Research Fellow (Postdoctoral) – School of Psychology – 103038 – Grade 7

Job Description

Job title: Research Fellow (Postdoctoral) – School of Psychology – 103038 – Grade 7

Company: University of Birmingham

Job description: Job Description:

Position Details

School of Psychology

Location: University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham UK

Full time starting salary is normally in the range £34,980 to £44,263 with potential progression once in post to £46,974

Grade: 7

Full Time, Fixed Term contract up to March 2025

Closing date: 24th January 2024

Background

The Centre for Human Brain Health (CHBH) at the University of Birmingham is at the forefront of groundbreaking research in human electrophysiology. We are actively seeking a highly motivated and talented postdoctoral research fellow to join Dr KyungMin An’s group. The Dr KyungMin An’s group specializes in neuroimaging research on the human brain, particularly in the realms of child development and developmental disorders, utilizing child-friendly neuroimaging tools. Our Centre is equipped with advanced neuroimaging technology, including the state-of-the-art MEGIN MEG system, OPM facilities, and a Siemens 3T MR system. We take pride in fostering a collaborative, inclusive, and dynamic environment, where dedicated researchers work together to address fundamental questions in cognitive neuroscience.

Role Summary

This postdoctoral research fellow position is part of an exciting project funded by the BBSRC Pioneer Awards: Brain Mechanisms Underlying Emotional Processing in Infants. Through the integration of electrophysiological techniques and advanced brain imaging tools, our aim is to unravel the age-old debate of nature versus nurture in human emotions, a discourse that has persisted for over 150 years. This research endeavours to unveil early emotional development using cutting-edge Optically Pumped Magnetometers (OPMs), specifically an infant-friendly brain imaging. We aim to optimise OPM-based magnetoencephalography (OPM-MEG) for infant brain imaging. We aim to use this system to investigate brain oscillations and connectivity during emotional voice and face processing in infants.

The successful candidate will play a crucial role in developing a comprehensive whole-head OPM system integrated with eye-tracking technology for infant brain recordings. Additionally, the candidate will design paradigms suitable for infants. Responsibilities include preparing results and developments for high-quality academic publications, presenting findings at national and international conferences, engaging in public activities, supervising students, and contributing leadership to the School of Psychology.

Main Duties

The responsibilities may include some but not all of the responsibilities outlined below.

• Develop research objectives and proposals for own or joint research, with assistance of a mentor.
• Contribute to writing bids for research funding.
• Analyse and interpret data using Python or MATLAB.
• Apply knowledge in a way which develops new intellectual understanding.
• Disseminate research findings for publication, research seminars etc.
• Supervise students on research related work and provide guidance to PhD students.
• Contribute to developing new models, techniques and methods with a focus on whole-head OPM systems.
• Undertake management/administration arising from research.
• Contribute to Departmental/School research-related activities and research-related administration.
• Contribute to public engagement activities of manifest benefit to the College and the University, often under supervision of a project leader.
• Contribute to open science approaches by sharing data and develop documentation to increase transparency.
• Present research outputs, including drafting academic publications or parts thereof, for example at seminars and as posters.
• Provide guidance, as required, to support staff and any students who may be assisting with the research.
• Deal with problems that may affect the achievement of research objectives and deadlines.
• Promotes equality and values diversity acting as a role model and fostering an inclusive working culture.

Person Specification

• The successful candidate must have a PhD (or close to completion) including topics of neuroimaging, human electrophysiology, cognitive neuroscience, electrical engineering, biomedical engineering, experimental physics or an associated area.
• Working with children and infant is desirable.
• Cognitive neuroscience skills are important.
• High level analytical capability.
• Experience with Python or MATLAB.
• Ability to communicate complex information clearly.
• Fluency in relevant techniques or methods and ability to contribute to developing new ones.
• Ability to assess resource requirements and use resources effectively.
• Understanding of and ability to contribute to broader management/administration processes.
• Contribute to the planning and organising of the research programme and/or specific research project.
• Co-ordinate own work with others to avoid conflict or duplication of effort.
• Knowledge of the protected characteristics of the Equality Act 2010, and how to actively ensure in day-to-day activity in own area that those with protected characteristics are treated equally and fairly.

OH/DBS required

Pre-employment

The University is committed to safeguarding and we promote safe recruitment practice, therefore all associated pre-employment checks will be undertaken before any appointment is confirmed. Due to the nature of the work undertaken in this role all successful applicants will be subject to a satisfactory Occupational Health and DBS clearance prior to appointment.

Informal enquires to Kyungmin An, email: k.m.an@bham.ac.uk

We believe there is no such thing as a ‘typical’ member of University of Birmingham staff and that diversity in its many forms is a strength that underpins the exchange of ideas, innovation and debate at the heart of University life. We are committed to proactively addressing the barriers experienced by some groups in our community and are proud to hold Athena SWAN, Race Equality Charter and Disability Confident accreditations. We have an Equality Diversity and Inclusion Centre that focuses on continuously improving the University as a fair and inclusive place to work where everyone has the opportunity to succeed. You can find out more about our work to create a fairer university for everyone .

Expected salary: £34980 – 44263 per year

Location: United Kingdom

Job date: Wed, 27 Dec 2023 23:52:33 GMT

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