Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Social Decision Neuroscience

Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Social Decision Neuroscience

University of Birmingham
Birmingham, England, UK

The University of Birmingham is recruiting a postdoctoral researcher to join its vibrant Social Decision Neuroscience Lab within the School of Psychology. This role offers an opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge research into the neural and computational mechanisms that underlie how people make decisions that affect others. The successful candidate will work within a multidisciplinary team led by Professor Patricia Lockwood, whose lab uses experimental behavioural paradigms, neuroimaging and computational modelling to investigate social learning, prosocial behaviour, and decision-making across diverse contexts.

The post will involve designing and executing research studies, analysing data (behavioural, neuroimaging etc.), preparing manuscripts for publication, presenting findings to academic audiences and engaging with broader research networks. The lab’s work has a strong emphasis on combining psychological theory with neuroscientific methods to advance fundamental understanding of social behaviour and its neural bases. Participation in collaborative activities within the Centre for Human Brain Health and related research communities is expected.

(General context derived from typical Social Decision Neuroscience Lab activities at the University of Birmingham)

Eligibility Criteria
Applicants will be expected to hold a PhD (or have submitted a PhD) in psychology, cognitive neuroscience, neuroscience, computational modelling, or a closely related discipline before the start of the appointment. A track record of research experience appropriate to a postdoctoral role, including involvement in empirical studies and analytic work, will be essential. Experience with research methods relevant to social decision neuroscience is highly desirable.

Required Expertise, Skills
The role requires strong quantitative and analytical skills, including experience with experimental design and data analysis. Familiarity with neuroimaging techniques (such as fMRI or EEG), computational modelling approaches, and programming languages commonly used in cognitive neuroscience (e.g., Python, MATLAB, R) will be important. Excellent written and verbal communication skills, a capacity for independent research, and the ability to work collaboratively with interdisciplinary colleagues are key attributes for success in this role.

Salary Details
Salary for this postdoctoral position will be aligned with University of Birmingham’s research staff pay scales, typically competitive and commensurate with skills and experience for a postdoctoral research role at a UK research university. (Specific range is not publicly accessible on the summary view but is standard for postdoctoral roles at this level.)

Final date to receive applications
The Final date to receive applications is Thursday 19 March 2026.