Download JOB DESCRIPTION JOB TITLE: Research Associate Affective Touch

JOB DESCRIPTION
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Research Associate Affective Touch and Interoception
Research Department of Clinical, Educational and Health
Psychology; UCL Centre for Behaviour Change
Dr Katerina Fotopoulou
Band 7 £33,353- 40,313 per annum (inclusive of London
Allowance)
Full Time (request for part-time employment will be
considered)
The post is funded for 24 months in the first instance
BACKGROUND AND MAIN PURPOSE
The project will investigate the neural basis of bodily perception and interoceptive
awareness, with particular emphasis on affective touch. The post-holder will design,
programme, conduct, analyse and write up experimental and neuroscientific studies on the
perception of bodily signals and feelings such as affective touch and their modulation by
social variables. The post-holder is required to use modern psychophysiological,
electrophysiological and neuroimaging methods to investigate these topics, including
investigations of the effects of neuropeptides such as oxytocin, and publish world leading
work in the area. These methods will be used mainly in studies with adult healthy
volunteers, but the lab also runs studies in patients with neurological unawareness, eating
disorders, autism, individuals with functional sensorimotor disorders. The post-holder is
expected to contribute to these studies, according to their expertise and interests. There
will also be opportunities for developmental studies. The post-holder is also expected to
contribute to the overall research goals of the lab, including the supervision of PhD and Msc
students and the governance of the newly founded ‘International Society for the Study of
Affective Touch’.
Applicants are invited for a Research Associate position to work with Dr Katerina Fotopoulou
on the project “Bodily Self”, funded by a European Research Council Starting Investigator
Grant. The project will investigate the neural basis of bodily perception and interoceptive
awareness, with particular emphasis on affective touch. The post-holder will design,
programme, conduct, analyse and write up experimental and neuroscientific studies on the
perception of bodily signals and feelings such as affective touch and their modulation by
social variables. The post-holder is required to use modern psychophysiological,
electrophysiological and neuroimaging methods to investigate these topics, and publish
world leading work in the area. These methods will be used mainly in studies with adult
healthy volunteers, but the lab also runs studies in patients with neurological unawareness,
eating disorders, autism, individuals with functional sensorimotor disorders. The post-holder
is expected to contribute to these studies, according to their expertise and interests. There
will also be opportunities for developmental studies. The post-holder is also expected to
contribute to the overall research goals of the lab, including the supervision of PhD and MSc
students and the governance of the newly founded ‘International Society for the Study of
Affective Touch’.
This post is funded for two years in the first instance.
KEY REQUIREMENTS
Applicants must have or be in the process of obtaining a PhD in psychology, neuroscience or
a related field. A strong background in behavioural methods, strong abilities in data analysis
and the ability to work independently and deliver outputs on time are essential. Experience
in neuroimaging, programming and computational methods in cognitive neuroscience and
previous research experience in interoception studies, body representation or social
cognitive neuroscience are highly desirable.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
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To perform experimental research (psychological, behavioural, physiological,
neuroimaging) on the processes and brain mechanisms of human body perception and
awareness.
To develop their own interests and design, run, analyse and write up experimental
studies in the above areas.
To record the processes and results of the investigations, maintaining a permanent
record of the work.
To prepare and present findings of research activity to colleagues and collaborators.
To contribute to the writing, submission and revision of papers to be submitted to
appropriate peer reviewed journals, collaborating with others as appropriate.
To contribute to the overall activities of the research team and the department as
appropriate.
To contribute to the induction and direction of other research staff and students
To contribute to undergraduate and postgraduate teaching-related activities undertaken
by Dr. Fotopoulou.
To contribute to the governance of the newly founded ‘International Society for the
Study of Affective Touch’.
To follow UCL policies including Equal Opportunities, Ethics, Race Equality, Fire and
Health and Safety
To undertake any other duties that may be required within the general scope of the post
The post is funded for 24 months in the first instance
PERSON SPECIFICATION
Essential:
 PhD in a relevant subject area.
 Excellent academic record in undergraduate and postgraduate studies, including at least
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one distinction
Knowledge of a range of relevant research techniques and scientific literature.
Relevant research experience in an area such as psychology, or neuroscience
Research skills applicable to this area, especially experimental design and statistical
analysis
Proven ability to analyse and write up data, delivering reports on time.
Technical skills and ability to develop experimental paradigms and protocols
Effective written and verbal communication skills in scientific English
Experience of working in an intense, research environment
Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work co-operatively in multidisciplinary
settings.
A strong background in behavioural methods, strong abilities in data analysis and the
ability to work independently and deliver outputs on time.
Desirable:
 Experience of research in human affective touch, body awareness and representation,
and/or social cognitive neuroscience
 Experience with computer programming, computational neuroscience, neuroimaging
methods and analysis
 Impactful, peer-reviewed publications
 Ability to present complex information effectively to a range of audiences.
 Experience of contributing effectively to the work of a team.
 Interest in technological innovations and treatment development in mental health
 Experience working with patients with eating or functional disorders
 Experience of recruiting, collecting data from, and liaising with NHS patients and staff.
 Experience in research with children
 Experience in neuroimaging, programming and computational methods in cognitive
neuroscience and previous research experience in interoception studies, body
representation or social cognitive neuroscience.
This job description is not exhaustive and is subject to change in accordance with the
needs of the post.
TO APPLY
Please apply via the UCL Vacancies website: http://www.ucl.ac.uk/hr/jobs/