Research Associate in Developmental Cognitive Neuroscience

The role

We are seeking a highly motivated and skilled Research Associate to play a key role in the day-to-day running of a new large longitudinal study (N = 300): The Bristol Longitudinal study Of Childhood Cognition from infancy to School (BLOCCS). The study involves a unique cohort of children in that participants will be children of the ‘Children of the 90s’ (also known as ALSPAC) – a birth cohort recruited in the wider Bristol area in the early 1990s. In BLOCCS we will assess children longitudinally from 6 months to 5 years of age, using behavioural and neuroimaging methods (EEG, fNIRS/HD-DOT, MRI). The study focuses on the development of three core ‘building blocks of cognition’ – processing speed, language and executive functions – and their neural substrates. We will also assess academic and socio-emotional skills when children start school (at 5 years), to look at outcomes of early brain and cognitive development. The study is funded by Wellcome and led by Prof Karla Holmboe.

Hybrid working is not available for this role.

What will you be doing?

Alongside the PI (Prof Holmboe) and Co-Is (Prof Cercignani and Prof Kievit),you will lead on the development and piloting of the assessment protocols for the project, which includes 7 assessment waves (6, 12, 18, 24, 36, 48 and 60 months). Once testing of the cohort starts,  you will be involved in the day-to-day running of test sessions with infant/child participants, alongside the rest of the research team. Testing will take place at the Bristol University Baby Lab (behavioural, EEG and fNIRS/HD-DOT) and at Cardiff University (MRI scans at 6, 36 and 60 months). Although this role will involve close coordination and collaboration with researchers at Cardiff University, you will primarily be based at the University of Bristol. You will also develop video coding protocols and neuroimaging analysis pipelines and will assist with training and supervision of other team members in these protocols and pipelines. You will conduct statistical analyses and present findings from the study at conferences and in peer-reviewed publications.

You should apply if

You have successfully completed, or are close to completion of, a PhD in psychology, cognitive science, cognitive neuroscience, or a related field. Applicants with a strong interest in developmental science / developmental cognitive neuroscience and substantial prior relevant research experience are preferred. The position is open-ended with fixed funding until March 2034.

Additional information

Contract type: Open-ended with funding until 31/03/2034

This advert will close at 23:59 UK time on Tuesday 14th July 2026

For informal queries please contact: Professor Karla Holmboe, Professor of Developmental Science via email: karla.holmboe@bristol.ac.uk

The interviews are planned for early August. The successful candidate is expected to start the position in Autumn 2026.

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