Research Assistant

**Job Purpose**
The Research Assistant will contribute to a functional brain imaging project in the lab of Prof Lars Muckli. The project, ‘Testing integrated information theory versus predictive processing frameworks in spatial perception’, involves psychophysical and high resolution fMRI experiments testing perceptual differences surrounding the blind spot. This project is part of a large Templeton World Charity Foundation grant “An adversarial collaboration to test contrasting predictions of the Integrated Information Theory and Predictive Processing accounts of consciousness”, taking unified experimental approaches towards testing contrasting predictions of the theories of consciousness from Karl Friston, Cyriel Pennartz and Giulio Tononi.
-

**Main Duties and Responsibilities**
Perform the following activities in conjunction with and under the guidance of the Principal/Co Investigator:

1. Plan and conduct assigned research individually or jointly in accordance with the project deliverables and project/group/School/College research strategy.
2. Document research output including analysis and interpretation of all data, maintaining records and databases, drafting technical/progress reports and papers as appropriate.
3. Develop and enhance your research profile and reputation and that of The University of Glasgow/School/Research Group, including contributing to publications of international quality in high profile/quality refereed journals, enhancing the research impact in terms of economic/societal benefit, and gathering indicators of esteem.
4. Contribute to the presentation of work at international and national conferences, at internal and external seminars, colloquia and workshops to develop and enhance our research profile.
5. Contribute to the identification of potential funding sources and to assist in the development of proposals to secure funding from internal and external bodies to support future research.
6. Collaborate with colleagues and participate in team/ group/ meetings/ seminars/ workshops across the research Group/School/College/University and wider community.
7. Contribute to the organisation, supervision, mentoring and training of undergraduate and/or postgraduate students and less experienced members of the project team to ensure their effective development.
8. Perform administrative tasks related to the activities of the research group and School, including Budgets/Expenditure.
9. Carry out modest Teaching activities \[e.g. demonstrating etc.\] and associated admin as assigned by the Head of School and in consultation with Principal Investigator.
10. Keep up to date with current knowledge and recent advances in the field/discipline.
11. Engage in continuing professional development activities as appropriate.
12. Undertake any other reasonable duties as required by the Head of School/Director of Research Institute.
13. Contribute to the enhancement of the University’s international profile in line with the University’s Strategic Plan, Inspiring People Changing The World.

**Knowledge/Qualifications**

**Essential**:
-

**Desirable**:

**Skills**

**Essential**:
C2. Research creativity and cross-discipline collaborative ability as appropriate
C3. Excellent communication skills \[oral and written\], including public presentations and ability to communicate complex data/concepts clearly and concisely
C4. Excellent interpersonal skills including team working and a collegiate approach
C5. Appropriate workload/time/project/budget/people management skills
C6. Extensive IT and data analysis/interpretation skills as appropriate
C7. Self-motivation, initiative and independent thought/working
C8. Problem solving skills including a flexible and pragmatic approach

**Experience**

**Essential**:

E1. Sufficient relevant research experience \[or equivalent\] appropriate to an early career researcher
E3. Experience of scientific writing
E4. Proven ability to deliver quality outputs in a timely and efficient manner
E5. Evidence of an emerging track record of publications in a relevant field

**Terms and Conditions**
Salary will be on the University’s Research and Teaching Grade 6, £30,502 - £34,308 per annum.
This post is full time and fixed term for 2.5 years.
New entrants to the University will be required to serve a probationary period of 6 months.
The successful applicant will be eligible to join the Universities' Superannuation Scheme. Further information regarding the scheme is available from the Superannuation Officer, who is also prepared to advise on questions relating to the transfer of Superannuation benefits.
All research and related activities, including grants, donations, clinical trials, contract research, consultancy and commercialisation are required to be managed through the University’s relevant processes (e.g. contractual and financial), in accordance with the University Court’s policies.
It is the University of Glasgow’s mission to foster an inclusive cli