Position Details
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: 18th August 2026
Background
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.
Role Summary
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 (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.
Main Duties
- 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
Person Specification
- Have a BSc in cognitive neuroscience, neuroimaging, experimental psychology or a closely related discipline
- Experience in running behavioural and fMRI experiments of decision-making tasks
- 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
Application Materials
Please include a copy of your academic CV, as well a maximum 2-page cover letter outlining your motivation for applying for this position and fit to the position’s selection criteria.
Informal enquiries to Matthew Apps, email: m.a.j.apps@bham.ac.uk
View our staff values and behaviours here
Use of AI in applications: We want to understand your genuine interest in the role and for the written elements of your application to accurately reflect your own communication style. Applications that rely too heavily on AI tools can appear generic and lack the detail we need to assess your skills and experience. Such applications will unlikely be progressed to interview.
We believe there is no such thing as a 'typical' member of University of Birmingham staff and that diversity in its many forms is a strength that underpins the exchange of ideas, innovation and debate at the heart of University life. We are committed to proactively addressing the barriers experienced by some groups in our community and are proud to hold Athena SWAN, Race Equality Charter and Disability Confident accreditations. We have an Equality Diversity and Inclusion Centre that focuses on continuously improving the University as a fair and inclusive place to work where everyone has the opportunity to succeed. We are also committed to sustainability, which is a key part of our strategy. You can find out more about our work to create a fairer university for everyone on our website.