Research Associate in Human Neuroscience

King's College London

  • London
  • £43,205 per year
  • Contract
  • Full-time
  • 18 days ago
Job DescriptionThis Academy of Medical Sciences-funded research project aims to assess innovative, non-invasive measures of anti-seizure medication (ASM) efficacy in the cerebral cortex using advanced transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) technology. The objective is to validate these measures' sensitivity to ASMs targeting voltage-gated sodium channels, potentially facilitating objective treatment monitoring and adjustment in patients, as well as evaluating ASM efficacy in drug development trials. This research, conducted with healthy individuals, will inform future studies involving epilepsy patients.The successful candidate will join Dr. Hannah's lab, specialising in non-invasive transcranial brain stimulation and basic neuroscience methods (electromyography, EMG; electroencephalography, EGG; reflex testing) to investigate cortical, brainstem, and spinal neurophysiology. The project is supported by Prof. Mark Richardson, whose lab studies people with epilepsy and the mechanisms underlying seizure onset. The work will be conducted in the Centre for Human and Applied Physiological Sciences laboratories on Guy's Campus of King's College London.This post will be offered on an a fixed-term contract until 14 April 2026 with the earliest start date 15 July 2024.This is a full-time post on the campus - 100% full time equivalent.Key responsibilities
  • Develop and manage the program of research and oversee the day-to-day running of experimental protocols.
  • Recruit healthy volunteer participants and organise reimbursement of travel expenses and experimental fees.
  • Set up the lab and undertake experimental procedures, including collection and analysis of TMS-EMG data.
  • Collaborate closely with clinicians participating in the project to facilitate the administration of medication.
  • Write papers on the research findings for publication in international journals.
  • Present the findings of the research at international conferences.
  • Actively participate in departmental and faculty seminars and journal club meetings to disseminate research findings and foster interdisciplinary collaboration.
The above list of responsibilities may not be exhaustive, and the post holder will be required to undertake such tasks and responsibilities as may reasonably be expected within the scope and grading of the post.Skills, knowledge, and experienceEssential criteria
  • PhD in relevant area (e.g. Neuroscience, Psychology, Biomedical Engineering)
  • Keen interest in neurophysiology.
  • Experience in conducting experiments involving human participants.
  • Experience of non-invasive methods of brain stimulation or the recording/processing of electrophysiological signals.
  • Ability to work independently, managing research programs autonomously.
  • Experience collaborating effectively.
Desirable criteria
  • Proficiency in coding (Matlab or equivalent).
  • Experience conducting experiments that involve pharmacological interventions.
  • Please note that this is a PhD level role but candidates who have submitted their thesis and are awaiting award of their PhDs will be considered. In these circumstances the appointment will be made at Grade 5, spine point 30 with the title of Research Assistant. Upon confirmation of the award of the PhD, the job title will become Research Associate and the salary will increase to Grade 6.
Closing date: 30th April 2024£43,205 per annum, including London Weighting Allowance.

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