Research Assistant Full-time NEW

Research Assistant

The primary purpose of this RA position is to assist with experimental medicine study of a glutamatergic treatment for schizophrenia, by driving recruitment across several NHS trusts, and assisting with MEG scanning and testing. Patients with schizophrenia will undergo an MEG scan comprising auditory oddball, 40Hz stimulation and resting paradigms. From these we will infer baseline excitatory (E) and inhibitory (I) function in cortex (as in 1 2 3 ). The patients will then take an NMDA receptor-modulating medication for one month, and their cognition and symptoms will be reassessed. The research question is: does baseline E/I function predict response to glutamatergic medication at one month? The RA will also be able to gain experience in pre-processing and analysing MEG data, including DCM.

Appointment details:

• The post is graded on the UCL Non-clinical grade structure at Grade 6B, the annual salary for which ranges from £39,148 to £41,833 (including London Allowance).
• The appointment is available from October 2026 and is funded for 18 months.
• Any offer of employment will be subject to an standard Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.

The candidate will have a degree in neuroscience or related field, an interest in mental health science, a strong academic track record, good organisational skills, strong motivation and independence, good communication skills and ability to supervise junior team members. Desired criteria include a Masters degree, interest in schizophrenia/psychosis, MEG/EEG experience, familiarity with Matlab, and attendance at scientific meetings.

Application process:

• A full job description and person specification can be accessed at the bottom of this page.
• Please use the personal statement section to explain how you meet each essential and desirable criteria outlined in the person specification.
• Please ensure your CV is no longer than 2 pages.
• Please provide details of your undergraduate and postgraduate education, as well as your employment history, within your CV
• Please do not upload your photograph on your application/CV.

Contact details:

• If you have any queries about the role, please contact rick.adams@ucl.ac.uk
• If you need reasonable adjustments or a more accessible format to apply for this job online or have any queries about the application process, please contact dop.hr@ucl.ac.uk

As well as the exciting opportunities this role presents, we also offer some great benefits some of which are below:

• 41 Days holiday (including 27 days annual leave 8 bank holiday and 6 closure days)
• Defined benefit career average revalued earnings pension scheme (CARE)
• Cycle to work scheme and season ticket loan
• On-Site nursery
• On-site gym
• Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption pay
• Employee assistance programme: Staff Support Service
• Discounted medical insurance

The full range of staff benefits can be found here: https://www.ucl.ac.uk/human-resources/pay-benefits/staff-benefits

Our Commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

As London's Global University, we know diversity fosters creativity and innovation, and we want our community to represent the diversity of the world's talent. We are committed to equality of opportunity, to being fair and inclusive, and to being a place where we all belong.

We therefore particularly encourage applications from candidates who are likely to be underrepresented in UCL's workforce. These include people from Black, Asian and ethnic minority backgrounds; disabled people; LGBTQI+ people; and for our Grade 9 and 10 roles, women.

The Division of Psychiatry prides itself for operating in an all-inclusive environment. Teamwork is highly valued, individual strengths are recognised and celebrated, and there is a commitment to advancing the careers of everyone, regardless of gender or role. We aim to provide a family friendly environment where both women and men feel able to take the time they need for family. The Athena SWAN Charter recognises commitment to advancing women's careers in science, technology, engineering, maths and medicine (STEMM) employment in academia and the Division is delighted to have an Athena Swan Silver Award since 2022. All staff are invited to contribute to EDI initiatives within the Division to contribute to improving working conditions and opportunities for all. Mentoring is a crucial part of supporting career progression and mentoring schemes are available for staff in the Division.

You can read more about our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion here:

https://www.ucl.ac.uk/psychiatry/about/equality-diversity-and-inclusion

https://www.ucl.ac.uk/equality-diversity-inclusion/

Available Documents

• download: Job Description and Person Specification.pdf