Research Associate
Health and Medical,Anatomy, Physiology and Pathology,Psychology
Short info about job
Company: King's College London
Department: Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Department
Salary: £32,958 to £34,956 per annum, plus £2,923 per annum London Allowance.
Hours: Full Time
Contract type: Fixed-Term/Contract
Type / Role: Academic or Research
Phone: +44-1306 1148040
Fax: +44-1496 7270446
E-mail: N\A
Site: N\A
Detail information about job Research Associate. Terms and conditions vacancy
The salary will be paid at Grade 6, £32,958 to £34,956 per annum, plus £2,923 per annum London Allowance.
This post will be Fixed Term Contract for 3 years.
This is a Full-time position.
The Postdoctoral Research Associate will work with Prof Rubia and her team on an exciting translational neuroscience project funded by Action Medical Research to test a novel side-effect free, non-pharmacological neuromodulation therapy for ADHD based on the neuroscience of the disorder. The neuromodulation therapy entails brain stimulation of the right frontal cortex -which is a key impaired area in ADHD as well as the target of stimulant medication- using transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) combined with the training of cognitive functions that are relevant to ADHD (i.e., executive functions). tDCS applies small side-effect free electrical currents to the brain. Several studies, including in ADHD have shown that the combination of tDCS with cognitive training enhances the effects of the cognitive training due to reinforcement of synaptic plasticity. In ADHD, small pilot studies have shown that combining cognitive training with brain stimulation can improve ADHD behaviours. We will test this neuromodulation therapy in a proof of concept randomised controlled trial in 40 ADHD adolescents who will be randomised to real stimulation or sham stimulation while they are being trained in cognitive training tasks. We will also investigate underlying mechanisms by conducting EEG pre and post training.
The post-doc will have the opportunity to acquire or extend his/her experience in tDCS or cognitive training, learn cutting edge tDCS and cognitive training methods, work in the field of translational neuroscience which is an innovative clinical research area, learn about novel therapy development and work in an interdisciplinary team at the Institute of Psychiatry, involving psychiatrists, and experts in tDCS, cognitive training and cognitive neuroscience.
The candidate will have a PhD and a strong background in neuropsychology, cognitive training, brain stimulation, neuroimaging, cognitive neuroscience, EEG, or related fields and show evidence of working independently, excellent organisation skills, team work abilities, excellent writing skills, and statistical expertise. It is strongly desirable that the post-doc has prior experience in tDCS and/or cognitive training, in EEG and/or (cognitive) (developmental) neuroscience. Other criteria are: autonomy through all stages of the study, sound knowledge of experimental design and statistical methods, and proven ability to express ideas and disseminate findings effectively. Applicants should be able to work independently as well as co-operate with other members of the research team.
The selection process will include competency based questions, an assessment and a panel interview. The interviews will be held on the 27th September 2017.
For an informal discussion to find out more about the role please contact Prof Katya Rubia, [email protected], Tel: 020 7848 0463
To apply for this role, please go to the King’s College London HireWire Job Board and register to download and submit the specified application form. In addition, send a CV, the names of 2 referees and a 1 A4 page review of the neuroimaging deficits of ADHD or another related disorder.
Closing date is midnight on 10th September 2017.
The interview will take place on 27th September.
Job start date will be 1st November 2017.