Postdoctoral Researcher

We are recruiting a postdoctoral researcher to support work on an ESRC supported project entitled 'Spontaneous movement to music in toddlers'.

Learning to align movement with sound is a crucial skill for social cognition, supporting conversational turn-taking and musical performance. Parents report that 90% of children dance to music by 12 months. The early emergence of dance to music, its cross-cultural ubiquity, and its absence in non-human primates suggests that it is a core element of what it means to be human. However, spontaneous dancing to music in toddlers has not previously been studied in the laboratory. As a result, we know little about the form and function of dance in toddlers. In this project, we will use optical motion tracking and EEG to investigate why and how toddlers dance to music.

We are looking for a researcher to work under the supervision of Prof Adam Tierney, Prof Denis Mareschal, and Prof Elisa Ferrè. The project will use a variety of methods, including EEG, optical motion tracking, and behavioural testing. The ideal candidate will have experience in both EEG and motion tracking, as well as experience with testing infants and/or young children.

Responsibilities:
a) Collaborate in the design and piloting of the experimental protocols and analysis techniques
b) Recruit participants
c) Conduct testing
d) Preprocess and analyse data
e) Lead the write up of study results

This role is offered on a fixed-term basis from 1 February 2027 through 31 January 2029. This is a full-time role, working 35 hours per week. Appointment will be subject to a satisfactory enhanced check with the Disclosure and Barring Service.

Salary and Benefits:
Grade 7 of the College's London Pay Scale, £45,132 rising to £51,387 per annum. Birkbeck offers a competitive salary and pension scheme, 31 days paid leave, flexible working arrangements and some of the most generous benefits in the HE sector, all while being located right in the heart of Central London. The salary quoted includes a consolidated Weighting/Allowance which applies only to staff whose normal contractual place of work is in the London area.

Interviews will be held on 11 January 2027.