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Postdoctoral Scientist - MRC Cognition and Brain Sciences Unit - MD/384
Overall purpose:
To conduct cognitive neuroscientific research on speech processing in the context of an ongoing research programme led by Dr Matt Davis at the Cognition and Brain Sciences Unit (CBU). The primary objective of this position is to devise, implement, analyse and disseminate behavioural and functional brain imaging studies of speech perception and comprehension using functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) and Magnetoencephalography (MEG). A particular focus of the experimental work is on advanced neuroimaging methods – time-frequency, coherence and connectivity analysis of MEG/EEG data, analysis of simultaneous fMRI/EEG data, high-field fMRI, multivariate pattern analysis and decoding methods. Use of digital signal processing for speech manipulation and integration of experimental findings with computational simulations using deep/recurrent neural networks or predictive coding models is encouraged. Topics of interest include speech perception, spoken word recognition and word learning, integration of lexical and semantic information with speech content. The research conducted may also include behavioural and imaging experiments with special populations, including participants with neurological or other clinical disorders as well as use of neurostimulation techniques such as Transcranial Electrical Stimulation.
The post holder will also be expected to contribute to wider aspects of the unit’s scientific programme. For instance, collaborating on projects in conjunction with other research groups at the CBU, or in the University of Cambridge. The post-holder will also give and attend seminars in the unit and elsewhere with a view to disseminating the methods, results and theoretical importance of ongoing scientific studies.
Main duties / key responsibilities (in order of importance):
- Develop and continue a programme of behavioural and neuroimaging research (MEG/EEG/fMRI) on speech perception and comprehension using facilities at the CBU including the Elekta-Neuromag Vectorview MEG facility and Siemens Prisma MRI scanner, and elsewhere (e.g. 7T Siemen Terra system at the Wolfson Brain Imaging Centre).
- Help to direct and support a broader programme of experimental and computational research on speech and language working with PhD students, RAs and other collaborators.
- Collaborate with Dr Matt Davis (CBU) and other members of the speech and language group in formulating future scientific studies on speech perception and comprehension.
- Dissemination of results of the above activities, including primary responsibility for publication in peer-reviewed journals, presentation at internal and external scientific meetings.
- Contribute to engagement with the public on the results of basic science and in the translation of research findings into improvements in health care.
Education / Qualifications / Training required:
Essential:
PhD in Cognitive Neuroscience of speech and language or a closely-related area (awarded or submitted).
Experience with advanced neuroimaging methods and/or computational simulations
Desirable:
Published research (first/co-authored papers) in peer-reviewed journals
Previous work experience required:
Essential:
Working in scientific teams
Supervision in a scientific or non-scientific context
Desirable:
Cognitive neuroscience research Supervision in a scientific context
Knowledge and experience:
Essential:
Cognitive neuroscience research including brain imaging (MEG/EEG/fMRI)
Behavioural research on spoken language and/or auditory perception
Statistical and computational skills to support 1, 2 (experiment generation, statistical analysis, etc)
Desirable:
Experience of advanced signal processing and analysis methods, including time/frequency or multivariate pattern analysis
Experience of speech manipulation, digital signal processing, computational modelling
Computer programming (Matlab/C/Python or similar)
Personal skills/behaviours/qualities:
Essential:
Ability to communicate effectively with colleagues and research volunteers
Writing skills and experience of manuscript preparation (first/co-authorship)
Presentation skills for oral/poster presentation at scientific meetings
Desirable:
Proven time-management skills for coordinating large-scale projects
Choosing to come to work at the MRC (part of UKRI) means that you will have access to a whole host of benefits from a defined benefit pension scheme and excellent holiday entitlement to access to employee shopping/travel discounts and salary sacrifice cycle to work scheme, as well as the chance to put the MRC and UKRI on your CV in the future.
Our success is dependent upon our ability to embrace diversity and draw on the skills, understanding and experience of all our people. We welcome applications from all sections of the community irrespective of gender, race, ethnic or national origin, religion or belief, sexual orientation, disability or age. As "Disability Confident" employers, we guarantee to interview all applicants with disabilities who meet the minimum criteria for the vacancy.
UKRI supports research in areas that include animal health, agriculture and food security, and bioscience for health which includes research on animals, genetic modification and stem cell research. Whilst you may not have direct involvement in this type of research, you should consider whether this conflicts with your personal values or beliefs.
We will conduct a full and comprehensive pre-employment check as an essential part of the recruitment process on all individuals that are offered a position with UKRI. This will include a security check and an extreme organisations affiliation check. The role holder will be required to have the appropriate level of security screening/vetting required for the role. UKRI reserves the right to run or re-run security clearance as required during the course of employment.
This opportunity is closed to applications.