Research Fellow in Computational Psychiatry(UK Visa Sponsorship)

Job Description

About the Centre

The Max Planck UCL Centre for Computational Psychiatry and Ageing Research (MPC) is a globally recognised collaboration focused on uncovering the mechanisms that drive psychiatric disorders and shape individual differences in cognitive development across the lifespan.

At the heart of the Centre’s work is the use of computational models to understand how brain processes relate to behaviour, learning, and mental health. By combining neuroscience, psychology, and advanced mathematical modelling, MPC aims to improve how psychiatric conditions are identified, understood, and treated, while also informing strategies to support healthy cognitive ageing.

About the Role

We are seeking a Research Fellow in Computational Psychiatry to join the RELMED project, a Wellcome-funded programme investigating how different antidepressant treatments engage distinct reinforcement learning mechanisms in the human brain.

In this role, you will co-lead the neuroimaging component of the project, with a primary focus on electroencephalography (EEG) integrated with advanced computational and reinforcement learning models. You will work closely with Professor Quentin Huys (Chief Investigator), who will provide academic supervision and line management.

The position is fully on-site at UCL, with regular travel to collaborating study locations as required. The role is available immediately and is funded for two years initially, with the potential for extension subject to successful funding renewal.

This post contributes directly to the UK’s broader investment in neuroscience, mental health, and translational research:
https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/medical-research-council

Key Responsibilities

As Research Fellow, you will:

• Co-design and lead EEG-based experimental studies within the RELMED project
• Develop and apply computational reinforcement learning models to neuroimaging data
• Integrate behavioural, neural, and computational findings into publishable research outputs
• Collaborate closely with clinicians, neuroscientists, and computational researchers
• Contribute to high-quality academic publications and grant-related outputs
• Support responsible data management and reproducible research practices
• Travel to partner sites to support data collection and study coordination

About You

Essential Criteria

You will bring:

• A PhD (or near completion) in computational neuroscience, psychology, cognitive neuroscience, or a closely related discipline
• Demonstrated experience conducting neuroscience research, supported by a strong publication record
• Advanced skills in mathematical or computational programming (e.g. MATLAB, Python, R, Java)
• Experience applying computational models to behavioural or neural data
• Strong analytical thinking, communication, and collaborative working skills

You will thrive in an interdisciplinary research environment and be motivated by the challenge of translating computational theory into clinically meaningful insight.

Funding, Visas & International Applicants

This role meets the eligibility criteria for UK Skilled Worker sponsorship and Global Talent visas. UCL welcomes applications from international researchers who require visa sponsorship under UK Visas and Immigration regulations:

https://www.gov.uk/skilled-worker-visa

https://www.gov.uk/global-talent

Appointment & Salary Structure

• The post is offered at UCL Grade 7.
• Research Fellow: £45,103 – £52,586 per annum (including London Allowance)
• Research Assistant (if PhD not yet awarded): £39,148 – £41,833 per annum
• Appointment will be upgraded to Research Fellow and backdated upon confirmation of PhD award.

This appointment is subject to UCL’s Terms and Conditions of Service for Research and Professional Services Staff, in line with UK employment regulations:
https://www.gov.uk/employment-contracts-and-conditions

Benefits and Working at UCL

UCL offers an extensive benefits package designed to support wellbeing, career development, and work-life balance, including:

• 41 days’ annual leave (including bank holidays and closure days)
• Defined benefit CARE pension scheme
• Cycle to Work scheme and season ticket loans
• Immigration loan support
• On-site nursery and gym facilities
• Enhanced family leave policies
• Employee Assistance Programme and wellbeing services
• Discounted private medical insurance

https://www.gov.uk/workplace-pensions

Equality, Diversity & Inclusion

The Institute is committed to maintaining an inclusive, respectful, and supportive working environment where individual strengths are recognised and valued. A significant proportion of staff actively contribute to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion initiatives, and the Institute holds an Athena SWAN Silver Award for advancing gender equality.

UCL encourages applications from candidates who are underrepresented in academia, including individuals from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds, disabled people, LGBTQI+ and gender-diverse communities, and women in senior academic roles.

How to Apply

To apply, please submit:

• A current CV
• An online application form
• A supporting statement or cover letter demonstrating how you meet the essential and desirable criteria

Please do not upload additional documents, as these will not be considered.