Research Fellow Full-time

Research Fellow

The main purpose of this position is to investigate sleep in zebrafish. The project uses a combination of molecular genetics, brain imaging, and behavioral analysis.

The purpose of this job is to investigate how sleep is regulated in zebrafish. The successful applicant will join a highly collaborative research team involved in studying the basic mechanisms of sleep. There will be ample opportunity to present research at regular lab meetings and also local, and to the wider research community, including through publications. Successful candidates will also be supported in applying for independent funding.

Interview Date(s) are scheduled for early June 2026. This is an open-ended contract with a funding end date of 05/31/2028 in the first instance. Salary will be appointed from Grade 7, spine point 34 (£48,679). Research Fellows – 'Appointment at Grade 7 is dependent upon having been awarded a PhD; if this is not the case, initial appointment will be at Grade 6B (salary £34,502 – £36,348 per annum) with payment at Grade 7 being backdated to the date of final submission of the PhD Thesis.'

We will consider applications to work on a part-time, flexible and job share basis wherever possible. This appointment is subject to UCL Terms and Conditions of Service for Academic Staff. Please visit https://www.ucl.ac.uk/human-resources/policies/2021/jun/conditions-service-academic-staff for more information.

If you have any queries about the role, please contact Jason Rihel at j.rihel@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 Biosciences staffing at biosciences.staffing@ucl.ac.uk.

About You

The post holder is expected to test how sleep regulates synapse dynamics in the zebrafish model. The post holder will genetically and experimentally manipulate neurons and synapses in zebrafish mutants of sleep homeostasis; image brain activity and circuit function; and perform behavioral tracking experiments to follow how synapses are modulated by sleep, and vice versa.

You will be expected to produce independent and original contributions to the development of causal links between sleep and neural substrates of homeostasis and to assist the team in the development, planning and delivery of the research aims. In addition to developing and conducting the research, you will communicate results as scientific papers and in scientific presentations at local, national, and international conferences. Successful post holders will also be supported in applying for independent fellowship opportunities.

You must have a PhD in Neurobiology, Genetics, or a related field, and have proven knowledge of working with animal models, including molecular, genetic, and pharmacological methods. You must also have a high level of proficiency with in vivo imaging techniques to observe changes in neuronal activity and synapses such as confocal, multiphoton, or light sheet microscopy. Experience in both basic molecular biology techniques and manipulation of gene expression via mutagenesis or transgenesis in zebrafish is also required.

What We Offer

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

• 41 Days holiday (27 days annual leave 8 bank holiday and 6 closure days)
• Additional 5 days' annual leave purchase scheme
• Defined benefit career average revalued earnings pension scheme (CARE)
• Cycle to work scheme and season ticket loan
• Immigration loan
• Relocation scheme for certain posts
• On-Site nursery
• On-site gym
• Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption pay
• Employee assistance programme: Staff Support Service
• Discounted medical insurance

Visit https://www.ucl.ac.uk/work-at-ucl/reward-and-benefits to find out more.

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.

Our department holds an Athena SWAN Bronze award, in recognition of our commitment to advancing gender equality.

You can read more about our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion here: https://www.ucl.ac.uk/equality-diversity-inclusion/