Post-doctoral Research Associate (EEG Analysis) in the Department of Forensic & Neurodevelopmental Sciences

AIMS-2-TRIALS is the largest autism study in the world, led by the Forensic and Neurodevelopmental Sciences (FANS) department at KCL. We conduct deep phenotyping and drug challenge studies of infants, children and adults to better understand the aetiology, emergence and maintenance of autism and co-occurring conditions, with the aim of discovering and validating novel biomarkers.  

We are seeking a highly motivated candidate to lead on EEG biomarker discovery and validation. As part of an international multidisciplinary team, you’ll be amongst world-leading public and industry scientists, working together on translational research at the cutting edge of precision medicine. You’ll gain experience on biomarker discovery and validation, advanced EEG analysis techniques and with the regulatory environment around biomarker approval. You’ll work with the largest deeply-phenotyped autism dataset in the world.  

Drawing on data from longitudinal observational studies of infants, children and adults, clinical trials and drug challenge studies, the successful candidate will perform existing and develop new analysis techniques, and write up findings for publication in peer reviewed journals. There will be opportunities to collaborate with colleagues working in animal EEG, as well as with domain experts in other modalities such as s/fMRI, DTi, eye tracking, clinical characterisation and genetics.  

This post will be offered on a full-time, fixed term contract for 3 years.

• Discover and validate EEG biomarkers  
• Analyse data from large EEG task batteries of putative novel biomarkers 
• Publish empirical papers in peer-reviewed journals 
• Work as part of a multidisciplinary, international consortium of researchers  
• Ensure analytic progress is delivered on time 
• Support students and junior researchers on EEG analysis 
• Develop, maintain and support EEG processing pipelines 

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.  

Essential criteria  

1. PhD in a research-based field of relevance to EEG and/or autism.
2. Knowledge of EEG data processing and analysis.
3. Proven ability to write efficient Matlab code.
4. Understanding of brain-behaviour relationships in the context of EEG research.
5. Excellent organisational and time management skills, with the ability to plan and prioritise own workload to meet project targets. 

Desirable criteria

1. Experience with large datasets.
2. Understanding of biomarker and drug discovery.
3. Familiarity with Fieldtrip and EEGLab software.
4. Understanding of EEG acquisition and quality control.
5. Understanding of developmental conditions (e.g. ASD, ADHD) 

Please note that this is a PhD level role but candidates who have submitted their thesis and are awaiting award of their PhDs will be considered. In these circumstances the appointment will be made at Grade 5, spine point 30 with the title of Research Assistant. Upon confirmation of the award of the PhD, the job title will become Research Associate and the salary will increase to Grade 6.

This post is subject to Disclosure and Barring Service and Occupational Health clearances.

Type / Role:

Subject Area(s):

Location(s):