Research Associate - School of Psychology - 102965 - Grade 6

Job Description

People are at the heart of what we are and do. We want to attract outstanding, inspirational, and talented people, support them to succeed, and celebrate their success. Working at the University of Birmingham gives you access to the best financial and physical resources, a beautiful campus and an intellectually stimulating and diverse community. Our sector leading development programmes have made this a place where staff can thrive and recognition by Athena SWAN, Stonewall, and Two Ticks demonstrates our commitment to supporting talented people from all backgrounds.

School of Psychology

Location:

University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham UK

As this vacancy has limited funding the maximum salary that can be offered is Grade 6, salary £35,608.

Grade: 6

Full Time, Fixed Term contract up to August 2027

Closing date: 18 th August 2026

People are at the heart of what we are and do. We want to attract outstanding, inspirational, and talented people, support them to succeed, and celebrate their success. Working at the University of Birmingham gives you access to the best financial and physical resources, a beautiful campus and an intellectually stimulating and diverse community. Our sector leading development programmes have made this a place where staff can thrive and recognition by Athena SWAN, Stonewall, and Two Ticks demonstrates our commitment to supporting talented people from all backgrounds.

We are seeking a motivated Research Assistant to join the Motivation and Social Neuroscience lab () led by Prof. Matthew Apps. The lab studies the cognitive, computational and neurobiological basis of motivation and decision‑making in healthy young adults, across the lifespan and in neurological and psychiatric disorders. This post is funded by a £1.7m ERC Consolidator award and a £5m Wellcome Trust Discovery Award between (Prof.

Masud Husain (University of Oxford), Prof. Cath Harmer (University of Oxford), Dr. Simon Little (UCSF) and Prof. Matthew Apps).

An initial 1-year position (with possibility of extension) is available from 1st September 2026, or as soon as possible thereafter.

The main focus of this role will be on the collection of behavioural, and neuroimaging data (fMRI/MEG) experiments in healthy people to examine the brain mechanisms of motivation and apathy. In addition, the post holder may lead on projects collecting data in large-scale online samples. There may also be opportunities to assist on projects in older adults, children, and patients populations (e.g. Parkinsons Disease) Moreover, the candidate will get to work alongside collaborators in Oxford, San Francisco, and Berlin.

The successful candidate will be resourceful and organised, with the ability to act on their own initiative, good quantitative skills including programming (e.g. Matlab, R or Python) for the handling of data. Experience of neuroimaging (e.g. fMRI or MEG) and computational modelling is desirable, but not essential. We encourage candidates from diverse range of backgrounds who have an interest in research in decision neuroscience or motivation to apply.

• Collect research data; this may be through a variety of research methods, such as scientific experimentation (e.g. Behavioural testing, MRI or MEG), literature reviews, and research interviews
• Analysing behavioural and brain imaging data
• Writing and contributing to manuscripts for research publications, and presenting data
• Work collaboratively with other members of the group
• Present research outputs, including drafting academic publications or parts thereof, for example at seminars and as posters
• Develop or adapt techniques, models and methods
• Provide guidance as required to support staff and any students who may be assisting with research
• Deal with problems that may affect the achievement of research objectives and deadlines
• Carry out administrative tasks related directly to the delivery of the research
• Promotes equality and values diversity acting as a role model and fostering an inclusive working culture

• Have a BSc in cognitive neuroscience, neuroimaging, experimental psychology or a closely…