Research Associate

COLLEGE OF MEDICAL, VETERINARY & LIFE SCIENCES

SCHOOL OF PSYCHOLOGY AND NEUROSCIENCE

GRADE 7

Job Purpose

The successful candidate is expected to make a leading contribution to the research goals developed by the research group, by further progressing the projects developed independently and in coordination with the principal investigator and group colleagues. The successful candidate will also be expected to contribute to the formulation and submission of research publications and research proposals as well as help manage and direct this complex and challenging project as opportunities allow.

Applicants should have a PhD in neuroscience, or cognitive science with a very strong analytical background. Ideally, applicants will have direct experience using a programming language (MATLAB/Python/R) as a tool for the conduct and analysis of experiments.

Information about the Project

Our group examines the offline processing of human memory. We integrate a variety of cutting-edge techniques including behavioural analysis, functional imaging, and brain stimulation. Together, these are used to provide a picture of the unique and privileged processing that occurs to memories offline following their formation (including the interaction across memory systems, and generalization).

Currently, there is an opening in our group suiting researchers willing to think carefully, creatively, and collaboratively (with the Principal Investigator) about their work in this project on human neuroscience. This position is full time and has funding until 14/09/2026, in first instance with the possibility of being extended at a later date, subject to external funder arrangements. Specific details of background, experience and skills can be found below.

The group provides a superb training environment, with many using it as a foundation to secure independent fellowships, and faculty positions. The laboratory is housed within the School of Neuroscience and Psychology which is home to several Wellcome Trust Investigators, and national academy members (Royal Society, Edinburgh).

Main Duties and Responsibilities

1. Take a leading role in the planning and conduct of the research project, in accordance with the project deliverables and group research strategy.

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

3. Establish and maintain your research profile and reputation and that of the University of Glasgow/School/Research Group, including establishing and sustaining a track record of independent and joint publications of international quality, enhancing the research impact in terms of economic/societal benefit, and gathering indicators of esteem.

4. Survey the research literature and environment, understand the research challenges associated with the project & subject area, and develop/implement a suitable research strategy to deliver project/area requirements and opportunities.

5. Presentation of work at international and national conferences, at internal and external seminars, colloquia and workshops to develop and enhance our research and/or impact profile.

6. Take a leading role in 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 and impact.

7. Take a leading role in developing and maintaining collaborations with colleagues across the research group/area/School/College/University and wider community (e.g. academic and industrial partners).

8. Take the lead in 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.

9. Keep up to date with current knowledge and recent advances in the field/discipline of cognitive science, neuroscience, and psychology.

10. Engage in personal, professional and career development, to enhance both specialist and transferable skills in accordance with desired career trajectory.

11. Contribute to the enhancement of the University’s international profile in line with University strategy.

Research creativity and cross-discipline collaborative ability as appropriate

11. Make a leading contribution to Teaching activities (e.g. demonstrating etc) and associated admin as assigned by the Head of School and in consultation with Principal Investigator.

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

13. Engage in personal, professional and career development, to enhance both specialist and

transferable skills in accordance with desired career trajectory.

14. Undertake any other reasonable duties as required by the Head of School/Director

of Research Institute.

15. 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 few major tasks, which the staff member may reasonably be expected to perform.

Qualifications & Knowledge

Essential:

A1. Normally Scottish Credit and Qualification Framework level 12 (PhD) plus track record of emerging independence within a research/professional environment, or alternatively possess professional qualifications and experience equivalent to PhD level plus the requisite experience.

A2. Comprehensive and up-to-date theoretical and practical knowledge in a research related field, as well as a comprehensive and up-to-date knowledge of the wider subject area or subject specialism.

A3. Well-developed working knowledge of research methods, technical models, equipment and techniques relevant to the project.

A4. Knowledge of specialist IT software (e.g. MATLAB, Python and/or R).

Desirable:  

B1. Excellent understanding of time series, and statistical analysis.

B2. Theoretical understanding of brain stimulation techniques.

B3. Excellent understanding of spatial brain localisation techniques and neuronavigation methods.

B4. Knowledge of neuroimaging techniques particularly MEG and fMRI.

Skills 

Essential:

C1. Excellent technical skills for the conduct and subsequent analysis of human experimental work, including extensive IT and data analysis/interpretation skills as appropriate.

C2. Excellent communication skills (oral and written), including public presentations and ability to communicate complex data/concepts clearly and concisely. Proven ability to deliver quality outputs in a timely and efficient manner.

C3. Excellent interpersonal skills including team working and a collegiate approach.

C4. Effective organisational skills to manage time, prioritise and deliver appropriate research, teaching and administrative responsibilities

C5. Self-motivation, initiative and demonstrable independence of thought and approach.

C6. Problem solving skills including a flexible and pragmatic approach.

Experience

Essential:

E1. Prior experience using at least one of the following Neuroimaging tools (MEG, fMRI), and at least one of the following brain stimulation tools (TMS, tDCS, tACS).

E2. Experience in the collection and analysis of data.

E3. Experience of scientific writing. Evidence of a developing track record of research outputs  in a relevant field that is compatible with enhancing the School’s research profile in accordance with School objectives

E4. Experience of making distinct contributions to identifying and pursuing research funding (or equivalent business development) applications.

E5. Experience of planning and progressing work activities within professional guidelines or organisational policy, applying initiative and independent judgement.

E6. Proven commitment to supporting the career development of colleagues and to other forms of collegiality appropriate to the career stage, including some experience of research project supervision.

Desirable:  

F1. Expertise in using concurrent TMS and EEG.

F2. Some postdoctoral experience, including independence illustrated by identification of project objectives from assessment of the literature, the design/analysis of experiments, and the drafting of scientific publications.

F3. Experience of participating in activities that translate research into impact to benefit the economy and wider society and experience of contributing to the design and delivery of teaching and assessment in higher education or other relevant environments.

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Informal enquiries should be directed to Professor Edwin Robertson via email Edwin.Robertson@glasgow.ac.uk

Terms and Conditions

Salary will be Grade 7, £40,497 - £45,413 per annum.

This post is full time, and has funding until 14 September 2026.

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/.

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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.

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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:  21 July 2025 at 23:45