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- Tasks: Join a dynamic team researching mental health, focusing on depression and bipolar disorder.
- Company: Be part of UCL, ranked 1st in the UK for Psychology, fostering innovation and collaboration.
- Benefits: Enjoy 41 days holiday, hybrid working, and access to an on-site gym and nursery.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in mental health research while developing your skills and network.
- Qualifications: MSc in cognitive neuroscience or psychology; strong quantitative research and interpersonal skills required.
- Other info: Fixed-term role with potential PhD funding; applications close on 14 July 2025.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 42000 £ per year.
About us
Applications are invited for a Research Assistant to join the Integrated Clinical-Computational Affective Research Unit (ICARUS). The unit is led by Dr Liam Mason (Associate Professor of Clinical Psychology and MRC Clinician Scientist Fellow). The post is based in the Research Department of Clinical, Educational and Health Psychology. This is a large and vibrant community where research and teaching activity aim to improve wellbeing through the application of psychological science to practice. Psychology at UCL was ranked 1st in the UK and 4th in the world in the 2023 Shanghai Ranking of World Universities. This reflects excellent links between teaching, professional training and research, the wide range of research expertise represented and the excellent opportunities for collaboration and interdisciplinary research provided at UCL. This is an excellent environment for an early-career researcher, where opportunities for collaboration and learning abound.
About the role
The role involves undertaking high quality research as part of an exciting new internationally funded research project investigating the neural and computational basis of anergia and effort hypersensitivity in depression. You will be responsible for: conducting behavioural, ambulatory smartphone-based and neuroimaging assessments with clinical participants with a diagnosis of bipolar disorder; assisting in study organisation; and working closely with the head of the lab and the other team members, including current and future doctoral and masters students.
The role offers an opportunity to conduct impactful, collaborative and rigorous research that can make a real difference to the lives of people with bipolar disorder. The post holder will receive support and supervision from the study team, and input from other academics collaborating on this work. This is an excellent position for an early-career researcher as it provides: (1) opportunities for publication; (2) the chance to develop knowledge and skills in neuroimaging analysis; and (3) experience of working with digital mental health and smartphone-based assessment tools. There will also be opportunities in the wider community of researchers at UCL to develop new networks.
- This is a fixed-term role for 6 months in the first instance, with the possibility of extension (3 years in total, including the 6 months).
- This role provides some funding for a PhD – depending on candidate suitability, there is the possibility to co-register as a PhD student.
- To co-register as a PhD student, you would need to be eligible for UK rate tuition fees.
- An acceptable Enhanced DBS is required for carry out parts of this role.
- This role is eligible for hybrid working with a minimum of 80% on-site.
- This role does not meet the eligibility requirements for a Skilled Worker Visa certificate of sponsorship under UK Visas and Immigration legislation. Therefore, UCL will not be able to sponsor individuals who require right to work in the UK to carry out this role.
This appointment is subject to UCL Terms and Conditions of Service for Research and Professional Services Staff. Please visit https://www.ucl.ac.uk/human-resources/conditions-service-research-teaching-and-professional-services-staff for more information.
About you
We are looking for someone with excellent quantitative research skills, and experience with recruiting clinical participants into longitudinal studies and in using functional MRI and scripting-based languages (e.g. Matlab, R, Python). They must also have experience of conducting research with human participants and of performing highly quantitative data analyses. They will need to have an MSc in cognitive neuroscience, psychology or related area. The role involves co-ordinating a large study and liaising with clinical participants, so the ideal candidate would have exceptional interpersonal and organisational skills.
Further Details
The advert will close on 14 July 2025 at 23:59 GMT. Interview date(s) are scheduled for July 2025. A Job Description and Person Specification can be accessed at the bottom of the page. If you have any queries about the role, please contact Liam Mason at l.mason@ucl.ac.uk. If you need reasonable adjustments or a more accessible format to apply for this job online or have any queries about the application process, please contact PALS HR at pals.hr@ucl.ac.uk.
The UCL Ways of Working supports colleagues to be successful and happy at UCL through sharing expectations around how we work – please visit www.ucl.ac.uk/ways-of-working to find out more.
What we offer
As well as the exciting opportunities this role presents, we also offer some great benefits some of which are below:
- 41 Days holiday (27 days annual leave 8 bank holiday and 6 closure days)
- Additional 5 days\’ annual leave purchase scheme
- Defined benefit career average revalued earnings pension scheme (CARE)
- Cycle to work scheme and season ticket loan
- Immigration loan
- Relocation scheme for certain posts
- On-Site nursery
- On-site gym
- Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption pay
- Employee assistance programme: Staff Support Service
- Discounted medical insurance
Visit https://www.ucl.ac.uk/work-at-ucl/rewards-and-benefits to find out more.
Our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
As London\’s Global University, we know diversity fosters creativity and innovation, and we want our community to represent the diversity of the world\’s talent. We are committed to equality of opportunity, to being fair and inclusive, and to being a place where we all belong.
We therefore particularly encourage applications from candidates who are likely to be underrepresented in UCL\’s workforce.
These include people from Black, Asian and ethnic minority backgrounds; disabled people; and for our Grade 9 and 10 roles, women.
Athena Swan Status Statement
- Our department holds an Athena SWAN Silver award, in recognition of our commitment and demonstrable impact in advancing gender equality.
You can read more about our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion here: https://www.ucl.ac.uk/equality-diversity-inclusion/ #J-18808-Ljbffr
Research Assistant in Cognitive Science of Mental Health employer: UCL
Contact Detail:
UCL Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Research Assistant in Cognitive Science of Mental Health
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the latest research in cognitive science and mental health, particularly focusing on bipolar disorder. This will not only help you understand the context of the role but also allow you to engage in meaningful conversations during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former researchers from UCL or similar institutions. They can provide insights into the work culture and expectations, which can be invaluable when preparing for your interview.
✨Tip Number 3
Brush up on your quantitative research skills and become proficient in the scripting languages mentioned in the job description, such as Matlab, R, or Python. Being able to demonstrate your technical skills can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare thoughtful questions about the research project and the team dynamics at ICARUS. Showing genuine interest in the role and the research can leave a positive impression on the interviewers.
We think you need these skills to ace Research Assistant in Cognitive Science of Mental Health
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in cognitive neuroscience, psychology, and quantitative research skills. Emphasise any previous work with clinical participants and your familiarity with functional MRI and programming languages like Matlab, R, or Python.
Craft a Strong Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your enthusiasm for the role and the research project. Discuss how your background aligns with the responsibilities outlined in the job description, particularly your experience in recruiting clinical participants and conducting data analyses.
Highlight Interpersonal Skills: Given the role's emphasis on liaising with clinical participants, be sure to showcase your exceptional interpersonal and organisational skills. Provide examples of how you've successfully coordinated studies or worked collaboratively in a team setting.
Proofread and Format: Before submitting your application, carefully proofread all documents for spelling and grammatical errors. Ensure that your CV and cover letter are well-formatted and easy to read, as this reflects your attention to detail and professionalism.
How to prepare for a job interview at UCL
✨Showcase Your Research Skills
Be prepared to discuss your quantitative research skills in detail. Highlight any previous experience you have with recruiting clinical participants and conducting longitudinal studies, especially if it involves functional MRI or scripting languages like Matlab, R, or Python.
✨Demonstrate Interpersonal Skills
Since the role involves liaising with clinical participants, it's crucial to showcase your exceptional interpersonal skills. Prepare examples of how you've effectively communicated and built rapport with participants in past research projects.
✨Familiarise Yourself with the Project
Research the Integrated Clinical-Computational Affective Research Unit (ICARUS) and the specific project on anergia and effort hypersensitivity in depression. Understanding the project's goals will help you articulate how your skills align with their needs.
✨Prepare Questions for the Interviewers
Have thoughtful questions ready for your interviewers about the research unit, the team dynamics, and opportunities for collaboration. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.
