About usWe are seeking an outstanding and motivated researcher to join an exciting Medical Research Council-funded project in the Department of Language and Cognition at UCL. Our department is a leading centre for research and teaching in language sciences and psychology, with a strong focus on understanding and addressing disorders of language and communication across the lifespan.In this role, you will become part of a dynamic, interdisciplinary team of clinicians and speech scientists from across UCL and leading partner institutions. Together, we are advancing translational neuroscience to uncover the brain mechanisms that support speech perception and comprehension in stroke survivorsAbout the roleWe are looking for an enthusiastic and motivated postdoctoral researcher to join a cutting-edge programme exploring speech tracking and its role in language comprehension after stroke. Speech tracking — the alignment of neural activity to speech rhythms — is thought to underpin speech perception and understanding in neurotypical individuals.This project investigates how speech tracking is affected after stroke damage to the speech perception network and whether rhythmical electrical stimulation can modulate tracking and comprehension in the same individuals. The successful candidate will work with the PI, research team, collaborators and technical experts, contributing to all stages of the project — from study design and participant testing to analysis and dissemination. You will take a leading role in developing transcranial alternating current stimulation paradigms, applying electrical neurostimulation alongside eye-tracking/pupillometry techniques to address our core research questions.This post offers excellent opportunities for career development, including training in project management and working with individuals with acquired communication and cognitive impairments. You will have the chance to present your work at international conferences, contribute to ongoing electrophysiology and behavioural studies, and play an active role in our vibrant, interdisciplinary research community.Interviews will take place the week commencing the 22nd September 2025We will consider applications for part-time, flexible and job share working patterns where possible. This role is eligible for hybrid working, minimum of 60% on site. This appointment is subject to UCL Terms and Conditions of Service for Research and Professional Services Staff. Please see https://www.ucl.ac.uk/human-resources/conditions-service-research-teaching-and-professional-services-staff This appointment is subject to UCL Terms and Conditions of Service for Academic Staff. Please see https://www.ucl.ac.uk/human-resources/policies/2021/jun/conditions-service-academic-staffAbout youThe successful candidate will be an organised, proactive, and collaborative researcher with a strong commitment to excellence in cognitive neuroscience. You will work closely with the Principal Investigator to ensure the smooth operational setup and effective management of the project, including developing data collection and analysis pipelines and upholding the highest ethical and safety standards.You will draw on your research design experience to create experimental paradigms incorporating auditory and continuous speech stimuli. Experience with neurostimulation methods is essential, along with a willingness to apply these techniques with older adults and stroke participants. You will have expertise in collecting and analysing pupillometry and eye-tracking data, or be eager to develop these skills. Proficiency in data manipulation and statistical analysis using R, Python, MATLAB, or similar tools is required, as is knowledge of non-linear regression and statistical testing of phasic modulation. Experience in neuropsychology and working with communication-impaired populations is desirable, but not essential, as training will be provided.In addition, you will mentor junior researchers and contribute to a collaborative, supportive team culture. You will be adept at anticipating and resolving challenges, adapting your approach when needed, and communicating findings effectively through conference presentations and other dissemination activities, including at the international level.What we offerAs well as the exciting opportunities this role presents, we also offer some great benefits some of which are below:
41 Days holiday (27 days annual leave 8 bank holiday and 6 closure days)
Additional 5 days’ annual leave purchase scheme
Defined benefit career average revalued earnings pension scheme (CARE)
Cycle to work scheme and season ticket loan
Immigration loan
Relocation scheme for certain posts
On-Site nursery
On-site gym
Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption pay
Employee assistance programme: Staff Support Service
Discounted medical insurance
Visit https://www.ucl.ac.uk/work-at-ucl/rewards-and-benefits to find out more. For job board postings use the condensed plain text: As well as the exciting opportunities this role presents, we also offer great benefits. Please visit https://www.ucl.ac.uk/work-at-ucl/rewards-and-benefits to find out more.Our commitment to Equality, Diversity and InclusionAs London’s Global University, we know diversity fosters creativity and innovation, and we want our community to represent the diversity of the world’s talent. We are committed to equality of opportunity, to being fair and inclusive, and to being a place where we all belong. We therefore particularly encourage applications from candidates who are likely to be underrepresented in UCL’s workforce. These include people from Black, Asian and ethnic minority backgrounds; disabled people; and for our Grade 9 and 10 roles, women. Athena Swan Status Statement • Our department holds an Athena SWAN Silver award, in recognition of our commitment and demonstrable impact in advancing gender equality. You can read more about our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion here: https://www.ucl.ac.uk/equality-diversity-inclusion/Available documents
