Research Assistant: Neurotechnology VR/AR/Neurogaming Applications

The neurotechnology research team at the University of Bath, led by Professor Damien Coyle, is developing new AI and immersive technologies to advance brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) and trial them at scale with end-users. A central focus is the creation of engaging, gamified VR/AR paradigms and neurogaming applications to support learning, communication, rehabilitation, and entertainment.

This role offers an exciting opportunity for a researcher with experience in VR/AR development, serious games, or neurogaming research applied to BCI and neurotechnology.

Working with Prof Coyle and the Bath Institute for the Augmented Human, the Research Assistant will:

• Design and develop novel immersive paradigms and neurogaming applications for BCIs
• Collaborate with AI experts, engineers, neuroscientists, psychologists, and trial managers
• Contribute to EEG-based research trials with able-bodied participants and patients with physical impairments or prolonged disorders of consciousness, in Bath and at partner sites across the UK
• Support data collection, analysis, and publication of results in high-impact journals

We are seeking a motivated researcher who can contribute effectively to our programme and work well within a team. The ideal candidate will have:

• A first degree in a relevant subject (Masters level qualification or equivalent experience desirable)
• Relevant research experience in areas such as VR/AR, game development, or neurogaming, with awareness of current developments in the field
• Strong skills in organising and prioritising work, meeting deadlines, and contributing to research reports and publications
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills, with confidence engaging with colleagues, participants, and external partners
• Competence in IT and digital tools appropriate to the discipline (e.g. Unity, Visual Studio, or equivalent)
• A collaborative approach, with the ability to work both independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team
• A commitment to professional, ethical, and safe research practice, with enthusiasm for developing creative solutions and advancing high-quality neurotechnology research

You will be:

• Proficient with Visual Studio and Unity3D (or similar) game development environments
• Experienced in software engineering and/or computing, evidenced by relevant work or a strong game/neurogaming development portfolio
• Optimising VR/AR or game performance for real-time applications such as BCIs and neurogaming

The post may involve UK travel and occasional extended stays off campus. As a member of Research Staff at the University of Bath, you will be encouraged to take up a minimum of 10 days' professional development pro rata per year.

This role is offered on a full-time (36.5 hours), fixed-term basis until March 2026.

We consider ourselves to be a university where difference is celebrated, respected and encouraged. We have an excellent international reputation with staff from over 60 different nations and have made a positive commitment towards gender equality and intersectionality, receiving a Silver Athena SWAN award. We truly believe that diversity of experience, perspectives, and backgrounds will lead to a better environment for our employees and students and encourage applications from all genders, backgrounds, and communities, particularly from underrepresented groups, and value the positive impact that will have on the university.

We are committed to maintaining a safe and secure environment for our students, staff, and community by reinforcing our Safer Recruitment commitment.

What we can offer you:

• Free counselling services through Health Assured
• Cycle to work scheme
• Electric vehicle salary sacrifice scheme
• Staff discount at Team Bath gym
• Staff discounts on postgraduate tuition fees
• Staff discount on language courses
• Generous employer contributory pension schemes
• Generous annual leave allowance with an additional five discretionary days so that you can enjoy a positive work-life balance
• A wide range of personal and professional development opportunities, including Apprenticeships, online learning, and more
• Free entry to the Holburne Museum in Bath
• Local discounts and more
• A family-friendly workplace
• An excellent rewards package that recognises the talents of our diverse workforce
• Relocation allowance
• Visa reimbursement and an Interest-Free Loan to help with the cost of some immigration expenses

Find out more about our benefits on our website and watch the video to hear from our staff about what makes the University of Bath a great place to work.

Right-to-Work in the UK: We do not assess immigration or right-to-work status until the offer stage. Being invited to interview does not guarantee you are eligible for visa sponsorship, and all offers are conditional on meeting right-to-work requirements. Further information is available on our application support webpage.

Anonymous shortlisting: We are constantly seeking to reduce the unconscious bias that enters any assessment process, with the goal of creating an inclusive and equal assessment process. To support this, personal details, such as your name, may be removed from application forms at the initial shortlisting stage.