Research Assistant in Clinical and Affective Neuroscience
Join a clinical trial investigating interoceptive mechanisms for emotion regulation in depression and anxiety.
Best for:Best for psychology or cognitive neuroscience graduates with clinical research experience, proficiency in Python/R, and an interest in affective neuroscience and mental health interventions.
Overview
This research assistant position at UCL’s Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience offers an opportunity to contribute to a clinical trial exploring how mindfulness and decentring techniques influence emotional regulation in individuals with depression and anxiety. The role involves conducting behavioural and psychophysiological tasks, recruiting and retaining participants, and collaborating with a team led by Professors Sarah Garfinkel and Camilla Nord. The work focuses on understanding the biological basis of emotion perception and regulation, with a strong emphasis on clinical neuroscience and affective science. Ideal candidates should have a background in psychology or cognitive neuroscience, experience in clinical research, and proficiency in coding (Python/R).
What you'll do
- Conduct behavioural, interoceptive, and emotion-based tasks with participants undergoing a mindfulness- and decentring-based intervention.
- Assist in recruiting, tracking, and retaining participants in the clinical trial.
- Collaborate with clinical and research teams to collect and analyse psychophysiological data.
- Support the implementation of intervention protocols for participants with depression and anxiety.
- Contribute to the analysis of data related to interoceptive mechanisms and emotional regulation.
- Maintain accurate records of participant progress and trial-related documentation.
Requirements
Degree required: Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, Cognitive Neuroscience, or a related field.
Language: English; no specific proficiency test mentioned
Instruction: English
- Experience in behavioural and psychophysiological testing
- Proficiency in coding using Python or R
- Background in clinical research or working on clinical trials
- Experience working with individuals with mental health conditions (anxiety/depression)
- Strong organisational and self-directed work skills
- Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment
- Valid right to work in the UK for at least one year
- No visa sponsorship available for this position
Funding & terms
How to apply
Deadline: 2026-10-19
Applicants should submit their CV and a cover letter detailing their relevant experience and interest in the role through the UCL job portal. Additional documents may be requested depending on the application.
- CV
- Cover letter
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