King's College London

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 infant 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

THIS VACANCY IS OPEN TO INTERNAL APPLICANTS ONLY

The Shiftability team uses pharmacological probes to examine differences in brain responsivity in neurodiverse individuals. Thie includes a study using psilocybin to investigate differences in the autistic and non-autistic brain response to the serotonin targets of psilocybin.

We are looking for an experienced researcher and functional MRI analyst to work together with the shiftability team and Professor Grainne McAlonan. The post holder will provide support to research, management, and leadership activities as required. Meticulous attention to detail is essential. Along with the ability to manage their own workload effectively, they will be required to work both independently and work well as part of a busy team, responding and adapting to priorities.

The successful applicant will bring enthusiasm, strong organisational skills and a proactive approach to the job. The role involves working with both professional service, research and academic colleagues and is suited to an individual who is personable and good at relating to others.

This is a full time post (35 Hours per week), and you will be offered an a fixed term contract until 18 months from start date.

About You

To be successful in this role, we are looking for candidates to have the following skills and experience:

Essential criteria

1. PhD or pending submission of PhD in the area of psychopharmacology/neuroimaging/autism.
2. Experience in functional MRI analyses.
3. Excellent written, communication and interpersonal skills.
4. Highly proficient IT skills (including Excel, Word, Powerpoint) and experience of utilising advanced digital technology in day-to-day work.
5. Experience working in clinical/academic research setting in mental health/cognitive neuroscience or similar.
6. Knowledge of neurodevelopment, autism, ADHD and mental health.
7. Highly organized with good record-keeping.
8. Self-motivated, with the ability to work independently as well as in a team and flexibility as required.

Desirable criteria

1. Experience in administering and interpreting developmental/neurocognitive tests.
2. Knowledge of EEG and psychophysics paradigms.
3. MSc/MRes or similar in a relevant subject.

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.

Further Information

We pride ourselves on being inclusive and welcoming. We embrace diversity and want everyone to feel that they belong and are connected to others in our community.

We are committed to working with our staff and unions on these and other issues, to continue to support our people and to develop a diverse and inclusive culture at King's.

We ask all candidates to submit a copy of their CV, and a supporting statement, detailing how they meet the essential criteria listed in the advert. If we receive a strong field of candidates, we may use the desirable criteria to choose our final shortlist, so please include your evidence against these where possible.

To find out how our managers will review your application, please take a look at our ‘How we Recruit’  pages.

We are able to offer sponsorship for candidates who do not currently possess the right to work in the UK.