Research Assistant

College of MVLS  

School of Psychology and Neuroscience

 Please note this position is available for current UoG employees only.

GRADE 6

Job Purpose

To make a contribution to an ERC-funded project Dynamic network reconstruction of human perceptual and reward learning via multimodal data fusion, working with Prof. Marios Philiastides.

The work aims to develop a unified framework for integrating perceptual and reward learning and understand the extent to which they share common computational and neurobiological principles. The job involves advances in 1) theoretical neuroscience – to enable the development of a unified computational framework for integrating perceptual and reward learning – and 2) multimodal brain imaging – to offer a high spatiotemporal characterisation of the relevant cortical and subcortical pathways. The post holder will have the opportunity to be involved in cutting-edge bespoke neuroimaging technology [fMRI-EEG fusion] and advanced data analytics to uncover and predict patterns in large multimodal datasets [e.g. behaviour, simultaneous EEG-fMRI and eye-tracking data]. The successful candidate will also be expected to work closely with other postdoctoral fellows to contribute to the formulation and submission of research publications and research proposals as well as help the PI manage the project as opportunities allow.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

Perform the following activities in conjunction with and under the guidance of the Principal/Co Investigator:

1. Plan and conduct of assigned research individually or jointly with the PI in accordance with the project deliverables and the ERC project's research strategy.

2. Survey the research literature, understand the research challenges associated with the project and subject area, and develop/implement a suitable research strategy.

3. Undertake collection and analyses of EEG-fMRI and eye-tracking datasets using existing and to be developed advanced multivariate analyses inspired by machine learning and statistical pattern recognition.

4. Undertake development and deployment of computational models on existing and to be collected multimodal data to enable new mechanistic insights underlying human decision making and learning.

5. Document research output including analysis and interpretation of all data, maintaining records and databases, drafting technical/progress reports and papers as appropriate.

6. Develop and enhance your research profile and reputation and that of The University of Glasgow/School/Research Group, including contributing to publications of international quality in high profile/quality refereed journals, enhancing the research impact in terms of economic/societal benefit, and gathering indicators of esteem.

7. Contribute to the presentation of work at international and national conferences, at internal and external seminars, colloquia and workshops to develop and enhance our research profile.

8. Contribute to the identification of potential funding sources and to assist in the development of proposals to secure funding from internal and external bodies to support future research.

9. Collaborate with colleagues and participate in team/ group/ meetings/ seminars/ workshops across the research Group/School/College/University and wider community.

10. Contribute to the organisation, supervision, mentoring and training of undergraduate and/or postgraduate students and less experienced members of the project team to ensure their effective development.

11. Perform administrative tasks related to the activities of the research group and School, including Budgets/Expenditure.

12. Carry out modest Teaching activities [e.g. demonstrating etc.] and associated admin as assigned by the Head of School and in consultation with Principal Investigator.

13. Keep up to date with current knowledge and recent advances in the field/discipline.

14. Engage in continuing professional development activities as appropriate.

15. Undertake any other reasonable duties as required by the Head of School/Director of Research Institute.

16. Contribute to the enhancement of the University’s international profile in line with the University’s Strategic Plan, Inspiring People Changing The World.

These key tasks are not intended to be exhaustive but simply highlight a number of major tasks which the staff member may reasonably be expected to perform.

Qualifications/Knowledge 

Essential:

A1. SCQF Level 10 (Honours degree) in a relevant subject or a cognate discipline, or equivalent.

A2. Theoretical knowledge in areas related to the field of research

A3. A comprehensive and up-to-date theoretical knowledge in the field of research and related areas

Desirable:

B1. Recently submitted or near completion PhD in subject specialism or equivalent

B2. Demonstrable interest in open science practices

Skills 

Essential:

C1. Programming skills in Matlab and/or Python, R

C2. Experience with eye-tracking and analysis of EEG or fMRI data

C3. Experience with multivariate analysis of brain imaging data

C4. Experience with Drift Diffusion and Reinforcement Learning models

C5. Experience with model simulations, parameter recovery and model falsification procedures

Desirable:

D1. Experience with simultaneous EEG-fMRI

D2. Working knowledge of Fieldtrip and/or EEGlab toolboxes

D3. Working knowledge of FSL and/or SPM packages

Experience

Essential:

E1. Sufficient relevant research experience (or equivalent) appropriate to an early career researcher

E2. Experience in scientific writing

Desirable:

F1. A track record of presentation and publication of research results in quality journals/conferences

Terms and Conditions

Salary will be Grade 6, £33,482 - £37,174 per annum.

This post is full time and fixed term for up to 25 months.

The University of Glasgow has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.  If you require a Skilled Worker visa to work in the UK, you will be required to meet the eligibility requirements of the visa route to be assigned a Certificate of Sponsorship.

Please note that this post may be eligible to be sponsored under the Skilled Worker visa route if tradeable points can be used under the Skilled Worker visa rules. For more information please visit: https://www.gov.uk/skilled-worker-visa.

As a valued member of our team, you can expect:

1 A warm welcoming and engaging organisational culture, where your talents are developed and nurtured, and success is celebrated and shared.

2 An excellent employment package with generous terms and conditions including 41 days of leave for full time staff, pension - pensions handbook https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/payandpensions/pensions/, benefits and discount packages.

3 A flexible approach to working.

4 A commitment to support your health and wellbeing, including a free 6-month UofG Sport membership for all new staff joining the University  https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/staff/healthwellbeing/.

We believe that we can only reach our full potential through the talents of all. Equality, diversity and inclusion are at the heart of our values. Applications are particularly welcome from across our communities and in particular people from the Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) community, and other protected characteristics who are under-represented within the University. Read more on how the University promotes and embeds all aspects of equality and diversity within our community https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/humanresources/equalitydiversity/.

We endorse the principles of Athena Swan https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/humanresources/equalitydiversity/athenaswan/ and hold bronze, silver and gold awards across the University.

We are investing in our organisation, and we will invest in you too. Please visit our website https://www.gla.ac.uk/explore/jobs/ for more information.

Closing Date: 15 May 2025at 23:45