UK: Predoctoral/ postdoctoral level position in neuroscience

"A half-time position, tenable at the predoctoral or postdoctoral level, is available on a project funded by the Economic and Social Research Council and the School of Psychology from June 2013. This exciting new project, entitled “Watch and Learn: Mapping the Behavioural and Neural Profile of Observational Learning Throughout the Lifespan”, is led by Dr. Emily Cross. The project aims to use cutting-edge fMRI techniques in conjunction with extensive behavioural training paradigms to understand how parietal and premotor regions of the brain represent actions learned via physical practice compared to pure observation. Novel to this project is the application of common experimental procedures to healthy participants from different life stages, which will enable the development of more detailed models of learning throughout the lifespan. Methodologically, depending on the postholder’s interests and experience, he or she will have the opportunity to be centrally involved in applying multi-voxel pattern analysis (MVPA) of fMRI data in order to better understand the properties of neural populations in the brain regions of interest.

As this post is tenable at the predoctoral or postdoctoral level, the expectations and duties for the post will be matched to the successful applicant’s career stage and experience. Predoctoral candidates should have a 1st class degree (BSc) and/or a MSc in neuroscience, psychology, cognitive science, or other relevant field. Postdoctoral candidates should have (or be near completing) a PhD in cognitive neuroscience or a closely related area, with experience with designing, conducting and analysing fMRI experiments.

Excellent organisation skills are essential for the post holder at any career stage. Extremely desirable are good programming skills in at least one language (MATLAB preferred). For a postdoctoral candidate, first-hand experience (or at least familiarity) with MVPA or other advanced fMRI analyses is desirable. Knowledge of the scientific areas being studied, in particular observational learning, is also desirable, as are publications demonstrating the ability independently run and analyse fMRI studies. As a PhD student will also be working on this project, the post holder will be required to work closely and collaboratively with the PhD student to successfully carry out the research."

Closing date: 2013-07-01

Contact Information
Dr Emily Cross
Bangor University
School of Psychology
Adeilad Brigantia
LL59 5EJ Bangor
Wales
Phone:    
Fax:    
E-mail:     e.cross@bangor.ac.uk
Website:     http://www.soba-lab.com/researchofficerad.html