Job description

The Sound Mind project aims to investigate a novel non-invasive method of brain modulation as a treatment for mild cognitive impairment, and eventually dementia. Sound Mind is funded by the Tianqiao and Chrissy Chen Institute and the study is led by Dr Gráinne McLoughlin.

We are seeking someone to join our team who is ambitious and intellectually eager, with a ‘can do’ approach to working with us to develop the methods in this cutting edge area of cognitive neuroscience. Candidates must have a PhD in neuroscience, engineering or a related field with extensive experience of EEG data analysis and coding in various programmes, including MATLAB and Python. Knowledge of auditory experiments is preferable but not essential.

The successful applicant will be based at the Social Genetic Developmental Psychiatry Centre at the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King’s College London, and will work closely with Dr Gráinne McLoughlin, Prof Dominic Ffytche, and our collaborators at University College Cork, led by Dr Alexander Khalil.

This post will be offered on a fixed-term contract until 31-Dec-2024 with the possibility of extension for a further two years.

This is a full-time post.

Key responsibilities

• Assist with management of project, including necessary administration 
• Coding of stimuli for cognitive tasks and auditory experiments
• Supervision of data management and storage
• Supervision of experimental data collection, including quality control
• EEG data pre-processing and analysis
• Assist with supervision of students as required
• Assist with preparation of reports for funder and manuscripts for publication
• The above list of responsibilities may not be exhaustive, and the post holder will be required to undertake such tasks and responsibilities as may reasonably be expected within the scope and grading of the post.

Skills, knowledge, and experience

 We are seeking someone to join our team who is ambitious and intellectually eager, with a ‘can do’ approach to working with us to develop the methods in this cutting edge area of cognitive neuroscience. Candidates must have a PhD in neuroscience, engineering or a related field with extensive experience of EEG data analysis and coding in various programmes, including MATLAB and Python. Experience of statistical modelling is also necessary for this role. Knowledge of auditory experiments is preferable but not essential.

Essential criteria

1. First degree (2:1 or above) in engineering, mathematics, psychology, neuroscience or a related discipline
2. A PhD in neuroscience or a related discipline or PhD near completion*
3. Knowledge and experience of EEG data, including pre-processing and analysis pipelines and evidence of use in research, including dissertations and publications
4. Knowledge of statistical modelling with experience in using statistical packages, e.g. R, and evidence of use in dissertations/publications
5. Experience with experimental and paradigm design and implementation using for example Python, Matlab or E-Prime
6. Excellent organisational skills and proven track record in delivering against important deadlines (e.g. timely submission of academic work, leading publications, dissemination activities)
7. Excellent written and verbal communication
8. Excellent interpersonal skills
9. Willing and able to learn new research skills
10. Ability to use initiative and solve complex problems
11. Ability to deal with sensitive issues and maintain confidentiality of data

Desirable criteria

1. Experience of working with clinical populations
2. Experience of working with clinical data
3. Experience of working with auditory experimental paradigms