Research Associate (Haptic Biofeedback for Motor Augmentation)

The MRC Cognition and Brain Sciences Unit in Cambridge is seeking a dedicated Postdoctoral Research Associate for a one-year fixed-term position in the first place, with the possibility of extension.

Join our cutting-edge research program, spearheaded by Prof. Tamar Makin, as we delve into the fascinating realms of motor control, neural representation of the human body, and robotic body augmentation technology. As a vital member of our team, you will be responsible for establishing or joining an innovative research program aligned with the Plasticity Lab's core interests (https://plasticity-lab.com/). Your tasks will include data collection, analysis, write-up, and dissemination of ongoing and future research. Furthermore, you will play a crucial role in supporting and training PhD students and other lab members in advanced analysis techniques.

The ideal candidate will have a strong research background in human motor learning, robotics control, human-machine interaction, and closed-loop haptic feedback. They should have a proven track record of peer-reviewed publications directly relevant to the Plasticity Lab and experience designing, conducting, and analysing human experiments and human-machine interaction studies.

• We are open to a range of skill sets, but candidates must have expertise in AI applications for EMG-based control of wearable robotic devices using machine learning, as well as human motion tracking and experimental systems including MediaPipe.
• A typical candidate will have at least two years of experience in the following areas: human motor and proprioception learning, and artificial closed-loop physiological feedback for motor control training, robotics control and assistive or augmentative devices, and mechanical design and fabrication including 3D modelling (Inventor, OnShape) and 3D printing.
• Experience working with interdisciplinary teams including engineers, clinicians, designers, cognitive neuroscientists, and physiotherapists, as well as collaborating with hospitals, enterprises, and industry partners is essential, while experience in technological translation to human wellbeing and healthcare, as demonstrated by a patent submission, is desirable.

Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available for 1 years in the first instance.

Click the 'Apply' button below to register an account with our recruitment system (if you have not already) and apply online.

Applicants must have (or be close to obtaining) a PhD.

Appointment at Research Associate level is dependent on having a PhD. Those who have submitted but not yet received their PhD will initially be appointed as a Research Assistant (Grade 5, Point 38 £34,610) moving to Research Associate (Grade 7) upon confirmation of your PhD award.

Please ensure that you upload a covering letter and CV in the Upload section of the online application. The covering letter should outline how you match the criteria for the post and why you are applying for this role. If you upload any additional documents which have not been requested, we will not be able to consider these as part of your application.

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

Please quote reference SU48446 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.

The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.

The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.

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Key information

Department/location

MRC Cognition and Brain Sciences Unit

Salary

£37,694-£46,049

Reference

SU48446

Category

Research

Date published

6 January 2026

Closing date

20 January 2026