At a Glance
- Tasks: Join a cutting-edge research team investigating neural mechanisms behind complex visual behaviour.
- Company: Dynamic university with a supportive and inclusive community.
- Benefits: Generous holiday, health facilities, training opportunities, and staff discounts.
- Other info: Full-time, fixed-term position with excellent career progression opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in neuroscience while collaborating internationally on innovative projects.
- Qualifications: PhD in Neuroscience or related field; experience with behavioural data analysis.
The predicted salary is between 35608 - 47389 £ per year.
Salary £35,608 to £47,389 per annum, depending on skills and experience.
Closing Date Thursday 19 November 2026
Reference SCI2637226
About the role
Applications are invited for a Research Fellow to join an exciting research programme investigating the neural and cognitive mechanisms that support complex visual behaviour. The project will combine behavioural experimentation, eye tracking, next-generation OPM-MEG neuroimaging, computational modelling, and advanced data analysis approaches to understand how people make decisions while searching dynamic visual environments. The research aims to advance understanding of adaptive behaviour and decision-making in free-viewing tasks. The successful candidate will contribute to experimental design, data collection, analysis and dissemination activities, working with multimodal behavioural and neuroscientific datasets. There will be opportunities to contribute to the development of novel analytical and computational approaches within a highly collaborative research environment. This is a full-time, fixed-term position available until 24 February 2028.
About the team
You will join an interdisciplinary team led by Dr Matias Ison with expertise spanning cognitive neuroscience, neuroimaging, eye movement research, computational modelling, and human behaviour. The role offers opportunities to collaborate with national and international partners, contribute to high-impact publications, and help develop innovative open-science resources for the wider research community.
About you
You will hold a PhD in Neuroscience, Cognitive Science, or a closely related discipline. We are particularly interested in candidates with experience investigating how learning, contextual information, or reward contingencies influence neural representations and behaviour, and who are interested in developing biologically informed accounts of adaptive behaviour and decision making. You should have experience analysing complex behavioural or neuroscientific datasets and be comfortable working with quantitative and computational methods. Experience with neurophysiological or related approaches to studying neural function would be advantageous, as would experience applying computational approaches to behavioural and neural data. You will be able to work effectively both independently and as part of a multidisciplinary research team and have a developing publication record commensurate with your career stage. Experience working with international collaborators and willingness to engage in collaborative activities with partner institutions would be beneficial.
What we offer
- A friendly, diverse, and supportive working environment
- Generous holiday entitlement of 30 days (or pro rata) plus standard bank holidays and five university closure days including closure between Christmas and New Year.
- We are committed to staff development through the provision of training, continued support, and career progression opportunities
- You will have access to a range of benefits and rewards, including fitness and health facilities, staff discounts, travel schemes and many more.
Your normal working hours will be 36.25 hours per week. This is a Fixed Term contract for 12 months. Anticipated start date 24/02/2027.
Our university is a supportive, inclusive, caring and positive community. We welcome those of different cultures, ethnicities and beliefs – indeed this very diversity is vital to our success, it is fundamental to our values and enriches life on campus.
To help you succeed, we published Candidate Guidance to provide support on the application and interview process. We welcome applications from UK, Europe and worldwide and aim to make your move to the UK as smooth as possible. Your application will be considered on an equal basis, subject to the relevant permission to work in the UK as set out by UK Visas & Immigration.
Research Fellow (Fixed Term) in Nottingham employer: Nottingham
At Wingstop, we pride ourselves on being a vibrant and inclusive workplace where every team member is valued and encouraged to grow. As a General Manager, you'll not only lead a passionate team but also enjoy benefits like private healthcare, flexible rotas, and opportunities for career progression in a fast-paced environment that celebrates teamwork and individual contributions. Join us to be part of a culture that thrives on energy, recognition, and the joy of bringing flavour to our customers' experiences.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Research Fellow (Fixed Term) in Nottingham
✨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 Nottingham, 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.
✨Keep Your Eyes on Openings & Apply Directly
Don’t just rely on job boards! Keep an eye on the careers section of the websites of companies like Nottingham. Apply directly through their website because sometimes they post jobs there before anywhere else. Plus, it shows your proactive approach!
We think you need these skills to ace Research Fellow (Fixed Term) in Nottingham
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 Nottingham. 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 Nottingham. 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 Nottingham
✨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 Nottingham. 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 Nottingham to drive research projects forward.
