At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead innovative research on social cognition and AI interactions in health and disorder.
- Company: Join King's College London, a top-tier institute with a collaborative and inclusive culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, teaching opportunities, and support for your own research interests.
- Other info: Diverse and welcoming environment with excellent career growth and open science principles.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in cognitive neuroscience while exploring your passion for research.
- Qualifications: PhD in relevant fields, coding skills, and experience in social cognitive research.
The predicted salary is between 39000 - 49000 £ per year.
Overview
Organisation/Company: KINGS COLLEGE LONDON
Research Field: Computer science; Psychological sciences
Researcher Profile: Recognised Researcher (R2); Established Researcher (R3)
Country: United Kingdom
Application Deadline: 30 Sep 2025 - 00:00 (UTC)
Type of Contract: Other | Job Status: Full-time
Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Not funded by a EU programme
Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No
About us
The Social Computation and Representation Lab (SoCR Lab; www.socrlab.net) uses mathematical models and causal experimental designs to understand the fundamental rules behind human and AI social interaction in health and disorder. This is with the ultimate aim to improve psychiatric support for service users and improve the intuition, ethics, and efficiency of AI systems. We are based at the IoPPN, King’s College London, a world-leading institute well-known for its close-knit community, collaborative atmosphere, and outstanding research support.
Role and project
We are seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher with expertise in cognitive computational modelling (preferably social cognitive modelling) and an interest in cognitive neuroscience and psychiatry to join the SoCR Lab led by Dr Joseph M Barnby. You will work within a wider project funded by the Wellcome Trust that will test the social and non-social cognitive mechanisms underlying paranoia across social context, under psychopharmacological manipulation, and in those who are seeking support for psychosis. This will be with the intention to test how parameters may be biased by THC manipulations, or in support-seeking participants with a diagnosis of psychosis. The postdoctoral researcher will lead a research program focused on developing and testing the computational mechanisms of social inference, although will have plenty of scope, and will be encouraged, to develop and expand their own research interests. The postholder will work under the supervision of Co-I Dr Joseph M Barnby and also benefit from the supervision of Co-I Dr Michael Moutoussis (UCL), Co-I Amir Englund (KCL), Co-I Syeda Tahir (City) and PI Prof Mitul Mehta (KCL).
This role will provide you with the freedom to develop new and creative ideas, methodologies, and/or approaches to challenging important questions of interest to the lab. In addition to leading the project, you will be supported in finding a research area that interests you, encouraged to develop a research programme of your own, and apply for independent funding. The postdoctoral researcher will also have teaching opportunities if this is of interest. You will be primarily based at the Centre for Neuroimaging Sciences (KCL, London, UK) but will also have the opportunity to travel and work at the Centre for AI and Machine Learning (ECU, Perth, AU) and the School of Psychiatry and Clinical Neuroscience (UWA, Perth, AU).
Importantly, we adopt a flexible working environment within the lab and are happy to organise working arrangements that suite your individual needs. We enjoy diversity of thought, ideas, and experience within the lab and approach our work with the same mindset. All of our data and code is open, and we will expect the postholder to adopt open science principles during the course of their stay with the SoCR lab.
Responsibilities
- Refining the implementing decision-making social and non-social paradigms for pre specified research hypotheses.
- Conducting model simulations, fitting, and recovery, as well as statistical inferences on model outputs, for pre specified research hypotheses.
- Sugesting further appropriate methods and analyses.
- Writing manuscripts to disseminate research findings.
- Present summaries of study updates at internal meetings and meetings with external collaborators, and at national and international conferences.
- Mentoring undergraduate, masters, and PhD students in the SoCR Lab and within the Department of Neuroimaging.
- Collaborating with the wider team in order to achieve the aims of the project.
- Managing and organising own workload. It is the postdoc’s responsibility to make sure that deadlines are met and the necessary resources are available for the job at hand.
- Working with Dr Joseph Barnby and the wider team to develop novel research questions and theories of interest. This will be highly encouraged.
- Other relevant activities as directed by the line manager.
About you / Qualifications
- PhD in developmental cognitive computational science, neuroscience, computer science, or related disciplines.
- Previous experience in social cognitive research
- Knowledge and prior experience of model simulation, recovery, and fitting of decision-making data
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
- Ability to work independently as well as within a team.
- Good organisational and time management skills, including ability to prioritise workload and work to deadlines.
- Coding skills and experience in one or more open-source languages (e.g. Python, R)
- Experience in the use of neuroimaging analysis (fMRI, MRI) to study mechanisms of brain function
- Previous experience of using Bayesian methods in both model development and fitting.
- Previous experience and knowledge of research methods and study design in clinical trials.
- Knowledge of Good Clinical Practice (GCP) in clinical trials and knowledge of Research Governance Frameworks.
Further information
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. Your cover letter should also describe the following: 1) past research experience and contributions to science, 2) relevance of research experience for current position, and 3) career development plans.
To find out how our managers will review your application, please take a look at our ‘How we Recruit’ pages.
Grade and Salary
£45,031- £49,871 per annum, including London Weighting Allowance
Job ID: 123825
Close Date: 30-Sep-2025
Contact Person: Dr Joseph M Barnby
Contact Details: joseph.barnby@kcl.ac.uk
Postdoctoral Research Associate in the Department of Neuroimaging employer: King’s College London
King's College London is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant and collaborative work culture within the renowned IoPPN. As a postdoctoral researcher in the SoCR Lab, you will have the opportunity to lead innovative research projects while benefiting from a supportive environment that encourages personal growth and the pursuit of independent funding. With flexible working arrangements and a commitment to diversity and inclusion, King's College London provides a fulfilling and enriching experience for all its employees.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Postdoctoral Research Associate in the Department of Neuroimaging
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in your field! Attend conferences, workshops, or even local meetups. The more you engage with others, the better your chances of hearing about opportunities that might not be advertised.
✨Show Off Your Skills
When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, don’t hold back! Share your research experiences and how they relate to the role. Be ready to discuss your past projects and how they can contribute to their work at the SoCR Lab.
✨Tailor Your Approach
Every interaction counts! Make sure to tailor your conversations to the specific research interests of the lab. Show them you’ve done your homework and are genuinely excited about what they do at King’s College London.
✨Follow Up
After meeting someone or having an interview, drop them a quick email to say thanks and reiterate your interest. It keeps you on their radar and shows you’re proactive. Plus, it’s a great way to build those connections!
We think you need these skills to ace Postdoctoral Research Associate in the Department of Neuroimaging
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to highlight your relevant experience in cognitive computational modelling and social cognitive research. We want to see how your background aligns with the role, so don’t hold back on showcasing your skills!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter should tell us about your past research experiences and how they relate to this position. Be sure to include your career development plans too! This is your chance to show us your passion for the field.
Showcase Your Skills:Don’t forget to mention your coding skills and any experience with neuroimaging analysis. We’re looking for someone who can hit the ground running, so highlight any relevant tools or methodologies you’ve used in your previous work.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands and helps us keep track of all the amazing candidates like you!
How to prepare for a job interview at King’s College London
✨Know Your Research Inside Out
Make sure you’re well-versed in your past research and how it relates to the role. Be ready to discuss your contributions to cognitive computational modelling and any relevant projects you've worked on. This will show your passion and expertise, which is crucial for a postdoc position.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect questions about model simulations, statistical analyses, and coding skills. Brush up on your knowledge of Bayesian methods and neuroimaging techniques. Being able to confidently discuss these topics will demonstrate your technical proficiency and readiness for the role.
✨Show Your Collaborative Spirit
This role involves working closely with a team, so be prepared to talk about your experience in collaborative settings. Share examples of how you’ve successfully worked with others, mentored students, or contributed to group projects. Highlighting your teamwork skills will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Articulate Your Future Plans
The lab values creativity and independence, so be ready to discuss your career development plans and how you envision your research evolving. Talk about potential research questions you’d like to explore and how they align with the lab’s goals. This shows initiative and a forward-thinking mindset.
