Research Fellow in Neuroscience

The Department of Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering at UCL is one of the UK's largest, hosting leading research groups in physics, engineering, medicine, physiology, computer science, and mathematics. We focus on innovative technologies for disease diagnosis, treatment, and management through medical imaging, physiological monitoring, and implanted devices, offering both undergraduate and postgraduate degrees.

The EIT group boasts excellent computing, technical facilities, and a dedicated physiology lab. It has strong links with UCL Neuroscience and the Sainsbury Wellcome Centre for neural circuits. UCL Neuroscience is ranked first in Europe and second globally. UCL offers a collaborative environment with excellent training and career development opportunities.

Applications are invited for a Research Fellow or Research Assistant in Neuroscience position to join the EIT and Neurophysiology Lab in the Department of Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering at UCL. The position is part of a project funded by the UK Medical Research Council which involves delineating the organisation and composition of the vagus nerve of humans to allow for selective electrical stimulation to treat diseases. Additionally, this would be suitable for submission for a PhD as it is funded for ~3 years.

The postholder will be required to carry out research in the area of peripheral/autonomic nerve imaging and neuromodulation, including designing and running experiments, recording, analysing, and writing up the results. The role will involve ex vivo imaging and mapping of human vagus nerves, histological section preparation, staining, immunohistochemistry, microCT imaging, image processing, data acquisition, analysis, and dissemination of findings. They may also participate in in vivo physiological studies using novel multi-electrode nerve cuffs and Electrical Impedance Tomography. The role includes preparing and presenting findings to colleagues, drafting and submitting papers to peer-reviewed journals, preparing progress reports for funding bodies, and contributing to the overall activities of the research team and department.

For more information about this role, please see the Job Description and Person Specification, and UCL website.

This is a fixed-term role until 30 June 2027 with the possibility of extension to 3 years in total. The role is available to start at the earliest convenience. Grade: Appointment at Grade 7 (£42,099 - £50,585 per annum inclusive of London Allowance) is dependent upon having been awarded a PhD, or if about to submit a PhD; if this is not the case, initial appointment will be at Grade 6B (£37,332 - £39,980 per annum inclusive of London Allowance) with payment at Grade 7 being backdated to the date of final submission of the PhD thesis.

About you

The successful applicant will have Undergraduate and PhD degrees (or equivalent) in neuroscience, or a neuroscience-related discipline (e.g., Biology, Biomedicine or Biophysics).

The applicant will have experience in histology, immunohistochemistry, and medical imaging and an understanding of autonomic neuroscience. Previous experience in dissection, anatomy, peripheral nerve studies, image reconstruction and proficiency in computer programming (e.g. Matlab) is desirable.

Good demonstrable practical skills in the aforementioned techniques, a strong publishing record, communication skills and a willingness to contribute to public engagement events, as well as professionalism when dealing with external collaborators are also essential. The successful candidate will have proven research aptitude, research and laboratory experience, and the ability to work independently as well as part of a team.

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