Max Planck Research Fellowship in Computational Psychiatry

About us

The Max Planck UCL Centre for Computational Psychiatry and Ageing Research (MPC) is dedicated to studying the causes of neuropsychiatric disorders.

About the role

We are looking for an ambitious cognitive neuroscientist (Max Planck Research Fellowship) to undertake high quality research in the field of cognitive neuroscience, under the supervision of Professor Ray Dolan. The position allows for research flexibility in relation to the precise research focus but will be expected to align broadly with the current interests of the laboratory, which includes decision making, reward learning and questions related to how we abstract and learn from prior experience.

You will have an opportunity for innovative input, including developing independent lines of research. In line with this, you will be expected to exploit computational approaches to understanding brain function (for example, through use of imaging modalities such as magnetoencephalography) and behaviour. There will be opportunities for collaborations both within and outside UCL, including with partners in Germany.

The post is available from 01 April 2025 and is funded under the auspices of the UCL Max Planck Centre for Computational Psychiatry and Ageing for 2 years.

If you need reasonable adjustments or a more accessible format to apply for this job online, or have any queries regarding the application process, please contact the Institute of Neurology HR Team.

For a full job description and to apply for this role please visit UCL’s online recruitment portal

(https://www.ucl.ac.uk/work-at-ucl/search-ucl-jobs) and search using vacancy reference B02-07848.

About you

You’ll have a PhD in computational neuroscience, psychology, cognitive neuroscience, or a related area, coupled with experience of conducting neuroscience research and a publication record of high-quality research outputs commensurate with your career stage. Experience in conducting imaging research using MEG/EEG, data collection and analysis, computational approaches to data analysis, programming, coupled with good communication, interpersonal, and problem-solving skills are essential for this role.

This role meets the eligibility requirements for a skilled worker certificate of sponsorship or a global talent visa under UK Visas and Immigration legislation. Therefore, UCL welcomes applications from international applicants who require a visa.

What we offer

Appointment as Research Fellow is dependent upon having been awarded a PhD; if this is not the case, initial appointment will be as Research Assistant (salary £38,357 - £41,005 per annum) with appointment as Research Fellow being backdated to the date of final submission of the PhD thesis.

As well as the exciting opportunities this role presents, we also offer some great benefits; visit

https://www.ucl.ac.uk/work-at-ucl/reward-and-benefits to find out more.

This appointment is subject to UCL Terms and Conditions of Service for Research and Professional Services Staff. Please visit https://www.ucl.ac.uk/human-resources/conditions-service-research-teaching-and-professional-services-staff for more information.

Our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

As London’s Global University, we know diversity fosters creativity and innovation, and we want our community to represent the diversity of the world’s talent. 12% of Institute staff are actively working on EDI initiatives; visit

https://www.ucl.ac.uk/ion/equality-diversity-inclusion for more information about what we’re doing. We therefore particularly encourage applications from candidates who are likely to be underrepresented in UCL’s workforce; these include people from Black, Asian and ethnic minority backgrounds, disabled people, LGBTQI+ and gender diverse people in all roles, and women in Grade 9 and 10 roles.

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