Research Fellow in Cognitive Neuroimaging of Perception

The Visual Perception team, based in the Department of Imaging Neuroscience and led by Professor Peter Kok, uses a combination of state-of-the-art neuroimaging techniques (esp. 7T fMRI and MEG) to shed light on the neural underpinning of our visual perception of the world. A major insight from the past decades is that visual perception is strongly influenced by our prior knowledge and predictions. However, the neural mechanisms underlying this process are largely unknown.

A major focus of the Visual Perception team in the coming years will be the role of the hippocampus in supplying predictions to guide visual perception. We plan to investigate the computations taking place in the different hippocampal subfields and the role of hippocampal theta in coordinating predicting and perceiving.

We are now recruiting a Research Fellow to undertake high quality research using cutting-edge human neuroimaging, for example, subfield-specific hippocampal and layer-specific cortical responses (using 7T fMRI) and time-resolved decoding of the neural dynamics underlying visual predictions (using MEG and intracranial recordings). For some analyses deep neural networks (DNNs) will be used to probe the representational contents of neural signals.

Key responsibilities will be to design experiments, recruit and assess study participants, coordinate study logistics, and to collect and analyse behavioural and neuroimaging data for publications and presentation at international conferences and internal meetings.

The post is available from 04 January 2027 and funded by a grant from the European Research Council until 31 December 2029 in the first instance.

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 (ion.hradmin at ucl.ac.uk).

Informal enquiries regarding the role can be addressed to Professor Peter Kok (p.kok at ucl.ac.uk). 

To apply, please upload a current CV, complete the online application form, and use the supporting statement section or upload a cover letter to outline how you meet the essential and desirable criteria for the role. Please do not upload any additional attachments as these will not be considered by the selection panel.

You will have a PhD in psychology neuroscience, or a related discipline, coupled with experience of designing and conducting experiments using 7T MRI and/or MEG/EEG, and analysing the resulting data. Good knowledge of neuroanatomy, visual perception, and advanced neuroimaging analyses such as retinotopic mapping, machine learning (classification and decoding methods), structural MRI techniques (cortical segmentation), and deep neural networks is essential, as are strong programming and problem-solving skills, and exceptional attention to detail.

Starting salary offered in the range £45,103 - £46,261 per annum, inclusive of London Allowance.

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 £39,148 - £41,833 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.

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