Research Assistant/Associate In Closed-Loop Stimulation

Salary:

Research Assistant: £31,396 to £32,982 per annum (pro rata)

Research Associate: £33,966 to £40,521 per annum (pro rata)

Newcastle University is a great place to work, with excellent benefits. We have a generous holiday package; plus the opportunity to buy more, great pension schemes and a number of health and wellbeing initiatives to support you.

Closing Date: 16 April 2024

The Role

The full job title is Research Assistant/Associate in Closed-loop Neural Interface Technology combined with Auditory Stimulation and Electrophysiology.

We at Newcastle University, in collaboration with the Bioelectronics team at the Imperial College of London, are seeking to appoint a highly motivated and skilled Research Assistant/Research Associate. This part-time position will be a pivotal role in a pioneering project focused on advancing closed-loop neural interface technology using auditory stimulation on free-moving nonhuman primates. You will collaborate closely with the supervisory team at Newcastle University (Dr Yuki Kikuchi, Prof Andy Jackson) and the Bioelectronics team at the Imperial College of London (Prof Tim Constandinou).  

The work will focus on the developing cutting-edge neural interface technology using electrophysiological and acoustical signals. You should have experience working in research settings and expertise in bioengineering, electrical and electronic engineering, acoustical engineering, neuroscience, electrophysiology, computational science or a closely related field.

This part time post is offered on a fixed term basis until 30.04.2025. 

For informal enquiries contact: Dr Yuki Kikuchi (yukiko.kikuchi@ncl.ac.uk)

Find out more about the Faculty of Medical Sciences here: https://www.ncl.ac.uk/medical-sciences/ 

Find out more about our Research Institutes here: https://www.ncl.ac.uk/medical-sciences/research/institutes/

As part of our commitment to career development for research colleagues, the University has developed 3 levels of research role profiles. These profiles set out firstly the generic competences and responsibilities expected of role holders at each level and secondly the general qualifications and experiences needed for entry at a particular level.

Key Accountabilities

• Although working under the general guidance of an academic or Principal Investigator, the postholder will contribute ideas, including enhancements to the technical or methodological aspects of their studies, thus providing substantial 'added value' 
• Develop and carry out the specified project using appropriate techniques and equipment as outlined in the personal requirements 
• Determine appropriate methodologies for research, with advice and support where required
• Contribute to grant applications submitted by others and in time develop own research objectives and proposals for funding 
• Begin to write, with appropriate support, proposals for individual research funding or, where funders do not permit this, contribute to the writing of collective bids
• Assess research findings for the need/scope for further investigations
• Contribute to the writing up of their research for publication and dissemination, either through seminar and conference presentations or through publications
• Present research findings, either at conferences or through publications in reputable outlets appropriate to the discipline
• May be involved in the supervision, with guidance, of final year undergraduate research projects and in providing support to postgraduate research students or Research Assistants 
• Will need to work with the support staff and, on occasions, with undergraduate and postgraduate students, and interact intellectually with other academic members of the Institute.
• May contribute to events celebrating the public engagement of science/social sciences/humanities
• Develop an awareness of University structures, policies and procedures and relevant issues in the higher education, research, social and political environment

The Person

Knowledge, Skills and Experience

• Ability to work well as part of a team and rapidly acquire new skills
• Detailed subject knowledge in electrophysiology, acoustic engineering and signal processing
• Likelihood of advanced skills directly related to the research projects 
• High level of analytical and problem-solving capability 
• Ability to communicate complex information with clarity and to encourage the commitment of others 
• Experience of research with clear transferable skills and some experience or awareness of the research environment 
• Presentations at conferences and/or high-quality publications 
• Proven expertise in bioengineering, electrical and electronic engineering, acoustical engineering, neuroscience, electrophysiology, computational science or a closely related field
• The work will focus on the developing cutting-edge neural interface technology using electrophysiological and acoustical signals. Strong advanced analytical, programming and signal processing skills are essential
• Experience working with animals in research settings, especially electrophysiology in behaving animals (Desirable)

Attributes and Behaviour

• Excellent interpersonal skills to interface between collaborative groups to facilitate the technology development 
• Excellent oral and written communication skills & ability to work in a fast-paced research environment

Qualifications

• Good honours degree (or equivalent) with some subject knowledge in the relevant area (Research Assistant)
• A PhD in Neuroscience, Engineering, Computer Sciences or a related discipline required (Research Associate)
   

Newcastle University is a global University where everyone is treated with dignity and respect.  As a University of Sanctuary, we aim to provide a welcoming place of safety for all, offering opportunities to people fleeing violence and persecution.

We are committed to being a fully inclusive university which actively recruits, supports and retains colleagues from all sectors of society.  We value diversity as well as celebrate, support and thrive on the contributions of all of our employees and the communities they represent.  We are proud to be an equal opportunities employer and encourage applications from individuals who can complement our existing teams, we believe that success is built on having teams whose backgrounds and experiences reflect the diversity of our university and student population.

At Newcastle University we hold a silver Athena Swan award in recognition of our good employment practices for the advancement of gender equality.  We also hold a Race Equality Charter Bronze award in recognition of our work towards tackling race inequality in higher education REC.  We are a Disability Confident employer and will offer an interview to disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the role as part of the offer and interview scheme.

In addition, we are a member of the Euraxess initiative supporting researchers in Europe. 

Requisition ID: 26885