Postdoctoral Research Associate

The Role

A 24-month fixed-term, full time Postdoctoral Research Associate (PDRA) position is available at the Department of Psychology at Durham University. the successful candidate will join the research project: A neurocognitive model of memory-guided visual attention. This project is led by Dr Anna Grubert and funded by the Leverhulme Trust UK.

The project aims to increase our understanding of the cognitive and neural underpinnings of memory-guided visual attention. The successful candidate will combine behavioural and electrophysiological (EEG/ERP) measures to investigate the organisational properties of memory-based attentional templates and the time course of template-guided selection. They will have a purpose-built and fully equipped EEG lab at their disposal to develop and test novel experimental paradigms and use cutting-edge neuroscientific data analysis techniques. Research costs will be fully covered by the grant. The successful candidate will work alongside a collaborative and dynamic team addressing complementary research questions. The successful candidate will be expected to have a proven background of theoretical and empirical research on visual selective attentio n and a strong methodological background in EEG and ERP research.

Key responsibilities:

• To understand and convey material of a specialist or highly technical nature to the team or group of people through presentations and discussions that leads to the presentation of research papers in conferences and publications.
• To prepare and deliver presentations on research outputs/activities to audiences which may include: research sponsors, academic and non-academic audiences.
• To publish high quality outputs, including papers for submission to peer reviewed journals and papers for presentation at conferences and workshops under the direction of the Principal Investigator or Grant-holder.
• To assist with the development of research objectives and proposals.
• To conduct individual and collaborative research projects under the direction of the Principal Investigator or Grant-holder.
• To personally collect EEG data.
• To work with the Principal Investigator or Grant-holder and other colleagues in the research group, as appropriate, to identify areas for research, develop new research methods and extend the research portfolio.
• To deal with problems that may affect the achievement of research objectives and deadlines by discussing with the Principal Investigator or Grant-holder and offering creative or innovative solutions.
• To liaise with research colleagues and make internal and external contacts to develop knowledge and understanding to form relationships for future research collaboration.
• To plan and manage own research activity, research resources in collaboration with others and contribute to the planning of research projects.
• To deliver training in research techniques/approaches to peers, visitors and students as appropriate.
• To be involved in student supervision, as appropriate, and assist with the assessment of the knowledge of students.
• To contribute to fostering a collegial and respectful working environment which is inclusive and welcoming and where everyone is treated fairly with dignity and respect.
• To engage in wider citizenship to support the department and wider discipline.
• To engage in continuing professional development by participation in the undergraduate or postgraduate teaching programmes or by membership of departmental committees, etc. and by attending relevant training and development courses.

This post is fixed term for 24 months. The funding is available from 1st November 2024, for this fixed period only; the project is time limited and will end on 31st October 2026.

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