The overarching goal of the Max Planck UCL Centre for Computational Psychiatry and Ageing Research is to use computational approaches to understand the causes of individual differences in behavioural development, with an emphasis on psychiatric disorders and cognitive aging. The Centre is a collaboration between the Max Planck Society and University College London, and has two sites, one in London and the other in Berlin. The Max Planck UCL Centre for Computational Psychiatry is affiliated with the Wellcome Centre for Human Neuroimaging. The lab provides access to an excellent research and training environment and has longstanding ties with the Gatsby Computational Neuroscience Unit.
We are seeking suitably qualified postdoctoral Research Associates interested in combining computational modelling with smartphone-based data collection in samples of tens of thousands of people. Projects will focus on decision making and behavioural change, and where appropriate development of a neuroimaging component (fMRI/MEG) or testing in clinical settings will be encouraged. Potential supervisors include Ray Dolan, Tobias Hauser, Quentin Huys, and Robb Rutledge.
Applicants must have, or be close to obtaining, a PhD in neuroscience, psychology, or a quantitative field, eg, Computer Science, Engineering, Physics (the degree must have been obtained by the agreed start date in post). Those with a background in computational neuroscience may be especially suited for this position. Expertise using computational approaches in the study of reinforcement learning and decision making or expertise with machine learning techniques, and proficiency in data analysis, are essential. Experience in fMRI and/or MEG, an interest in statistical methods and in contributing to research in psychiatry, and a good publication record of high quality research results are desirable. Appointment at Grade 7 is dependent upon having been awarded a PhD; if this is not the case, initial appointment will be at Research Assistant Grade 6B (salary £30,316 - £31,967 per annum) with payment at Grade 7 being backdated to the date of final submission of the PhD thesis, including corrections.
The posts are available immediately and are funded for three years in the first instance, initially funded from the Mary Kinross Charitable Trust. Starting salary on the UCL Grade 7 scale in the range £35,328 – £39,353 per annum, inclusive of London Allowance, superannuable.
You should apply for this post through UCL's online recruitment – www.ucl.ac.uk/hr/jobs where you can download a job description and person specification using ref: 1747552. If you have any queries regarding the application process, please contact Miss E Bertram, HR Manager, UCL Institute of Neurology, (email: IoN.HRAdmin@ucl.ac.uk).
It would be helpful if applicants could provide a telephone number that they can be contacted on during office hours. Applicants may contact Professor Ray Dolan directly (email: r.dolan@ucl.ac.uk) for further information.
Closing date: 4 October 2018
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We will consider applications to work on a part-time, flexible and job share basis wherever possible.
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Professor Ray Dolan: r.dolan@ucl.ac.uk
