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- Tasks: Join a vibrant lab to explore how decisions impact others through innovative research.
- Company: University of Birmingham, a leading institution in psychology and neuroscience.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, collaborative environment, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Engage with interdisciplinary teams and contribute to cutting-edge neuroscience research.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in understanding social behaviour and its neural mechanisms.
- Qualifications: PhD in relevant fields and strong research experience required.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
The University of Birmingham is recruiting a postdoctoral researcher to join its vibrant Social Decision Neuroscience Lab within the School of Psychology. This role offers an opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge research into the neural and computational mechanisms that underlie how people make decisions that affect others.
The successful candidate will work within a multidisciplinary team led by Professor Patricia Lockwood, whose lab uses experimental behavioural paradigms, neuroimaging and computational modelling to investigate social learning, prosocial behaviour, and decision-making across diverse contexts. The post will involve designing and executing research studies, analysing data (behavioural, neuroimaging etc.), preparing manuscripts for publication, presenting findings to academic audiences and engaging with broader research networks. The lab’s work has a strong emphasis on combining psychological theory with neuroscientific methods to advance fundamental understanding of social behaviour and its neural bases. Participation in collaborative activities within the Centre for Human Brain Health and related research communities is expected.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants will be expected to hold a PhD (or have submitted a PhD) in psychology, cognitive neuroscience, neuroscience, computational modelling, or a closely related discipline before the start of the appointment. A track record of research experience appropriate to a postdoctoral role, including involvement in empirical studies and analytic work, will be essential. Experience with research methods relevant to social decision neuroscience is highly desirable.
Required Expertise, Skills
The role requires strong quantitative and analytical skills, including experience with experimental design and data analysis. Familiarity with neuroimaging techniques (such as fMRI or EEG), computational modelling approaches, and programming languages commonly used in cognitive neuroscience (e.g., Python, MATLAB, R) will be important. Excellent written and verbal communication skills, a capacity for independent research, and the ability to work collaboratively with interdisciplinary colleagues are key attributes for success in this role.
Salary Details
Salary for this postdoctoral position will be aligned with University of Birmingham’s research staff pay scales, typically competitive and commensurate with skills and experience for a postdoctoral research role at a UK research university.
Application Deadline
The deadline for applications is Thursday 19 March 2026.
Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Social Decision Neuroscience in Birmingham employer: RFCSR
Contact Detail:
RFCSR Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Social Decision Neuroscience in Birmingham
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with folks in your field! Attend conferences, workshops, or even local meet-ups. We can’t stress enough how important it is to build relationships; you never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings.
✨Show Off Your Skills
When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, make sure to highlight your unique skills and experiences. We want you to showcase your research expertise and any cool projects you've worked on that relate to social decision neuroscience.
✨Prepare for Interviews
Interviews can be nerve-wracking, but we’ve got your back! Practice common interview questions and think about how your background fits with the lab’s focus. Be ready to discuss your research methods and how you can contribute to their ongoing projects.
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our vibrant team at the University of Birmingham.
We think you need these skills to ace Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Social Decision Neuroscience in Birmingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to highlight your relevant experience in social decision neuroscience. We want to see how your skills and past research align with the role, so don’t hold back on showcasing your expertise!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re passionate about this research area and how you can contribute to our lab. Keep it engaging and personal – we love to see your enthusiasm!
Showcase Your Research Skills: In your application, be sure to highlight your quantitative and analytical skills. Mention any experience with neuroimaging techniques or programming languages like Python or MATLAB. We’re keen to see how you can bring your skills to our multidisciplinary team!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy – just follow the prompts and submit your materials!
How to prepare for a job interview at RFCSR
✨Know Your Research Inside Out
Make sure you’re well-versed in your own research and the lab's focus areas. Be prepared to discuss how your work aligns with the lab’s projects on social decision-making and prosocial behaviour. This shows genuine interest and helps you connect your experience to their goals.
✨Brush Up on Technical Skills
Since the role requires strong quantitative and analytical skills, be ready to talk about your experience with experimental design, data analysis, and neuroimaging techniques. Practise explaining complex concepts in simple terms, as this will demonstrate your communication skills.
✨Prepare for Collaborative Questions
Expect questions about teamwork and collaboration, especially since the role involves working within a multidisciplinary team. Think of examples from your past experiences where you successfully collaborated with others, highlighting your ability to engage with diverse research communities.
✨Show Enthusiasm for the Field
Express your passion for social decision neuroscience and your eagerness to contribute to the lab’s research. Share any relevant insights or recent developments in the field that excite you, as this can set you apart as a candidate who is not just qualified but also genuinely interested.