Research Fellow in Computational Psychiatry

About us

The Max Planck UCL Centre for Computational Psychiatry and Ageing Research (MPC) is dedicated to studying the causes of psychiatric disorders as well as the causes of individual differences in cognitive development.

The overarching goal of the MPC is to understand the cognitive and neural underpinnings of neuropsychiatric disorders. Computational models of differences and changes in brain-behaviour relations are the Centre’s major theoretical tool.

About the role

We are looking for two Research Fellows to join the RELMED project aiming to understand which computational (reinforcement learning) mechanisms are engaged by different antidepressant treatments.

You will develop and analyse the reinforcement learning assessments. This will comprise both behavioural assessments and imaging (electroencephalography, EEG) measures combined with advanced, state-of-the art computational modelling. You will work closely with the Chief Investigator, Professor Quentin Huys, who will provide line management and supervision, and with Co-Investigators including Professor Ray Dolan and other collaborators.

Offers of employment will be subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.

The roles are available immediately and funded by Wellcome for two years in the first instance with the possibility of extension, subject to successful funding renewal.

To apply, please complete the online application form and upload a recent CV and a supporting statement outlining your interest in joining the MPC and clearly addressing how you meet the selection criteria for the role as detailed in the person specification.

The advert will close on 21 February 2024 at 23:59 GMT, however we may close applications early if we receive a high volume of applications. Early application submission is recommended. As a minimum we will keep the advert open for 2 weeks.

About you

You’ll have a PhD in computational neuroscience, psychology, cognitive neuroscience, or a related area, coupled with experience of conducting neuroscience research and a good publication record of high-quality research results. Experience of conducting EEG data collection and analysis, of programming, and good communication, interpersonal, and problem-solving skills are also required for this role.

What we offer

The roles are offered on UCL Grade 7 with salary in the range of £42,099–£50,585 per annum including London Allowance.

Appointment as Research Fellow is dependent upon having been awarded a PhD; if this is not the case, initial appointment will be as Research Assistant (salary £37,332 - £39,980 per annum) with appointment as Research Fellow being backdated to the date of final submission of the PhD thesis.

As well as the exciting opportunities this role presents, we also offer some great benefits .

Our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

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. 12% of Institute staff are actively working on EDI initiatives; visit https://www.ucl.ac.uk/ion/equality-diversity-inclusion for more information about what we’re doing. 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.