Senior Research Associate in Machine Learning: Unlocking the Secrets of Inner Speech at Lancaster University

Lancaster University's esteemed Department of Psychology is presenting a unique and exciting opportunity for a Senior Research Associate specializing in Machine Learning (ML). This 0.8 FTE (4 days per week) position offers a chance to pioneer novel computational methods for objectively detecting 'inner speech' – the internal monologue we all experience – directly from EEG signals. This role, while indefinite in nature, is currently funded for a specific period from February 2026 to September 2026, making it an ideal opportunity for focused, impactful research.

This project delves into one of the most profound challenges in cognitive neuroscience: deciphering the subtle brain activity associated with spontaneous inner speech. Traditional methods have faced limitations due to the fleeting and often intertwined nature of these neural signals. This position invites candidates to explore cutting-edge ML paradigms, such as weakly-supervised/unsupervised learning, transfer learning, and contrastive learning, to overcome these hurdles.

Advantages for Potential Candidates:

This role is rich with advantages for ambitious ML researchers looking to expand their horizons and make a tangible contribution to scientific understanding:

• Intellectual Freedom and Ownership: You will have significant autonomy to explore and develop truly novel ML approaches. The project encourages you to take ownership of your methods and drive innovation.
• Cross-Disciplinary Expertise: This is a rare chance to gain deep insights into neuroscience methodologies while applying your advanced ML skills. This dual expertise is highly valuable in today's interdisciplinary research landscape.
• Rapid Impact and Publication Potential: The project's focused timeline allows for swift development and validation of your work. You'll have the opportunity to see your methods applied and potentially lead first-author publications in an emerging and exciting field at the intersection of AI and consciousness science.
• Portfolio Diversification: For ML researchers, this experience offers a fantastic way to diversify your portfolio, whether you're aiming for further academic pursuits or transitioning into other sectors.
• Flexibility: The 0.8 FTE arrangement provides a healthy work-life balance, allowing for personal commitments or the pursuit of other intellectual interests.
• Strong Mentorship: You'll be collaborating with leading experts, Dr. Bo Yao at Lancaster University and Professor Xin Yao at Lingnan University, Hong Kong, ensuring robust guidance and support.
• Access to Resources: Work with high-density EEG data and leverage Lancaster's state-of-the-art high-performance computing facilities.

Key Considerations for Your Career Path:

When considering this opportunity, here are some key aspects to reflect upon for your professional development:

• Short-Term, High-Impact Focus: The current funding duration of 7 months means this role is ideal for candidates seeking a concentrated period of intense research and rapid output. It's a chance to achieve significant milestones in a compressed timeframe.
• Tackling Unsolved Problems: This position is for the intellectually curious and resilient. You'll be working on a problem where standard ML approaches have proven insufficient, requiring innovative thinking and a willingness to experiment.
• Developing Specialized ML Skills: If you're keen on deepening your expertise in ML for time-series data, weakly-supervised learning, or signal processing, this project offers an unparalleled learning curve.
• Interdisciplinary Communication: A core aspect of this role involves bridging the gap between ML and neuroscience. Strong communication skills, with the ability to articulate complex technical concepts to non-experts, will be crucial for your success and future collaborations.
• UK Work Authorization: Prospective candidates must possess the legal right to work in the UK for the entire duration of the project.

The Department of Psychology at Lancaster University is a supportive and inclusive environment, holding an Athena Swan Silver Award, and committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion. This role offers a chance to contribute to groundbreaking research in a vibrant academic setting.