Research Associate: Cognitive Neuroscience

University of Birmingham seeks a Research Assistant to collect behavioural and neuroimaging data on motivation, apathy and decision making.

We are seeking a motivated Research Assistant to join the Motivation and Social Neuroscience lab (https://www.msn-lab.com) 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 (Professor 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.

For a full list of responsibilities of the role please click the ‘Apply’ button above.

Person spec

• Have or be close to the completion of an undergraduate degree in psychology, cognitive neuroscience, or a closely related discipline
• Practical experience running behavioural experiments
• Ability to analyse information and communicate effectively
• Strong quantitative and programming skills, and knowledge of one or more relevant programming languages (e.g. Matlab; Python; R)
• Ability to work independently
• Resourcefulness and organisational skills to act on own initiative
• Strong presentation skills including the ability to present research proposals and results, and represent the lab at meetings
• Good inter-personal skills with an ability to work collaboratively, and help others with ongoing projects
• Understanding of and ability to contribute to broader management/administration processes
• Knowledge of the protected characteristics of the Equality Act 2010, and how to actively ensure in day to day activity in own area that those with protected characteristics are treated equally and fairly

Informal enquiries can be made to Prof. Matthew Apps (m.a.j.apps@bham.ac.uk)

To download the full job description and details of this position and submit an electronic application online (with a maximum 2-page cover letter and a copy of your CV), please click on the Apply Online button:

Valuing excellence, sustaining investment

We value diversity and inclusion at the University of Birmingham and welcome applications from all sections of the community and are open to discussions around all forms of flexible working