Research Fellow (005419)

We are looking to appoint a full-time Postdoctoral researcher to conduct research into the development and application of Bayesian optimisation for non-invasive brain stimulation approaches.

You will join a multidisciplinary research group, with an excellent infrastructure for first class research. The research programme is led by Dr Ines Violante (University of Surrey) in collaboration with Professor Rob Leech (King’s College London). The position is funded by the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC).

In order to support cognitive functions, the brain must coordinate the interactions among large-scale networks that cooperate and compete to allow for efficient transitions between brain states. The aim of the project is to develop a framework capable of shaping the interactions between brain networks in humans. In order to do this, we will combine non-invasive brain stimulation and neuroadaptive Bayesian optimisation, which uses a closed-loop search combining real-time functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) with machine learning. This project will investigate the use of Bayesian optimisation to define the optimal stimulation parameters to maximise the activity of specific brain networks. This framework has translational potential, as several psychiatric and neurological conditions are associated with impaired function of large-scale brain networks.

The work will involve the application of machine-learning, Bayesian optimisation, non-invasive electrical stimulation and fMRI. The applicant should have (or be in the final stages of completing) a PhD in Neuroscience, Biomedical Engineering, Computer Science or a related area. They should have good analytical and programming skills and experience of machine learning and image or signal processing methods. Experience of methods used for network-level brain functional characterisation and brain stimulation are a plus.Ideally, applicants will have a proven research track record through peer review publications and conference presentations. They will also have excellent communication, organisational and time management skills and a creative approach to problem solving, together with the ability to work constructively and effectively within the team.

Informal enquiries related to the project to Dr Ines Violante by e-mail: ines.violante@surrey.ac.uk.

The post-holder will be based in the School of Psychology at the University of Surrey, but will work closely with colleagues in King’s College London. 

The University of Surrey is amongst the highest achieving universities in the United Kingdom, having been awarded the Times/Sunday Times University of the Year Award for 2016. We are ranked in the top 10 in the Guardian University Guide 2018.

The School of Psychology has a long-standing reputation for its vibrant and supportive research and teaching environment. The School has a strong track record of innovation in Psychology, from the discovery of the McGurk effect, to the first Centre for Environmental Psychology, the shaping of cross-European approaches to food labelling, changing educational approaches to national identity, and the ongoing development of mobile neuro-assessment. The School is ranked 8th in the Guardian UK University Guide 2017 reflecting its high quality student experience. The School currently houses 500+ UG students, 100+ Masters and 150+ taught Doctorate and PhD students and more than 70 staff. Over the past two years, the School has recruited more than 20 new academic staff from world-leading universities, with plans for further expansion.

In addition to your salary you will receive a generous annual leave entitlement, pension provision and excellent development opportunities. Our benefits package also includes an on-site Nursery.

Please note, it is University Policy to offer a starting salary equivalent to L3.6 (£31,302) per annum (full time) to successful applicants which have been awarded, but are yet to receive their PhD certificate. Once the verified original PhD certificate has been submitted to the local HR Dept, the salary will be increased to Level 4.1 (£32,236) per annum (full time).

Closing Date: 03 Mar 2019
Category: Research & Teaching