Marie Skłodowska-Curie Action; MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowship

Are you a motivated researcher looking to advance your career and contribute to research that shapes clinical care and rehabilitation after acquired brain injury? Join the University of Birmingham's School of Psychology, a leading hub for research Clinical and Cognitive Neuroscience and Neuroimaging.

We are inviting talented researchers holding a PhD and with no more than eight years of research experience to prepare a competitive Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions Postdoctoral Fellowship (MSCA-PF) proposal with the University of Birmingham as Host Institution.

• MRI based biomarkers for diagnosis prognosis in acquired brain injury
• Sex differences in cognitive and clinical outcomes after traumatic brain injury
• Disorders of consciousness
• Non-invasive brain stimulation approaches for rehabilitation after brain injury

The MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships support researchers' careers by providing opportunities to gain international experience, acquire new skills, and expand professional networks. As a Fellow in our group, you will:

• Join an internationally recognised research team with over 15 years of impact on clinical research
• Access specialist facilities at the Centre for Human Brain Health, including dedicated MRI / MEG / EEG / fNIRS / Transcranial Ultrasound Stimulation, TMS facilities.
• Benefit from strong links with clinical providers within the NHS and private sector
• Engage with international collaborations, including Canada and Europe

are open to researchers moving within Europe or coming to Europe from another part of the world. These fellowships take place in an EU Member State or Horizon Europe Associated Country and last between 1 and 2 years. Researchers of any nationality can apply.

fund mobility of researchers outside Europe. The fellowship lasts 2 to 3 years, with the first 1 to 2 years spent in a non-associated Third Country, followed by a mandatory 1-year return phase in an EU Member State or Horizon Europe Associated Country. Only nationals or long-term residents of EU Member States or Horizon Europe Associated Countries can apply.

Selected applicants will receive detailed support in preparing the application at all stages of the process, including advice on budgets and facilities.

• Must hold a PhD at the time of the call deadline (applicants who have successfully defended but not yet formally been awarded the degree are eligible)
• Must have no more than eight years of research experience from the date of PhD award (career breaks and time outside research do not count toward this maximum)
• Must comply with mobility rules: not have resided or carried out their main activity in the UK for more than 12 months in the 36 months immediately before the call deadline
• Must demonstrate a strong research background and interest in one or more of the topics listed above

Your main supervisor will be Professor Davinia Fernández-Espejo. She is Professor of Neuropsychology and Clinical Neuroscience at the University of Birmingham in the School of Psychology. Her research focuses on understanding how acquired brain injury leads to deficits in consciousness and high order cognitive functions and develop mechanistically informed solutions for diagnosis, prognostication, and improving outcomes. You can read more about the lab here

Professor Fernández-Espejo has secured over £24 million in competitive research funding, published over 60 articles in outlets including The Lancet Neurology, JAMA Neurology, Human Brain Mapping, Science Advances, and her work has influenced clinical guidelines. She brings extensive experience in developing competitive proposals and mentoring early-career researchers.

The University of Birmingham is a founding member of the Russell Group and ranks among the top 100 universities globally. The School of Psychology has internationally recognised expertise in cognitive neurosciences and neuroimaging, human brain health, developmental science, mental health, and forensic psychology. The Centre for Human Brain Health is a leading brain…