We are looking for a research fellow in an ERC-funded research project "Action selection under threat - the complex control of human defence" led by Dominik Bach (http://bachlab.org) at University College London. The position will be based at the Max-Planck UCL Centre for Computational Psychiatry (https://www.mps-ucl-centre.mpg.de/en). OPM-MEG research takes place at the Wellcome Centre for Human Neuroimaging (http://www.fil.ion.ucl.ac.uk/). Our immersive virtual reality lab is based at the UCL Department for Clinical and Movement Neuroscience. These places offer world-class training and networking opportunities and an intellectually vibrant and inspiring research culture.   

The overarching goal of the project is to understand the computational algorithms of decision-making under acute, immediate threat. We investigate this in an immersive virtual reality (VR) environment, in which people can move to avoid a large number of different threats. The candidate will design and perform human behavioural experiments and analyse movement trajectories. They will also develop and perform MEG experiments using wearable sensors (OPM). The role requires a good understanding of human VR experimentation as well as an interest in using wearable MEG. The interdisciplinary project team is composed of VR experts, psychologists, movement scientists, and decision theorists, and we are looking for an individual who enjoys working in a team environment. Within the topical focus, the project offers freedom to explore and develop novel experimental manipulations that allow inference on the mechanisms of decision-making and action selection.

Successful applicants will have an established track record of experimental human research using virtual reality or OPMs, and a strong interest in combining both. They will have a PhD in cognitive-computational (neuro)science, applied machine-learning, motor science, a quantitative field of psychology (e.g. decision-making, perception), or a related area by the agreed start date of the position. They will be keen to solve technical challenges. We are looking for an individual who is strongly motivated to pursue an academic career and is excited by the opportunities for personal and career development this position can provide.

The post is available from October 2021 and funded for up to 3 years with initial appointment for 1 year. Starting salary is on UCL grade 7, ranging from £36,028 to £43,533 per annum, inclusive of London Allowance, superannuable.  

More information and access to the UCL online application portal: https://is.gd/sOiFPc

Please contact d.bach@ucl.ac.uk for any queries about the project or role.

Closing date: 24 August (tbc)

Interviews will be held remotely in late August/early September.

Apologies for cross-posting.

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Dominik R Bach MBBS PhD
Principal Research Fellow
Max Planck UCL Centre for Computational Psychiatry and Ageing Research
Wellcome Centre for Human Neuroimaging, University College London
bachlab.org | @bachlab_cog