Research Fellow Full-time

Research Fellow

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 will comprise around 14 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 Harris Lab is interested in one of Biology's biggest mysteries – why do brains need to sleep? We investigate single cell and neural circuit changes during sleep, with a focus on how these changes impact both neural computation and energy use, allowing us to wake up each morning with brains that are increasingly optimised for our environment. We work with mice, using a combination of electrophysiological and optogenetic techniques alongside olfactory behavioural paradigms to study changes in learning, memory and sensory processing across arousal states.

We are looking for an excellent Postdoctoral Research Fellow to join a joint project between the labs of Sonja Hofer and Tim Behrens at the Sainsbury Wellcome Centre (SWC). The goal of this project is to determine how neocortical and subcortical circuits interact to mediate flexible behaviour. The project will focus on the neural circuit mechanisms underlying goal switching and behavioural strategy selection, by mapping algorithmic theories of behaviour onto specific microcircuits and pathways. The applicant will use a multidisciplinary approach including in vivo imaging, high-density electrophysiological recordings (e.g. Neuropixels), behavioural assays, and molecular and genetic tools to record from, manipulate, and trace defined neural populations, with particular emphasis on interactions between the median raphe nucleus, frontal cortex, and hippocampus.

We are looking for a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher with a PhD in neuroscience or a related field (or who will have submitted their thesis prior to starting), and a strong interest in understanding neural circuits and behaviour. The successful candidate will have experience in rodent-based research, including handling, stereotaxic surgery, behavioural training, and neural circuit dissection techniques, as well as experience with in vivo electrophysiological recordings or imaging approaches with single-cell resolution. The postholder will be expected to design and drive independent research projects, contribute original ideas for new research directions and funding applications, and analyse complex datasets using programming tools such as Python, R, or MATLAB, supported by a solid understanding of statistics. Excellent written and oral communication skills are essential, with the ability to write for publication and present research clearly. The role requires strong organisational skills, the ability to manage multiple activities in parallel, a collaborative and ethical approach to research, and motivation to contribute to the mission and research environment of the Sainsbury Wellcome Centre as a world-leading research institute. 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.

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 actively support Wellbeing@UCL, UCL community, supported by our Wellbeing.