Research Associate in Effects of Early Trauma on Neurocognitive Development and Mental Health

The National Institute of Health and Care Research (NIHR) funds Biomedical Research Centres (BRCs) as experimental medicine centres of excellence via competitive application every five years. Manchester Biomedical Research Centre (BRC) has recently been renewed over five years to provide experimental medicine infrastructure funding across Greater Manchester, Lancashire and South Cumbria.

Contracted by the NIHR, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust (MFT) host the BRC in partnership with the University of Manchester and also with The Christie NHS Foundation Trust, Northern Care Alliance NHS Foundation Trust, Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust, Blackpool Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. Manchester BRC drives forward experimental medicine across a range of research themes which are grouped into four clusters: Inflammation, Cancer, High Burden Under Researched Conditions and Disease Complexity as areas where the region has demonstrable strength and which will work collaboratively to improve patient outcomes and embed, build and accelerate personalised health and care for all. 

This is a post-doctoral position for the Neuroscience sub-theme within the Mental Health theme of the BRC. The postholder would be affiliated to our key NHS Trusts (Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust (MFT)).

As a research group, we are interested in how early childhood trauma impacts neurodevelopment. We are seeking to employ an excellent postdoc to work on a longitudinal study in adolescents who experienced early trauma. This will involve brain imaging with structural and functional MR as well as cognitive testing. The postholder will also collect samples for immunophenotyping and develop novel digital tools for cognitive screening.

We expect applicants to possess a degree in psychology, cognitive neuroscience, or another related field, or have equivalent experience. You should have previous experience in conducting clinical and/or research assessments with children or adolescents.  Previous experience of designing MRI protocols, collecting and analysing functional MRI data is also essential. Ideally you should also have experience designing and using cognitive tasks as part of detailed assessments. You should have excellent written and spoken communication skills to facilitate work with children and a wide range of caregivers and professionals.

The School/Department is strongly committed to promoting equality and diversity, including the Athena SWAN charter for gender equality in higher education. The School/Department holds a Silver Award which recognises their good practice in relation to gender; including flexible working arrangements, family-friendly policies, and support to allow staff achieve a good work-life balance. We particularly welcome applications from women for this post. All appointment will be made on merit. For further information, please visit:

https://www.bmh.manchester.ac.uk/about/equality/

Our University is positive about flexible working – you can find out more here

Blended working arrangements may be considered

Please note that we are unable to respond to enquiries, accept CVs or applications from Recruitment Agencies.

Enquiries about the vacancy, shortlisting and interviews:

Name: Prof. Rebecca Elliott

Email: Rebecca.elliott@manchester.ac.uk

This vacancy will close for applications at midnight on the closing date.

Further particulars including job description and person specification are available on the University of Manchester website - click on the 'Apply' button above to find out more

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