Research Fellow (Postdoctoral) - School of Psychology - 104110 - Grade 7

This post-doctoral research will be conducted in collaboration with a multidisciplinary team of experts in the fields of neuroscience, immunology, pain, anesthesia, and machine learning. The successful applicant will be responsible for investigating the neurophysiological markers that predict which surgical patients are most vulnerable to developing severe pain and persistent opioid usage. The data will be collected from patients who are part of an observational cohort of individuals undergoing surgery. The applicant will also be expected to contribute to all work packages involved, including blood collection, hosting PPIs, and administration.

Supervision will be provided by Dr. Ali Mazaheri, as well as Prof. Fang Gao Smith, Dr. Helen McGettrick, and Dr. Andreas Karwath.

Main Duties:

• Develop research objectives and proposals for own or joint research, with assistance of a mentor if required.
• Contribute to writing bids for research funding.
• Analyse and interpret data.
• Apply knowledge in a way which develops new intellectual understanding.
• Disseminate research findings for publication, research seminars etc.
• Supervise students on research related work and provide guidance to PhD students where appropriate to the discipline.
• Contribute to developing new models, techniques and methods.
• Undertake management/administration arising from research.
• Contribute to Departmental/School research-related activities and research-related administration.
• Collect research data; this may be through a variety of research methods, such as scientific experimentation, literature reviews, and research interviews.
• Present research outputs, including drafting academic publications or parts thereof, for example at seminars and as posters.
• Provide guidance, as required, to support staff and any students who may be assisting with the research.
• Deal with problems that may affect the achievement of research objectives and deadlines.
• Promote equality and value diversity acting as a role model and fostering an inclusive working culture.

Person Specification:

• A PhD (or near to completion) in the biomedical sciences, neuroscience, or psychology.
• A passion for problem-solving and research in the areas of EEG, neuroscience, pain, cell biology, immunology or inflammation biology that is grounded in expert-level knowledge or experience.
• Experience with handling and processing of clinical samples and associated data.
• High level analytical capability.
• Ability to communicate complex information clearly.
• Fluency in relevant models, techniques or methods and ability to contribute to developing new ones.
• Ability to assess resource requirements and use resources effectively.
• Understanding of and ability to contribute to broader management/administration processes.
• Contribute to the planning and organising of the research programme and/or specific research project.
• Co-ordinate own work with others to avoid conflict or duplication of effort.
• Knowledge of the protected characteristics of the Equality Act 2010, and how to actively ensure in day to day activity in own area that those with protected characteristics are treated equally and fairly.

OH and DBS required. The University is committed to safeguarding and we promote safe recruitment practice, therefore all associated pre-employment checks will be undertaken before any appointment is confirmed. Due to the nature of the work undertaken in this role all successful applicants will be subject to a satisfactory Occupational Health and DBS clearance prior to appointment.