Research Associate in Neuroimaging (fixed-term) (ED

About the role

The Department of Psychology is seeking a skilled and highly motivated post-doctoral research associate to lead on a range of innovative projects related to a 5-year £3.5 million Wellcome grant.

The research, led by Prof Esther Walton, will determine the extent to which cognitive impairment, one of the most disabling symptoms associated with psychotic disorders, is underpinned by neurodevelopmental changes which often resemble premature aging. 

The goal is to unravel advanced brain age on a cellular level, embed this within a neurodevelopmental model of psychotic disorders, and apply this knowledge to identify more effective (proteomic) treatment targets against cognitive impairment early in the disease process.

The Bath-based Research Associate will lead on the first Work Package of the project, exploring brain age acceleration in psychotic disorders and their risk factors using large-scale case-control neuroimaging datasets (e.g. HBCD, developing Human Connectome Project, HCP). 

The Research Associate will join a collaborative team across 5 institutions (Cardiff University, University of Oxford, University College London, University of Cambridge, University of Jena), including individuals with lived experience and 5 other Research Associates. 

The post holder will be encouraged and supported in pursuing career development opportunities.

We welcome applications from candidates who have:

A PhD in Cognitive or Clinical Neuroscience, data science / machine learning or related disciplineExtensive experience in neuroimaging data analysis ( e.g., structural morphometry using FreeSurfer and voxel-based methods, diffusion tensor imaging, resting state fMRI) Experience and interest in conducting research in psychosis and cognition. Experience with Python, Matlab, or R programming, advanced statistical skills and a commitment to research integrity & reproducibility (e.g., preregistration on OSF) Expertise in working with infant brain imaging dataExcellent team working, communication, and time management skills. 

Additional information

The position is available on a full-time (36.5 hours per week), fixed-term basis, expected to last three years, with the possibility to extend by a further two years.

We are open to a hybrid or remote working pattern from the second year onwards, after a successful one-year onboarding period in person.

Informal enquiries about this role should be directed to Prof Esther Walton (ew685@bath.ac.uk) and Dr Emily Taylor (et347@bath.ac.uk).

As a member of Research Staff at the University of Bath, you will be encouraged to take up a minimum of 10 days professional development pro rata per year.

What we can offer you:

We consider ourselves to be a university where difference is celebrated, respected and encouraged. We have an excellent international reputation with staff from over 60 different nations and have made a positive commitment towards gender equality and intersectionality receiving a Silver Athena SWAN award. We truly believe that diversity of experience, perspectives, and backgrounds will lead to a better environment for our employees and students, so we encourage applications from all genders, backgrounds, and communities, particularly from under-represented groups, and value the positive impact that will have on the university. We are committed to maintaining a safe and secure environment for our students, staff, and community by reinforcing our Safer Recruitment commitment.

We are very proud to be an autism friendly university and are an accredited Disability Confident Leader; committed to building disability confidence and supporting disabled staff.

Free counselling services through Health AssuredCycle to work schemeElectric vehicle salary sacrifice schemeStaff discount at Team Bath gymStaff discounts on postgraduate tuition feesStaff discount on language coursesGenerous employer contributory pension schemesGenerous annual leave allowance with an additional 5 discretionary days so that you can enjoy a positive work life balanceA wide range of personal and professional development opportunities including Apprenticeships, LinkedIn Learning and moreFree entry to the Holburne Museum in BathLocal discounts and moreA family-friendly workplace An excellent reward package that recognises the talents of our diverse workforceRelocation allowanceVisa reimbursement and Interest-Free Loan to help with the cost of some immigration expenses

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Closing Date: 06 Apr 2025

Department: Education & Research

Salary: £38,249 to £45,413