Research Assistant Neurotechnology VR/AR/Neurogaming Applications

About the role

The neurotechnology research team at the University of Bath, led by Professor Damien Coyle, is developing new AI and immersive technologies to advance brain–computer interfaces (BCIs) and trial them at scale with end-users. A central focus is the creation of engaging, gamified VR/AR paradigms and neurogaming applications to support learning, communication, rehabilitation, and entertainment.

This role offers an exciting opportunity for a researcher with experience in VR/AR development, serious games, or neurogaming research applied to BCI and neurotechnology.

Working with Prof Coyle and the Bath Institute for the Augmented Human, the Research Assistant will:

• Design and develop novel immersive paradigms and neurogaming applications for BCIs.
• Collaborate with AI experts, engineers, neuroscientists, psychologists, and trials managers.
• Contribute to EEG-based research trials with able-bodied participants & patients with physical impairments or prolonged disorders of consciousness, in Bath & at partner sites across the UK.
• Support data collection, analysis, & publication of results in high-impact journals.

About you

We are seeking a motivated researcher who can contribute effectively to our programme and work well within a team. The ideal candidate will have:

• A first degree in a relevant subject (Master’s level qualification or equivalent experience desirable).
• Relevant research experience in areas such as VR/AR, game development, or neurogaming, with awareness of current developments in the field.
• Strong skills in organising and prioritising work, meeting deadlines, and contributing to research reports and publications.
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills, with confidence engaging with colleagues, participants, and external partners.
• Competence in IT and digital tools appropriate to the discipline (e.g. Unity, Visual Studio, or equivalent).
• A collaborative approach, with the ability to work both independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Commitment to professional, ethical, and safe research practice, with enthusiasm for developing creative solutions and advancing high-quality neurotechnology research

You will be:

• Proficient with Visual Studio and Unity3D (or similar) game development environments.
• Experience in software engineering and/or computing, evidenced by relevant work or a strong game/neurogaming development portfolio.
• Optimising VR/AR or game performance for real-time applications such as BCIs & neurogaming.

Further information

The post may involve UK travel & occasional extended stays off-campus.

As a member of Research Staff at the University of Bath, you will be encouraged to take up a minimum of 10 days professional development pro-rata per-year

For an informal discussion relating to the role, please contact:

Prof Damien Coyle, dhc30@bath.ac.uk or Dr Yue Zhang yz4604@bath.ac.uk

This role is offered on a full-time (36.5 hours), fixed-term basis until March 2026.

We consider ourselves to be a university where difference is celebrated, respected and encouraged. We have an excellent international reputation with staff from over 60 different nations and have made a positive commitment towards gender equality and intersectionality receiving a Silver Athena SWAN award. We truly believe that diversity of experience, perspectives, and backgrounds will lead to a better environment for our employees and students and encourage applications from all genders, backgrounds, and communities, particularly from under-represented groups, and value the positive impact that will have on the university. We are committed to maintaining a safe and secure environment for our students, staff, and community by reinforcing our Safer Recruitment commitment.

We're very proud to be a signatory of the Armed Forces Covenant. an accredited Disability Confident Leader; autism friendly university, committed to building disability confidence and supporting disabled staff.

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