At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead innovative research on network psychometrics in neurodevelopment and mental health.
- Company: Join a world-class academic team at King's College London, renowned for its research excellence.
- Benefits: Enjoy a full-time role with potential for remote work and opportunities for professional development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on mental health research while collaborating with top experts in the field.
- Qualifications: PhD in neuropsychiatry or related field; strong skills in quantitative research and statistical analysis required.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace culture with support for diverse backgrounds and career growth opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
A new opportunity has opened in the Department of Forensic and Neurodevelopmental Sciences for two Post-Doctoral Research Associates to lead on cutting-edge 'network psychometrics' to examine how clinical features interact with each other (as well as neurobiological, neurocognitive processes) across development. These analyses will provide critical information to track what drives changes (e.g., developing mental health problems), when (identifying critical developmental tipping points), and how (which mechanistic pathways drive this). The successful candidate(s) will join a world-class academic team of experts in neurodevelopment, who are situated in international networks.
The post holder(s) will work with secondary data from very large (>2,500 individuals) longitudinal European cohorts that span from the preschool age range into middle adulthood. Individuals within these cohorts have been 'deeply phenotyped' - comprehensively characterised by their clinical characteristics, behaviour/cognitive profiles, brain structure and function, inflammatory markers, and genetics. This is a full-time post (35 hours per week), with a fixed-term contract until 30th November 2026.
To be successful in this role, we are looking for candidates to have the following skills and experience:
- Essential criteria
- PhD awarded (or thesis submitted) in a research-based field relevant to neuropsychiatry/neurodevelopment/life sciences.
- Advanced knowledge of systems-level modelling in life sciences, with demonstrable research interest in psychiatry.
- Proven competence in complex quantitative research methodologies and statistical analysis, particularly with big/longitudinal data, using script-based statistical packages (e.g., R, Stata, MPlus).
- Experience with longitudinal modelling approaches and data harmonisation.
- Proven track record of publishing in peer-reviewed journals appropriate for the career stage.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills and evidence of effective collaborative work in a multidisciplinary research team.
- Excellent organisational and time management skills, with the ability to plan and prioritise workload to meet project targets.
We pride ourselves on being inclusive and welcoming. We embrace diversity and want everyone to feel they belong and are connected within our community. We are committed to supporting our staff and developing a diverse and inclusive culture at King's. As part of this commitment, we aim to develop candidate pools that include applicants from all backgrounds. All candidates are asked to submit a CV and a supporting statement explaining how they meet the essential criteria. If there is a strong field of candidates, we may also consider the desirable criteria in our selection process. Please include evidence against these where possible. For more details on our recruitment process, please see our 'How we Recruit' pages. We are able to offer sponsorship for candidates who do not currently have the right to work in the UK.
Research Associate in the Department of Forensic & Neurodevelopmental Sciences employer: Kings College, London
Contact Detail:
Kings College, London Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Research Associate in the Department of Forensic & Neurodevelopmental Sciences
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the field of neurodevelopment and psychiatry. Attend relevant conferences or webinars to meet potential colleagues and mentors who can provide insights into the role and possibly refer you.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with the latest research and methodologies in network psychometrics and longitudinal data analysis. Being well-versed in current trends will help you engage in meaningful discussions during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your previous research experiences in detail, especially those involving complex quantitative methodologies. Highlight any specific projects where you used R, Stata, or MPlus, as this will demonstrate your technical competence.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your collaborative skills by preparing examples of successful teamwork in multidisciplinary settings. This will illustrate your ability to work effectively within the diverse academic team at King's.
We think you need these skills to ace Research Associate in the Department of Forensic & Neurodevelopmental Sciences
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to grasp the specific requirements and responsibilities of the Research Associate position. Pay attention to the essential and desirable criteria, as this will guide your application.
Tailor Your CV: Customise your CV to highlight relevant experience and skills that align with the job description. Emphasise your PhD qualifications, research methodologies, and any publications in peer-reviewed journals.
Craft a Strong Supporting Statement: Write a compelling supporting statement that clearly demonstrates how you meet the essential criteria. Use specific examples from your past experiences to illustrate your competencies in quantitative research methodologies and collaborative work.
Proofread and Submit: Before submitting your application, carefully proofread all documents for clarity and grammatical accuracy. Ensure that you have included all required materials, such as proof of your PhD qualification or thesis submission.
How to prepare for a job interview at Kings College, London
✨Showcase Your Research Experience
Be prepared to discuss your PhD research in detail, especially how it relates to neuropsychiatry and neurodevelopment. Highlight any relevant publications and your experience with complex quantitative methodologies.
✨Demonstrate Statistical Proficiency
Familiarise yourself with the statistical packages mentioned in the job description, such as R or Stata. Be ready to explain your experience with longitudinal data analysis and how you've applied these skills in past projects.
✨Emphasise Collaboration Skills
Since the role involves working in a multidisciplinary team, prepare examples of how you've successfully collaborated with others. Discuss any challenges you faced and how you overcame them to achieve common goals.
✨Prepare for Questions on Data Management
Expect questions about your experience with data harmonisation and management. Be ready to discuss specific projects where you handled large datasets and how you ensured data integrity throughout the research process.