact of the project. 

Salary: £34,304 - £40,927 (Grade 6). It is not expected to appoint above £34,304 per annum, salary point 30. 

This is a full-time post, fixed term until 31st January 2023

Date advert posted: Thursday, 9 September 2021

Closing Date: Thursday, 30 September 2021

This post has previously been advertised to employees of Cardiff University only.  We now invite external applications.

Please be aware that Cardiff University reserves the right to close this vacancy early should sufficient applications be received.

Cardiff University is committed to supporting and promoting equality and diversity and to creating an inclusive working environment. We believe this can be achieved through attracting, developing, and retaining a diverse range of staff from many different backgrounds who have the ambition to create a University which seeks to fulfil our social, cultural and economic obligation to Cardiff, Wales, and the world.  In supporting our employees to achieve a balance between their work and their personal lives, we will also consider proposals for flexible working or job share arrangements.

“Cardiff University is a signatory to the San Francisco Declaration on Research Assessment (DORA), which means that in hiring and promotion decisions we will evaluate applicants on the quality of their research, not publication metrics or the identity of the journal in which the research is published. More information is available at: https://www.cardiff.ac.uk/research/our-research-environment/integrity-and-ethics/responsible-research-assessment”

Job Description

Main Function

To conduct research within on a project entitled ‘How knowledge affects behaviour in a model system’ funded by the BBSRC, carrying out research leading to the publishing of work in high-quality journals. To pursue excellence in research and to inspire others to do the same.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

Research

• To conduct research in the behavioural neuroscience laboratory; computational modelling and contribute to the overall research performance by the production of measurable outputs including bidding for funding, publishing in national academic journals and conferences, and as determined by your line manager. 
• To attend and or present at conferences/seminars at a local and national level as required
• To undertake administrative tasks associated with the research project, including the planning and organisation of the project and the implementation of procedures required to ensure accurate and timely reporting
• To review and synthesise existing research literature within the field
• To participate in School research activities.
• To build and create networks both internally and externally to the university, to influence decisions   explore future research requirements, and share research ideas for the benefit of research projects

• To undergo personal and professional development that is appropriate to and which will enhance performance.

• Any other duties not included above, but consistent with the role

Person Specification

Essential Criteria

Qualifications and Education

• Animal learning theory and behavioural neuroscience

Additional Information

Evidencing Criteria - It is School of Psychology’s policy to use the person specification as a key tool for short-listing. Candidates should evidence that they meet ALL of the essential criteria as well as, where relevant, the desirable. As part of the application process you will be asked to provide this evidence via a supporting statement. Please ensure when submitting this document/attaching it to your application profile you name it with the vacancy reference number.
If candidates do not provide written evidence of meeting all the essential criteria then their application will not be progressed.

Cardiff School of Psychology

We are recognised internationally for sustained excellence in research, impact and research-led teaching. We are a large School with over 50 academic staff, over 600 undergraduates and 150 postgraduate students. In the last assessment the School attained the highest rating of ‘excellent’ for its teaching from the HEFCW Teaching Quality Assessment Panel.
Many individuals in the School are leading figures in their research areas. In the last Research Excellence Framework we entered as a unit of over 80 staff with our colleagues in Psychological medicine. We were placed 2nd in our topic area across the UK. We have state of the art laboratories and experimental expertise across the range of psychology, and are currently building one of the largest and best equipped imaging centres in Europe (see: sites.cubric.cardiff.ac.uk).
Our collective aim is to understand the psychological and biological foundations of behaviour at both individual and group levels. The research undertaken in the School ranges from 'synapse to society', and includes normal behaviour in development and adulthood, the breakdown of cognition after stress, trauma and in neurological and/or genetic conditions, as well as key psychological issues of broad importance to society, such as prejudice, reproductive health and understanding risk. The School also contributes to cross-disciplinary University Research Institutes in Neuroscience and Mental Health, Sustainable Places, and Energy Systems Research.