Postdoctoral Research Associate (Fixed Term)

Job description

We are seeking to appoint a Postdoctoral Research Associate (PDRA) in auditory cognitive neuroscience based at the CBU (with its transition into CMBI). The PDRA will work on a Wellcome Trust funded project led by Dr Guangting Mai studying the neural basis of audiovisual speech processing in adult cochlear implant (CI) users. Main advisors/collaborators include Drs Matt Davis and Bob Carlyon (CBU) and Prof Doug Hartley (Nottingham BRC).

The project aims to study how different sensory modalities (audition and vision) work together to support day-to-day speech comprehension by CI users. We also aim to address an imminent and critical clinical question of whether processing of visual speech (talker's lip movement during face-to-face communication) is associated with adaptative or maladaptative changes in auditory processing and audiovisual integration of speech during CI rehabilitation. We will address these questions through sets of cross-sectional and longitudinal experiments in adult CI users combining sophisticated brain imaging of electroencephalography (EEG) and high-density diffuse optical tomography (HD-DOT). Findings of the project would provide important implications for clinicians to consider appropriate strategies as to how patients should be instructed to use visual speech and what their impacts may be for speech and language development during CI rehabilitation. The findings may also provide evidence to use brain imaging to better predict post-implantation outcomes and/or guidance for neuromodulation to improve CI users' speech comprehension.

An ideal candidate is expected to have a strong background (PhD in neuroscience, psychology or auditory/speech sciences) and extensive experience in conducting EEG/MEG and/or functional neuroimaging experiments (fNIRS/DOT/fMRI) in human participants. Experience in working with clinical populations (e.g., participants with hearing, speech or language disorders) is highly desirable. Relevant analyses expertise (including Matlab or Python programming) will also be a strong asset.

Funding for this post is available for a fixed term of 3 years full time or extended pro rata for part time (preferably 0.7 FTE).

Once an offer of employment has been accepted, the successful candidate will be required to undergo a health assessment, a security check and a standard Disclosure and Barring Service check. This appointment also requires a Research Passport application.

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Please include details of your referees, including email address and phone number, one of which must be your most recent line manager.

Closing Date: 16th October 2026

Interview Date: to be confirmed (expected November 2026)

Please quote reference SU51024 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.

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