At a Glance
- Tasks: Conduct cutting-edge research in child mental health using neuroimaging and big data analytics.
- Company: Join the King’s Maudsley Partnership, a leader in child mental health research.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development days, and access to state-of-the-art technology.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with excellent career growth opportunities and mentoring.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on child mental health while advancing your research career.
- Qualifications: PhD in Neuroscience or related field; experience with large datasets and programming skills required.
The predicted salary is between 45031 - 48607 £ per year.
About us
The post will be held at the King’s Maudsley Partnership for Children and Young People, which has the new Pears Maudsley Centre as its home. We are a partnership between academia (King’s College London\'s Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience), Child Mental Health Services (the South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust) and the Maudsley Charity. Together we aim to create a new approach to combining research and care.
The post-holder will be based primarily in the Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, and supported in forming links across King’s, particularly with AI and neuroimaging research teams, and with clinical services, to augment the translational impact of research.
The post is part funded by the Academy of Medical Sciences.
About the role
The postholder will conduct cutting-edge research at the intersection of neuroimaging, genomics, and computational modelling with a focus on child and adolescent mental health.
The successful candidate will primarily lead analyses of large-scale datasets, applying advanced computational and statistical methods to integrate multimodal data (including MRI, MEG, EEG, and genomic data). The postholder will work with a team with a strong track record in Big Data analytics in child mental health, helping accelerate the move toward analytics that support precision care in mental health. We have a strong interest in determining the clinical, neural and genomic features that predict the course of childhood mental challenges as well as response to treatments. The role also provides the opportunity to gain experience in data acquisition and analysis as part of the launch of the £11 million UKRI funded Clinical Research Centre, which houses state-of-the-art OP-MEG, MRI, EEG and fNIRS technologies.
This is an excellent opportunity for an early-career researcher to build a distinctive profile in Big Data analytics, AI as applied to mental health, focusing on developmental processes.
We offer a supportive and collaborative research environment at the Pears Maudsley Centre, with access to extensive neuroimaging, genomic, and clinical datasets and excellent computing infrastructure and expertise in AI. Our career development emphasizes on training in relevant new skills and mentoring to support the pursuit of independent funding.
This is a full-time post and offered on a fixed term contract until 1st January 2030.
Research staff at King’s are entitled to at least 10 days per year (pro-rata) for professional development. This entitlement, from the Concordat to Support the Career Development of Researchers, applies to Postdocs, Research Assistants, Research and Teaching Technicians, Teaching Fellows and AEP equivalent up to and including grade 7.
About you
To be successful in this role, we are looking for candidates to have the following skills and experience:
- PhD qualified in Neuroscience, data analytics, computer science or a related discipline
- Strong publication record commensurate with career stage, demonstrating independence and impact.
- Proven experience in handling and analysing large-scale datasets (neuroimaging, genomics, or both).
- Proficiency in programming and computational analysis (e.g., Python, R).
- Expertise in neuroimaging (MRI, MEG, EEG) and/or genomics; strength in one area with willingness to develop in the other.
- Ability to contribute to data acquisition and quality control.
- Strong organisational, communication, and collaborative skills.
- Aware of the ethical issues around working with Big Data.
- Experience applying advanced statistical or machine learning methods to complex datasets.
- Evidence of involvement in grant writing or development of independent research ideas.
- A commitment to teaching the next generation of researchers.
Please note that this is a PhD level role but candidates who have submitted their thesis and are awaiting award of their PhDs will be considered. In these circumstances the appointment will be made at Grade 5, spine point 30 with the title of ResearchAssistant. Upon confirmation of the award of the PhD, the job title will become Research Associate and the salary will increase toGrade 6.
Details
- Salary: £45,031 - £48,607 per annum, including London Weighting
- Contract: Full-time, fixed term until 1 January 2030
- Job ID: 128366
- Post Date: 21-Oct-2025
- Close Date: 16-Nov-2025
This post is subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service and Occupational Health Clearance.
Grade and Salary: £45,031 - £48,607 per annum, including London Weighting
How to apply and additional information: See job posting for more details.
We pride ourselves on being inclusive and welcoming. We embrace diversity and want everyone to feel that they belong and are connected to others in our community. We are committed to working with our staff and unions on these and other issues, to continue to support our people and to develop a diverse and inclusive culture at King\\\'s. As part of this commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion and through this appointment process, it is our aim to develop candidate pools that include applicants from all backgrounds and communities.
We ask all candidates to submit a copy of their CV, and a supporting statement, detailing how they meet the essential criteria listed in the advert. If we receive a strong field of candidates, we may use the desirable criteria to choose our final shortlist, so please include your evidence against these where possible.
Interviews are due to be held on or around 7th December 2025.
Sign-off and notices: This post is subject to a DBS and Occupational Health clearance.
Contact Person: Philip Shaw
Postdoctoral Research Associate employer: Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience
At the King’s Maudsley Partnership for Children and Young People, we offer a dynamic and collaborative work environment that fosters innovation in child mental health research. Our commitment to professional development is evident through our support for training and mentoring, ensuring that our postdoctoral researchers can thrive and make impactful contributions. Located at the state-of-the-art Pears Maudsley Centre, you will have access to cutting-edge technologies and extensive datasets, making this an exceptional opportunity for early-career researchers to advance their careers in a meaningful way.
Contact Details:
Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Postdoctoral Research Associate
✨Get Involved in Research Communities
Dive headfirst into the scientific research world by joining relevant communities and forums. Engage in discussions, share your insights, and even attend conferences or seminars in your field. This not only boosts your visibility but can also lead to potential job opportunities—don't forget to connect with like-minded folks!
✨Show Off Your Research Projects
Have you worked on any cool research projects? Make it easy for potential employers to see your work by creating a portfolio or a personal website. This way, when you apply for roles like the one at Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, you can point them to your projects and publications, showcasing your expertise directly.
✨Utilise Professional Networks
Networking is key in scientific research. Join professional bodies or organisations related to your field. They often have job boards and resources tailored for job seekers. Make connections with professionals who may know about openings or can give you tips on landing a full-time position.
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We think you need these skills to ace Postdoctoral Research Associate
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Research Experience:When applying for a full-time role in scientific research, make sure to emphasise your research experience prominently in your CV. Share specific projects you’ve worked on, the methodologies you used, and any significant findings. If you’ve published papers or presented at conferences, definitely include that too – it shows you’re on it in the academic world!
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Research Area:Your cover letter should reflect your passion for the specific area of research at Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience. Mention relevant experiences that align with the organisation’s goals or projects. This shows that you’ve done your homework and are genuinely interested in the position – plus, it helps us see how you’d fit into the team dynamics.
Showcase Your Data Analysis Skills:In scientific research, data analysis skills are a big deal! Make sure to detail any relevant analytical tools or software you’re familiar with, like R, Python, or statistical packages. Employers are keen to know you can handle the data-heavy elements of the role, so add specific examples where you’ve used these skills effectively.
Discuss Your Future Research Goals:In your motivation section, it’s a great idea to talk about your future research goals and how they align with the work being done at Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience. This shows that you’re not just looking for any job, but rather a chance to contribute meaningfully to the field. We love to see applicants who are forward-thinking and enthusiastic about their research journey!
How to prepare for a job interview at Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience
✨Showcase Your Research Skills
In scientific research, it’s crucial to demonstrate your ability to design and conduct experiments. Come armed with examples of past projects where you've developed hypotheses, collected data, and analysed results. Be ready to discuss any specific methodologies or tools you’ve used, like PCR techniques or statistical software.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect some technical questions specific to your field. Make sure you're up to speed with recent advancements in scientific research related to the role at Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience. Brush up on concepts relevant to their projects and be prepared to discuss how you would approach a specific research problem or challenge they might face.
✨Know Your Publications
If you've authored or co-authored any papers, be prepared to discuss them! Highlighting your contributions to published research can really set you apart. It shows not only your expertise but also your ability to communicate complex ideas clearly, which is key in scientific research roles.
✨Exhibit Your Team Spirit
In full-time roles, collaboration is often at the heart of scientific research. Prepare examples that show how you've successfully worked in teams, dealt with conflicts, or contributed to group projects. We want to know how you can work effectively with the team at Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience to drive research projects forward.
