Research Assistant in Neuroscience, Psychedelics and Mental Health

About us

UCL is ranked number one in the UK for research in psychology, psychiatry and neuroscience. We are pleased to offer two research opportunities on a world-first study of the effects of the psychedelic drug dimethyltryptamine (DMT) on neuroplasticity, cognition and behaviour in heavy drinkers. We will combine drug administration with neuroimaging plus comprehensive cognitive and behavioural assessments to develop new insights into how psychedelic drugs might impact the brain, thoughts and behaviour. You will be embedded within the Clinical Psychopharmacology Unit at UCL; a world-leading multidisciplinary research unit that examines novel drug and behavioural approaches to improving treatments for mental health disorders. You will make use of our EEG, fMRI, psychophysiological, drug administration and cognitive testing facilities as part of this project. The team comprises a group of established researchers, clinicians and students focussing on different aspects of translational neuroscience in mental health. We are dedicated to maintaining a supportive, collaborative and inclusive research culture and strive to produce research of a world-leading standard. If awarded the post you will therefore be join a thriving research environment from which many young researchers have gone on to flourishing independent careers in psychopharmacology and neuroscience. We have numerous collaborative scientific and clinical research links across the Institutes of Neurology, Cognitive Neuroscience, Mental Health and UCLH.

About the role

We are looking for a highly motivated and technically-capable graduate researcher with experience in human experimental cognitive neuroscience or psychological research, to join a ground-breaking research project on the effects of the psychedelic drug DMT. There has been a great deal of recent research (and public) interest in psychedelic drugs as therapeutic tools in psychiatry. Despite promising initial findings, there is a surprising lack of mechanism-focussed, well-powered research in this field; a gap that this project will fulfil. We have received funding from the Wellcome Trust to conduct an ambitious study comparing DMT to other drugs in to understand how it affects cognition and behaviour in the short and long-term and how these effects might help reduce excessive alcohol consumption. The study combines neuroimaging (fMRI and EEG) with drug administration, a memory reconsolidation interference intervention, battery of behavioural and cognitive analyses, plus qualitative interviews, to provide a complete picture of the effects of DMT in heavy drinking and understand mechanisms and predictors of beneficial outcomes. You will be required to collect and process a variety of quantitative, qualitative and neural data including fMRI. The post-holder will need to collect and monitor this data and ensure it is managed to the highest standards. The study builds upon prior research from our lab showing that reward memories that contribute to excess drinking can be targeted by leveraging memory reconsolidation mechanisms (Das et al, 2019; Nature Communications). The study uses a three-day lab-based experimental protocol drugs are administered on the second day while EEG is recorded. Brain scanning and a battery of assessments are collected on the first and third days to assess lasting change. We also follow up participants for an extensive period of 9 moths, using ecological momentary assessment and remote surveys. If the findings from the project are positive, we aim to pursue clinical trials to develop addiction treatments based on the protocols we will test here. The position will therefore be ideal for those with an interest in both translational neuroscience as it pertains to improving mental health. Candidates with research experience in this domain are particularly encouraged to apply. This is a fixed-term role for 12 months in the first instance, with the contract rolling over each year up to three years, if the project achieves its milestones for further funding. The successful candidate must therefore be available to start immediately. Appointment will be at Grade 6B. An acceptable enhanced DBS check is required to carry out this role. This appointment is subject to UCL Terms and Conditions of Service for Research and Professional Services Staff. Please visit https://www.ucl.ac.uk/human-resources/conditions-service-research-teaching-and-professional-services-staff for more information.

About you

We are looking for an individual with experience of conducting quantitative experimental research in humans, ideally in an applied setting (for example, with clinical models or patients). Given the nature of the study, you will need excellent organisational, technical and interpersonal skills. The study involves intensive data collection and discussion of potentially sensitive information with participants. You will work closely with the rest of the study team to collect and monitor data and safeguard participants’ wellbeing throughout the study. This will involve large volumes of fMRI, EEG, quantitative and interview data and you will meet regularly with the PIs and study team to ensure progress and solve any issues that may arise. You will need excellent organisational skills to manage a busy schedule, be highly motivated and able to take initiative to ensure continual recruitment completion of data collection on time while ensuring high data quality. Prior experience managing large trials, processing fMRI and/or EEG data, working on similar drugs studies and/or using qualitative approaches will make you particularly competitive for the role. A full job description and person specification can be accessed at the bottom of this page. To apply, please click on the "Apply Now" button below. To apply for this post, please submit your CV together with a covering letter. Your CV must include education history (institution name, start and end dates of courses and qualifications gained), details of current or most recent employer (name and address of current organisation, job title, salary and duties), name and contact details of two referees, details of previous employment, and details of any publications. Your covering letter must clearly state how your specific knowledge, skills and abilities meet the job requirements, why you are interested in the post and what you can contribute to the project. To discuss further particulars, interested applicants may write to Dr Ravi Das (ravi.das@ucl.ac.uk). If you need reasonable adjustments or a more accessible format to apply for this job online or have any queries about the application process, please contact Sharinjeet Dhiman (s.dhiman@ucl.ac.uk).

What we offer

As well as the exciting opportunity to have a central role in world-leading research, we also offer some great benefits some of which are below: • 41 Days holiday (27 days annual leave 8 bank holiday and 6 closure days) • Additional 5 days’ annual leave purchase scheme • Defined benefit career average revalued earnings pension scheme (CARE) • Cycle to work scheme and season ticket loan • Immigration loan • Relocation scheme for certain posts • On-Site nursery • On-site gym • Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption pay • Employee assistance programme: Staff Support Service • Discounted medical insurance Visit https://www.ucl.ac.uk/work-at-ucl/rewards-and-benefits to find out more. The UCL Ways of Working supports colleagues to be successful and happy at UCL through sharing expectations around how we work –please visit www.ucl.ac.uk/ways-of-working to find out more.

Our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

As London’s Global University, we know diversity fosters creativity and innovation, and we want our community to represent the diversity of the world’s talent. We are committed to equality of opportunity, to being fair and inclusive, and to being a place where we all belong. We therefore particularly encourage applications from candidates who are likely to be underrepresented in UCL’s workforce. These include people from Black, Asian and ethnic minority backgrounds; disabled people; neurominorities, LGBTQI+ people; and for our Grade 9 and 10 roles, women. Our department holds an Athena SWAN Silver award, in recognition of our commitment and demonstrable impact in advancing gender equality. You can read more about our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion here: https://www.ucl.ac.uk/equality-diversity-inclusion/

Available documents

Download: Research Assistant Job Description