Overview
Research Assistant – Strand, London, WC2R 2LS
THIS VACANCY IS OPEN TO INTERNAL APPLICANTS ONLY
About us:
The Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience (IoPPN) at King’s College London is Europe’s largest centre of its kind for research and evaluation and publishes more highly-referenced mental health research than anyone else in the world.
The Department of Forensic and Neurodevelopmental Sciences (FANS) is one of Europe’s largest research groups and one of the few teams in the world bringing together leading experts in brain development and pro and antisocial behaviours. We believe it is essential to investigate the determinants of normal development in order to understand abnormal behaviour (or illness).
FANS academics play a critical role connecting expertise in basic animal models through to the latest neuroimaging technique, with epidemiology and the social sciences. We are world leaders in lifespan brain imaging and in relating differences in brain structure and function to social and cognitive development. We also study the genetics, epidemiology, psychopathology, neurobiology and psychopharmacology of autistic spectrum disorders and ADHD across the lifespan.
About the role:
The post holder will contribute to neuroimaging analysis and to the effective and efficient running of research activities within the Brain Health in Gen2020 study at the Department of Forensic and Neurodevelopmental Sciences. This exciting interdisciplinary project brings together expertise in neuroscience, psychology, paediatrics, brain imaging, and immunology to investigate the development of children born during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Research Assistant will conduct data analysis of existing state-of-the art multi-modal MRI data from neonatal cohorts (developing Human Connectome Project, dHCP; Brain Imaging in Babies study, BIBS) and paediatric cohorts (Brain Health in Gen2020). The successful candidate will have a background in neuroimaging research and analysis, and some experience in neonatal/paediatric diffusion MRI analysis. With support from the study team, the candidate will adapt existing data processing pipelines and assist researchers with quality control assessments and data analysis.
They will also provide comprehensive research and administrative support to the Brain Health in Gen2020 project, supporting all aspects of study delivery, including participant screening and recruitment, liaising with families, obtaining informed consent, conducting neurodevelopmental and cognitive assessments, collecting and managing study data, and ensuring adherence to research governance and ethical standards. As this will include supporting MRI data collection, we particularly welcome applications from those with an interest in early life neuroimaging.
This role involves working collaboratively with a range of stakeholders, including the Principal Investigators, Project Manager, research and clinical teams, as well as study participants and their families. This position is suited for an enthusiastic, curious and self-motivated individual seeking to contribute to research aiming to support young children and families. We provide a nurturing environment and support career development and thus we also welcome applicants with ambitions to pursue a PhD in the future.
This is a full-time post (35 Hours per week), and you will be offered a fixed term contract for 12 months in the first instance, with the possibility of extension if funding allows. This post is an on-site role only (no hybrid option).
Research staff at King’s are entitled to at least 10 days per year (pro-rata) for professional development. This entitlement, from the Concordat to Support the Career Development of Researchers, applies to Postdocs, Research Assistants, Research and Teaching Technicians, Teaching Fellows and AEP equivalent up to and including grade 7. Visit the Centre for Research Staff Development for more information.
About you:
To be successful in this role, we are looking for candidates to have the following skills and experience:
Essential criteria
- Upper second-class Bachelor’s degree (or higher) in psychology, neuroscience, biomedical sciences, or a related discipline.
- Experience in MRI data analysis using advanced diffusion modelling in neonates or young children.
- Experience working with different types of research data, including data entry systems (e.g., Qualtrics, REDCap) and reproducible analysis using a relevant language (e.g., R, Python).
- Experience with participant recruitment and data collection, including the ability to confidently work with neurodiverse children and families in research or clinical settings.
- Excellent knowledge of common neurobehavioral, developmental and cognitive testing batteries, as well as standardised psychometric screening measures, including experience in administration and scoring.
- Strong verbal and written communication skills and the ability to communicate ideas to specialists and non-specialist audiences.
- Able to work independently as well as in a team, and be flexible as required.
- Demonstrate understanding of research ethics and data protection.
Desirable criteria
- Knowledge and interest in developmental neuroscience/psychology, including an understanding of relationships between early life factors and brain/behaviour outcomes.
- Experience conducting visual quality control of MRI images.
- Excellent skills in identifying and critically synthesising relevant literature and producing high-quality written outputs to support manuscript preparation.
Downloading a copy of our Job Description
Full details of the role and the skills, knowledge and experience required can be found in the Job Description document, provided at the bottom of the next page after you click “Apply Now”. This document will provide information of what criteria will be assessed at each stage of the recruitment process.
IMPORTANT: Before applying for this role, please make sure you have the right to work in the country where the role is based. Unless it clearly stipulates within in the job advert above that the hiring company is looking to or able to sponsor applicants it is deemed that the hiring employer will only consider applications from those able to comply with and work in the country where the role is based.
