Post doc in computational neuroimaging (FIL/UCL, Avoidance Learning, PI Dominik Bach) – closing date 16 June

We are currently recruiting for a Research Fellow to join the Wellcome Centre for Human Neuroimaging, which aims to develop clinically transformative applications of neuroimaging by providing computationally-derived biomarkers for personalised prognosis and treatment planning. 

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 <bachlab.org>. We have developed a virtual-reality task in which people move to avoid aversive events, which can be predicted from sensory stimuli. You will use behavioural data from this task to develop computational learning models and will then devise experimental procedures to disambiguate candidate models based on behavioural and 7 T neuroimaging data, in collaboration with the MRI physics team. You will conduct respective experiments and analyse the data. 

You will need a PhD (or be close to completing) in (cognitive-computational) neuroscience, or a quantitative field of psychology, (e.g. decision-making, perception) with focus on neuroimaging, or a related area. Experience in conducting neuroimaging research, computational modelling of behaviour and in programming (competent knowledge of at least one language; Matlab or R desirable) is essential. Good interpersonal skills with an aptitude to work co-operatively in a multidisciplinary setting and strong problem-solving abilities are also required for this role. 

The post is available from September 2022 and is funded by a grant from the ESRC for two years in the first instance with possibility for extension until project end (December 2025). 

Starting salary on UCL Grade 7 in the range £36,770- £44,388 per annum including London Allowance. The Institute also offers 41 days of annual leave (inclusive of bank holidays and college closure dates), a generous pension scheme, access to UCL’s community benefits including lunch-hour lectures, exhibitions, and museums, as well as an extensive range of staff benefits. 

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 £32,217 – £33,958 per annum) with payment at Grade 7 being backdated to the date of final submission of the PhD thesis. 

You should apply for this post through UCL’s online recruitment portal – www.ucl.ac.uk/hr/jobs – where you can download a job description and person specification using ref: 1884460. 

For further information regarding the application process please contact Oksana Shapoval, HR Officer, Queen Square Institute of Neurology, Queen Square, London, WC1N 3BG (email: ion.hradmin@ucl.ac.uk). 

Please contact Professor Dominik Bach for more information about the role (d.bach at ucl.ac.uk). 

Closing Date: 16 June 2022 

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Professor Dominik R Bach MBBS PhD
Max Planck UCL Centre for Computational Psychiatry and Ageing Research
Wellcome Centre for Human Neuroimaging, University College London
bachlab.org | @bachlab_cog

Please click here to apply.