Research Associate (Fixed Term)

A post-doctoral Research Associate position in Neuroimaging and Computational Neuroscience is available to work with Prof Zoe Kourtzi at the Adaptive Brain Lab, Univ of Cambridge, UK (http://www.abg.psychol.cam.ac.uk ).

The position will focus on neuroimaging and neurocomputational studies of learning and brain plasticity. Our studies combine ultra-high field brain imaging (7T fMRI, MR Spectroscopy), electrophysiology (EEG), interventional (TMS, tDCS) and neurocomputational (machine learning, reinforcement learning) approaches to understand the network dynamics that support learning and brain plasticity.

The research activity is at the core of a Wellcome Trust funded Collaborative award that brings together a cross-disciplinary team of international experts to investigate the role of brain network dynamics for adaptive behaviour. Our research programme bridges work across scales (local circuits, global networks) and species (humans, mice) to uncover the neurocomputations that support learning and brain plasticity. Our work capitalises on cutting-edge methodological developments in our team: a) ultra high-field MR Spectroscopy and functional brain imaging (Emir lab, U North Carolina; Kourtzi lab, Cambridge), b) optogenetics, electrophysiology neuropharmacology (Paulsen, Dalley, Poort labs, Cambridge; Rusakov lab: UCL), c) computational and AI-inspired modelling (Ahmadian lab, Cambridge). This international collaborative network provides unique opportunities for cross-disciplinary training in innovative methodologies at the interface of neuroscience and computational science.

Research in the Adaptive Brain lab aims to understand how humans of all ages (healthy and patients with neurocognitive disorders) translate sensory experience into complex decisions and adaptive behaviours by taking into account previous experience and learning. We develop cross-disciplinary approaches to study the young and ageing brain and understand adaptive behaviours in health and neurocognitive disorders.

You will receive multi-disciplinary research training at the interface between neuroscience and computational sciences. You will be integrated in a diverse collaborative team and will have the opportunity to participate in workshops and retreats across the network as well as exchange visits across labs to facilitate cross-disciplinary training and collaborative working.

Applicants should have a PhD (or submitted at time of appointment) together with a strong academic track record, in a relevant area (e.g., Neuroscience, Medicine, Genetics, Mathematics, Engineering, Computer Science, Medicine). Programming skills are highly desirable and experience with brain imaging, EEG, computational modeling preferable. Above all, they will demonstrate enthusiasm to contribute new knowledge, openness to learn new approaches and willingness to contribute to a multidisciplinary team across sectors (academia, industry).

Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available for 18 months in the first instance.

Click the 'Apply' button below to register an account with our recruitment system (if you have not already) and apply online.

Please ensure that you upload your Curriculum Vitae (CV) and a covering letter in the Upload section of the online application. If you upload any additional documents which have not been requested, we will not be able to consider these as part of your application.

For informal inquiries, please contact Zoe Kourtzi at zk240@cam.ac.uk

Closing Date: Sunday 22nd June 2025 at 12 Midnight

Interview date: TBC

Please quote reference PJ46180 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.

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