Research Fellow Full-time

Research Fellow

The Stephenson-Jones Lab is looking for an outstanding Postdoctoral Research Fellow with experience in fibre photometry or in vivo electrophysiology.

The goal of the project is to combine theory and experiments to study how the brain can flexibly plan. The aim will be to combine large scale in vivo recording techniques such as (Neuropixel 2.0 probes) and fiber photometry recordings to understand how mice generate sequential plans of action to flexibly achieve their goals.

You will design and conduct experiments to test theoretical predictions, using state-of-the-art behavioural models and analytical methods to investigate neural activity during awake behaviour and sleep.

Your responsibilities will include designing and conducting experiments, collecting and analysing behavioural and neural data, developing and applying analytical approaches, and contributing to publications and presentations at national and international conferences.

You will also support the scientific development of PhD students, share your expertise with colleagues, and contribute to an open, collaborative and inclusive research environment.

The successful candidate will have the opportunity to collaborate closely with theorists in the Gatsby Computational Science Unit (GCNU) and draw on the experimental resources of multiple labs at SWC and the broader neuroscience community at UCL and beyond.

This position is grant funded for two years in the first instance.

You will be a motivated neuroscientist with a strong background in quantitative neuroscience.

Experience in fibre photometry or in vivo electrophysiology, rodent behavioural training and data analysis, alongside strong quantitative and programming skills in MATLAB or Python are essential.

You will be able to manage your research independently while working collaboratively in an interdisciplinary environment. Excellent communication and organisational skills are essential, including the ability to publish research, present findings and contribute to the development of colleagues and PhD students.

You will demonstrate scientific curiosity, initiative and a commitment to rigorous, ethical and reproducible research, while contributing to an open, inclusive and collaborative lab environment.

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.

The SWC offers staff an award-winning work environment in the heart of Fitzrovia with an onsite brasserie, access to lockers and changing facilities, secure bicycle storage, and access to pleasant outdoor spaces. The Centre also offers the full range of UCL staff benefits, including a generous annual leave entitlement, occupational pension schemes, excellent family-friendly policies such as occupational shared parental pay, a work-life balance policy, and a range of financial benefits such as a season ticket loan scheme and staff discounts.

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

We particularly encourage applications from candidates underrepresented in UCL's workforce, including those from Black, Asian and ethnic minority backgrounds, disabled people, and – for Grade 9 and 10 roles – women.

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 actively support Wellbeing@UCL.