Research Assistant Full-time

Research Assistant

The Sainsbury Wellcome Centre (SWC) brings together world-leading scientists to investigate how brain circuits process information to generate perception, form memories and guide behaviour. Developed through the vision and partnership of the Gatsby Charitable Foundation and Wellcome, and with substantial investment from these partners, the mission of the SWC is to generate experimentally testable theories of brain function. The Centre comprises 12 highly interdisciplinary experimental research groups accommodated in a new, purpose-designed building, offering an outstanding and unparalleled research environment. SWC scientists use a broad spectrum of the latest advances in molecular and cellular biology, imaging, electrophysiology and behavioural techniques and enjoy state-of-the-art research laboratories, cutting-edge scientific equipment, technologically advanced prototyping and fabrication laboratories and custom in-house high-performance computing facilities.

The Mrsic-Flogel Lab investigates how the brain makes decisions under uncertainty, a fundamental challenge in understanding behaviour and cognition. You will join a supportive and innovative research team committed to producing rigorous and impactful science.

About the Role

We are looking for a Research Assistant to support in vivo experimental studies by contributing to the collection of behavioural and physiological data in mice, ensuring experiments are conducted reliably and in line with ethical standards. The role includes working closely with other members of the lab to support data acquisition, organisation and preparation for analysis. You will have prior experience working in a laboratory setting, including handling rodents and supporting experimental procedures, alongside strong organisational and communication skills. You will have experience in monitoring rodents and providing post-operative care, and basic programming skills are essential. The role offers the opportunity to develop advanced neuroscience skills and contribute to research with real scientific impact.

This role meets the eligibility requirements for a skilled worker certificate of sponsorship or a global talent visa under UK Visas and Immigration legislation. Therefore, UCL welcomes applications from international applicants who require a visa.

About You

You will be responsible for delivering reliable experimental support, ensuring accuracy and consistency in data collection, and contributing to the smooth running of research activities within the Mrsic-Flogel lab. You will apply your laboratory experience, including working with rodents and experimental data, to support reproducible research outcomes. You are a motivated and organised individual with strong communication skills, who is comfortable working both independently and as part of a collaborative research team. You demonstrate initiative, attention to detail, and a proactive approach to supporting scientific research.

What We Offer

The SWC provides an award-winning work environment in the heart of Fitzrovia, with access to pleasant outdoor spaces and a vibrant, collaborative research community. Staff benefit from the full range of UCL benefits, including generous annual leave, a competitive pension scheme, family-friendly policies such as shared parental pay, and financial benefits including season ticket loans and staff discounts.

The Centre is committed to fostering an inclusive and supportive research culture where individuals are encouraged to contribute, collaborate and develop their skills. You will have the opportunity to work alongside world-leading researchers in a highly interdisciplinary environment, with access to a wide range of training and development opportunities through UCL.

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 Athena SWAN Charter recognises commitment to advancing women's careers in science, technology, engineering, maths, and medicine (STEMM) employment in academia. SWC is delighted to have received an Athena Swan Bronze Award in 2021. We stand by our commitment to positive action to improve equality and accessibility in the workplace. We will provide reasonable adjustments to enable people to work and flourish with us. SWC is proud to uphold both UCL's Dignity at Work and Work-Life Balance policies. As Centre we commit to fostering a positive cultural climate where all staff and students can thrive and and actively support Wellbeing@UCL, UCL community, supported by our Wellbeing.