University of Cambridge
Location
Cambridge, Cambridgeshire | United Kingdom
Job description
There are approximately 100,000 first-time stroke incidents per year in the UK. At least 30% will have language deficits (aphasia) and executive dysfunction in the acute stage (<6 months), while 20% will experience this chronically. This suggest that recovery of language and other higher cognitive functions is variable and often incomplete after left hemisphere stroke. The uncertainty and variability in recovery has a negative impact on quality of life (i.e. unable to work, withdrawing from social activities, etc.) and mental health leading to higher dependence on social and assisted care. There is a lack of large-scale longitudinal data on post-stroke aphasia, resulting in very few formal models of recovery. In addition, there are limited effective aphasia therapies available to chronic stroke patients and therefore the post holder will be involved in delivering novel therapies (in person and remotely) to determine efficacy.
The post holder will work alongside Dr Ajay Halai and Prof Matthew Lambon Ralph in collecting behavioural and neuroimaging data from individuals with post stroke language and executive problems.
The post holder will be based in the MRC Cognition and Brain Sciences Unit and will join the Hearing and Language Group. The post holder will also collaborate with members of the lab and NHS clinicians (e.g. Dr Elisabeth Warburton (lead acute stroke consultant; Cambridge University Hospitals)). The post holder will be responsible for identifying suitable volunteers by building relationships with local clinicians and support group workers as well as arranging and carrying out testing.
The post holder should be a psychology graduate (or related degree), with experience in MRI and neuropsychological testing in elderly patient populations. The post holder will work as a research assistant on studies within two research groups (one led by Dr. Halai and the other by Prof Lambon Ralph).
This role will require: good project management skills, the ability to work independently whilst also working collaboratively (between research and clinical settings), being able to manage parallel demands, and answering queries from members in academia, hospitals and the general public.
Fixed-term: This year will be fixed for 1 year in the first instance, with the possibility of extension.
Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available for 1 years in the first instance.
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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 SU40836 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.
Job tags
Salary
£29.61k - £33.97k per annum
