Location
Job description
Institute of Health & Neurodevelopment 0499-26
Release Date: Thursday 07 May 2026
The Aston Institute of Health and Neurodevelopment (IHN) is seeking to appoint a support officer for academic research projects across our two magnetoencephalography (MEG) facilities and in the context of our wider neuroimaging and virtual reality research infrastructure. The post-holder will drive technical and training aspects of the MEG activities, both on a day-to-day basis and in supporting development of the future applications of MEG. The IHN is a specialist research facility with a focus on research with children and young people, “from molecules to minds”. We have an active and well-established MEG research group, and are equipped with both cryogenic and helium-OPM MEG systems which are used in both basic and clinical research. Duties for the successful applicant will involve supporting facility users (academic staff and their research fellows and PhD students) to develop and deliver outstanding research. This will include:
The ideal candidate will:
Experience in offering training, and hands-on experience in neuroimaging are desirable but not essential.
This role is subject to a satisfactory Enhanced DBS check.
What we offer:
This role may meet the requirements for Skilled Worker visa sponsorship. If you require sponsorship, Aston University will assess eligibility if you are shortlisted for the role. Please note we are unable to confirm individual eligibility before shortlisting. See here for more information on Skilled Worker visa eligibility: https://www.gov.uk/skilled-worker-visa
Anonymous shortlisting will be carried out for this role as part of Aston University’s commitment to equality and diversity and ensuring a fair and consistent approach to recruitment. Personal details that are included on application forms, including the candidate’s name and address will not be disclosed to the shortlisting panel. CVs will not be considered as part of the shortlisting process. The University celebrates the rights of freedom of speech and academic freedom and is committed to maintaining and protecting these rights within the law. An offer to work at Aston University will never be denied on the basis of an individual’s lawful expression of their beliefs, ideas or opinions. Aston University is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all sections of the community. It promotes equality and diversity in all aspects of its work. We strive to have robust inclusivity strategies in place, to encourage colleagues to have the confidence and freedom to be themselves in the workplace. For more information, visit: https://www2.aston.ac.uk/about/inclusive-aston Guidance on AI-Assisted Applications
While we cannot prevent applicants from using AI tools to support their application, we ask that all submissions reflect your own experience, achievements, and motivations. We want to understand what you personally bring to the role, so please ensure your application represents your own voice and capabilities. We recognise the value of flexible working. Please contact the recruiting manager to discuss what flexible working options are available for particular roles. If you require the job details document or an application form in an alternative format please contact the recruitment team at recruitment@aston.ac.uk
Release Date: Thursday 07 May 2026
The Aston Institute of Health and Neurodevelopment (IHN) is seeking to appoint a support officer for academic research projects across our two magnetoencephalography (MEG) facilities and in the context of our wider neuroimaging and virtual reality research infrastructure. The post-holder will drive technical and training aspects of the MEG activities, both on a day-to-day basis and in supporting development of the future applications of MEG. The IHN is a specialist research facility with a focus on research with children and young people, “from molecules to minds”. We have an active and well-established MEG research group, and are equipped with both cryogenic and helium-OPM MEG systems which are used in both basic and clinical research. Duties for the successful applicant will involve supporting facility users (academic staff and their research fellows and PhD students) to develop and deliver outstanding research. This will include:
- Advanced technical support for experimental design and implementation of MEG studies.
- Developing and advancing techniques for data analysis pipelines.
- Training users to use the equipment safely and competently in best practice for MEG acquisition.
- Day-to-day management of MEG facilities.
The ideal candidate will:
- Have a strong technical background, and enjoy working with machines.
- Be comfortable troubleshooting hardware and software challenges.
- Be a confident and adaptable programmer, able to work effectively with the key discipline-specific software environments including open-source packages for MEG data analysis.
- Be good at working with people, approachable, and able to help drive a productive and collegiate working environment.
- Become able to train and support users.
Experience in offering training, and hands-on experience in neuroimaging are desirable but not essential.
This role is subject to a satisfactory Enhanced DBS check.
What we offer:
- Aston University is a dynamic and vibrant campus located within Birmingham city centre, which has excellent transport links via bus or train.
- Excellent training and development opportunities.
- A generous annual leave scheme with 30 days bookable leave and a further 13 days bank holiday and University Closure days.
- Everyday discounts to a number of activities and retailers.
- Great family friendly policies.
- On site gym and pool with discounted staff membership available
- Further information on our Benefits and Rewards can be found here.
This role may meet the requirements for Skilled Worker visa sponsorship. If you require sponsorship, Aston University will assess eligibility if you are shortlisted for the role. Please note we are unable to confirm individual eligibility before shortlisting. See here for more information on Skilled Worker visa eligibility: https://www.gov.uk/skilled-worker-visa
Anonymous shortlisting will be carried out for this role as part of Aston University’s commitment to equality and diversity and ensuring a fair and consistent approach to recruitment. Personal details that are included on application forms, including the candidate’s name and address will not be disclosed to the shortlisting panel. CVs will not be considered as part of the shortlisting process. The University celebrates the rights of freedom of speech and academic freedom and is committed to maintaining and protecting these rights within the law. An offer to work at Aston University will never be denied on the basis of an individual’s lawful expression of their beliefs, ideas or opinions. Aston University is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all sections of the community. It promotes equality and diversity in all aspects of its work. We strive to have robust inclusivity strategies in place, to encourage colleagues to have the confidence and freedom to be themselves in the workplace. For more information, visit: https://www2.aston.ac.uk/about/inclusive-aston Guidance on AI-Assisted Applications
While we cannot prevent applicants from using AI tools to support their application, we ask that all submissions reflect your own experience, achievements, and motivations. We want to understand what you personally bring to the role, so please ensure your application represents your own voice and capabilities. We recognise the value of flexible working. Please contact the recruiting manager to discuss what flexible working options are available for particular roles. If you require the job details document or an application form in an alternative format please contact the recruitment team at recruitment@aston.ac.uk
