Research Assistant

Cardiff University - School of Psychology

We are seeking a Research Assistant to help us realise an extremely exciting 5-year research project, in which we are developing novel treatments for depression and PTSD through the manipulation of memory in sleep. During the course of this role you may have the opportunity to apply for a PhD.

This project is funded by the Wellcome Trust on a multi center grant lead Penny Lewis, who specializes in the study of what sleep does to our memories, and is based at the Cardiff University Brain Research Imaging Centre (CUBRIC). The post-holder join a team of researchers including Depression researcher (and Consultant Psychiatrist) Neil Harrison, PTSD specialist (and Consultant Psychiatrist) Jon Bisson at the Welsh National Centre for Mental Health (NCMH), and Tim Denison, who leads a team of research engineers at Oxford. The post-holder will be expected to participate in all aspects of the research.

Cardiff University’s Brain Research Imaging Centre (CUBRIC) is one of the best equipped neuroscience institutes in Europe, housing 3 MRI scanners, including a 7T and a Connectom scanner, a MEG, EEG labs, a brain stimulation lab, and of course a state of the art sleep lab. The Welsh National Centre for Mental Health is right next door. The Neuroscience and Psychology of Sleep (NaPS) group is housed within CUBRIC, and conducts world-leading research on the impacts of sleep on cognitive processes.

Cardiff is a beautiful green city with easy access to the coast (beaches) and hills (Brecon Beacons and similar). The cost of living is comparatively low (reasonable house prices) and in general people find it a pleasant place to live.

Contact Penny Lewis directly if interested: lewisp8@cardiff.ac.uk (put Sleep Engineering Jobs) in the subject.

This post is part time (24.5 hours per week) available from 1st February 2026 and fixed term until 31 May 2029.

Salary - £33,951 to £36,636 per annum, pro-rata (Grade 5). It is not expected to appoint above the first point of the scale £33,951 per annum (pro-rata).

Cardiff University offers many excellent benefits, including 45 days annual leave pro rata (including Bank Holidays), local pension scheme, a cycle to work scheme and other travel initiatives, annual increments within the pay scale, and more. It is an exciting and vibrant place to work, with many different challenges and is a proud Living Wage supporter.

Closing date: Thursday, 5 February 2026

Cardiff University is committed to supporting and promoting equality and diversity and to creating an inclusive working environment. We believe this can be achieved through attracting, developing, and retaining a diverse range of staff from many different backgrounds. We therefore welcome applicants from all sections of the community regardless of sex, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, trans identity, relationship status, religion or belief, caring responsibilities, or age. In supporting our employees to achieve a balance between their work and their personal lives, we will also consider proposals for flexible working or job share arrangements.

Applications may be submitted in Welsh, and an application submitted in Welsh will not be treated less favourably than an application submitted in English.