Research Assistant/Associate in Auditory Cognition
Requisition ID: 27850
Location: Newcastle, GB
Contract Type: Fixed Term
Working Pattern: Full Time
Posted Date: 10 Jan 2025
Salary: Research Assistant: £32,296 to £33,882 per annum; Research Associate: £34,866 per annum
Closing Date: 24 January 2025
The Role
The work is funded by an MRC programme grant in which the group will examine brain mechanisms for auditory cognition. The programme includes behavioural work and EEG studies in Newcastle, fMRI at 3T and 7T at UCL, and human direct neurophysiological recordings carried out at the Human Brain Research Laboratory at Iowa University. The programme will address mechanisms for fundamental auditory pattern analysis in the cortex, which are a critical determinant of speech-in-noise perception: the most common complaint of subjects with hearing loss. The MRC-funded work is carried out in normal-hearing subjects but informs other work carried out by the group on hearing impaired subjects supported by NIH (USA). The group within the three centres collaborates closely based on several weekly meetings and there are opportunities for collaboration with the other sites.
You will develop new paradigms to assess auditory pattern analysis and run EEG experiments in the Newcastle lab to assess the brain basis. The work will inform the design of work in the other centres based on fMRI and neurophysiological recordings.
This full-time post is fixed term to 31 October 2025.
Please note that if you are successful in this role, you will require DBS & medical clearance before you can commence in the role.
Key Accountabilities
1. Familiarity with Matlab is essential for auditory signal processing, experimental execution and analysis of behavioural and brain data.
2. Although working under the general guidance of an academic or Principal Investigator, the postholder will contribute ideas, including enhancements to the technical or methodological aspects of their studies, thus providing substantial 'added value'.
3. Develop and carry out the specified project using appropriate techniques and equipment as outlined in the personal requirements.
4. Determine appropriate methodologies for research, with advice and support where required.
5. Contribute to grant applications submitted by others and in time develop own research objectives and proposals for funding.
6. Begin to write, with appropriate support, proposals for individual research funding or, where funders do not permit this, contribute to the writing of collective bids.
7. Assess research findings for the need/scope for further investigations.
8. Contribute to the writing up of their research for publication and dissemination, either through seminar and conference presentations or through publications.
9. Present research findings, either at conferences or through publications in reputable outlets appropriate to the discipline.
10. May be involved in the supervision, with guidance, of final year undergraduate research projects and in providing support to postgraduate research students or Research Assistants.
11. Will need to work with the support staff and, on occasions, with undergraduate and postgraduate students, and interact intellectually with other academic members of the Institute.
12. May contribute to events celebrating the public engagement of science/social sciences/humanities.
13. Develop an awareness of University structures, policies and procedures and relevant issues in the higher education, research, social and political environment.
The Person
Knowledge, Skills and Experience
1. Experience of research in sensory neuroscience with clear transferable skills.
2. Advanced EEG use and analysis including the use of temporal response functions is essential.
3. Awareness of GDPR requirements.
4. Ability to work well as part of a team and rapidly acquire new skills.
5. Detailed subject knowledge of auditory neuroscience.
6. Likelihood of advanced skills directly related to the research projects.
7. High level of analytical and problem-solving capability.
8. Ability to communicate complex information with clarity and to encourage the commitment of others.
9. Experience of research with clear transferable skills and some experience or awareness of the research environment.
10. Presentations at conferences and/or high-quality publications.
Attributes and Behaviour
1. Awareness of the ethical issues involved in research work.
2. Engaging and motivating attitude to research subjects including patients.
3. In a position to bring individual skills and insights to the research.
Qualifications
1. A PhD in psychology, physiology, biomedical sciences or a related discipline is required (for Research Associate Level).
2. Good honours degree (or equivalent) with some subject knowledge in the relevant area (for Research Assistant).
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