Research Associate in Neuroscience

University of Cambridge

United Kingdom

Applications are invited for a postdoctoral cognitive neuroscience research associate position to work in the Memory Laboratory at the Department of Psychology, University of Cambridge (http://www.memlab.psychol.cam.ac.uk) investigating the subjective experience of remembering.

What does it feel like to have a memory? We know surprisingly little about how we can vividly relive past events, which functions of the brain are involved, and how these processes vary across individuals, societies and cultures. In this new project, scientists and humanities scholars will collaborate across disciplines to drive a step-change both in understanding memory vividness and the associated brain mechanisms across the life-course, and in enhancing the interpretation of vividness in literary and historical works dating back to the early modern era.

The project will recruit two postdoctoral research associates, one (this role) based in the Department of Psychology under the supervision of Jon Simons and Charles Fernyhough (Durham University) and another (ref GG43684) based in the Faculty of English under the supervision of Raphael Lyne and Alexandra Walsham (Faculty of History). The cognitive neuroscience research associate will conduct behavioural and functional neuroimaging experiments in younger and older adults investigating the cognitive and brain mechanisms of vividness. The humanities research associate will analyse memory narratives pertaining to vividness in iconic literary moments and historical episodes from the early modern era. While focusing primarily on their own disciplines, both role-holders will work collaboratively together, and with the wider interdisciplinary team, to discuss and co-design the research, developing a common understanding that bridges the conceptual and terminological frameworks of each discipline.

Applicants for the role based in the Department of Psychology should have a Ph.D. in psychology, cognitive neuroscience, or related disciplines, and a strong interest in human long-term memory processes, demonstrated by first-authored peer-reviewed publications. Previous experience conducting and analysing data from behavioural studies and functional neuroimaging (fMRI) experiments, as well as computer programming skills (Matlab or Python) are necessary. Applicants should have excellent organisational skills, be highly motivated, enjoy working in a vibrant collaborative and interdisciplinary research environment, and be able to communicate effectively, with outstanding writing ability. Previous experience administering cognitive tasks to younger and older adult volunteers and supervisory experience with postgraduate students and/or research assistants is desirable.

The post is full-time and available from 1 February 2025, for 2 years in the first instance.

Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available for 2 years in the first instance.

Click the 'Apply' button below to register an account with our recruitment system (if you have not already) and apply online.

Please ensure that in the upload section of the online application you provide:

A cover letter detailing, on a point by point basis, how you meet the essential (and, if applicable, the desirable) selection criteria for this post

A document containing your Curriculum Vitae (CV), research publications list, and a brief narrative (100 words maximum per output) on up to three outputs you consider most significant.

For informal inquiries, please contact Jon Simons at jss30@cam.ac.uk

Closing Date: Monday 25th November 2024 at 12 Midnight

Planned interview dates around the 17th December 2024

Please quote reference PJ43736 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.

The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.

The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.