Research Associate in Cognitive Neuroscience & AI (Fixed Term)

Department/Location: Cambridge Institute for Technology and Humanity, Central Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, UK

We are seeking a highly motivated Research Associate to join an exciting programme of research investigating the cognitive and neural mechanisms that underpin language generation. This project combines intracranial electrophysiology (iEEG) with cutting-edge computational modelling using Large Language Models (LLMs) to explore how people produce language in natural, real-world conversations. Working closely with Dr Ariel Goldstein, the successful candidate will contribute to pioneering research at the intersection of cognitive neuroscience, psychology and artificial intelligence.

The Research Associate will play a key role in advancing our understanding of how the brain generates and communicates meaningful language. They will design and conduct experiments, analyse neural and behavioural datasets, and develop computational models of language production using LLMs. The postholder will help translate empirical findings into testable theories of language generation, contributing to an ambitious research agenda that integrates experimental and computational approaches to human cognition.

As part of the role, the successful candidate will contribute to the dissemination of research through high-quality publications, conference presentations, and engagement with the wider scientific community. They will also support the preparation of reports and funding applications, while helping to foster a collaborative and intellectually stimulating research environment. This is an excellent opportunity for an ambitious researcher to contribute to internationally significant work addressing fundamental question about language, cognition and the human brain.

Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available for 24 months in the first instance.

Please ensure that you upload your 1) Curriculum Vitae (CV), 2) a research publication list, and 3) a covering letter outlining how you match the criteria for the post and why you are applying in the Upload section of the online application. If you upload any additional documents which have not been requested, we will not be able to consider these as part of your application.

Please be advised that we will be requesting references in advance of interviews, for longlisted candidates. Please inform your referees that reference letters may be requested shortly after the closing date.

To apply online for this vacancy and to view further information about the role, please click the 'Apply' button above. 

If you have any questions about this vacancy, please contact Dr Ariel Goldstein (ag2542@cam.ac.uk), for questions on the application process, please contact the School's HR Team at: sahhr@admin.cam.ac.uk

The closing date for applications is midnight (BST) on Wednesday 9 September 2026. Interviews will be held in the week commencing 21 September 2026, subject to change.

Please quote reference GO50857 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.

The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.

The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.

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