Research Assistant in Cognitive Neuroscience Part-time NEW

Research Assistant in Cognitive Neuroscience

The University of Oxford is a stimulating work environment which enjoys an international reputation as a world-class centre of excellence. Our research plays a key role in tackling many global challenges, from reducing our carbon emissions to developing vaccines during a pandemic.

The Department of Experimental Psychology is located on South Parks Road at the new, purpose-built Life and Mind Building, a multidisciplinary research and teaching facility that opened in the summer of 2025.

We are seeking a motivated and enthusiastic Research Assistant to assist in a collaborative project funded by a strategic award from the BBSRC across several labs. While the broad theme of the collaborative project is to investigate interactions between the ascending neuromodulators and prefrontal cortex, the specific project that this research assistant will work on focuses on the neural mechanisms of attention and value-based decision making. The successful candidate will be responsible for the analysis of magnetoencephalography data during an experimental paradigm involving the measurement of covert attention using Rapid Invisible Frequency Tagging (RIFT). They may also have the opportunity to work on modelling and analysis of behavioural/EEG/MEG data from this and other closely related paradigms.

Informal enquiries about the post can be directed to Laurence Hunt (laurence.hunt@psy.ox.ac.uk).

The successful candidate will have a first degree or equivalent level in a relevant area of psychological or biological research, experience in task design and/or analysis of neuroimaging datasets during complex cognitive tasks, and knowledge and demonstrable interest in the cognitive neuroscience of attention and decision-making. They will also have excellent communication, organisational and time management skills, and the ability to work collaboratively as part of a team.

The post is part time (20 hours per week) and is fixed-term from 1st September 2026 until 31st May 2027.

As an employer, we genuinely care about your happiness and wellbeing at work and this is reflected in the range of benefits that we offer including:

• An excellent contributory pension scheme
• 38 days annual leave
• A comprehensive range of childcare services
• Family leave schemes
• Cycle loan scheme
• Discounted bus travel and Season Ticket travel loans
• Membership to a variety of social and sports clubs

Applications for this vacancy are to be made online. You will be required to upload a supporting statement detailing how you meet the selection criteria, your CV, and the contact details of two referees as part of your application. For further details please refer to the “How to apply” section of the job description.

The closing date for applications is midday on 10th July 2026 and only applications received by this date will be considered.

The University of Oxford is committed to equal opportunity, and to being an inclusive institution where everyone belongs and is supported to succeed. We recognise how the diversity of our community enriches our ability to deliver on our academic mission. We welcome applications from individuals from all backgrounds, including those under-represented within higher education. No applicant or members of staff shall be unlawfully discriminated against on the basis of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation.