Research Fellow

About us

Biosciences is one of the world’s foremost centres for research and teaching in the biological sciences and one of the largest Divisions within UCL, undertaking a significant amount of research and teaching. The Division has a diverse portfolio addressing all areas of biology from protein interactions to cell function, organism development, genetics, population studies and the environment. Computational modelling approaches are frequently used alongside experimental research programmes and much of our research crosses traditional boundaries, including the relationship of biodiversity to the health of the planet. Activity is underpinned by high calibre science technology platforms and state of the art equipment. Educational activity includes a range of undergraduate programmes, an expanding number of Masters Programmes and a substantial number of postgraduate research students.

Applications are invited for a Research Follow to join the group of Dr Philip Coen, in the Research Department of Cell and Developmental Biology. This new group is seeking to understand how the brain combines auditory and visual information to make decisions and navigate the world. The post offers an exciting opportunity to use state-of-the-art behavioural and recording techniques to tackle fundamental questions about multisensory processing in the brain. For more information about the lab, visit https://coen-lab.com/.

About the role

The successful applicant will be one of the first members of the Coen Lab and is expected to lead a research program in the field of audiovisual integration, devoting efforts both to their own research and to the broader goals of the lab. They will study the activity of large populations of neurons in the mouse brain using a variety of techniques, including Neuropixels electrophysiology recordings and optogenetics, and analysis methods. They will take a leading role in all aspects of the project, from designing and performing experiments, to data analysis, and the presentation and dissemination of the results. As a senior member of the lab, they will train and collaborate with PhD students, and participate in the management of a lab technician. Applicants will communicate their results as scientific papers and in scientific presentations at local, national, and international conferences.

The post is an open-ended contract with a flexible starting date and a funding end date of 01/07/2030 in the first instance.

A job description and person specification can be accessed at the bottom of this page.

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 .

About you

Applicants should have a PhD or equivalent in neuroscience, engineering, computer science, mathematics, physics, or a similar field, and an ability to work in a diverse group including computational and experimental neurobiologists. Essential requirements are extensive experience with Python (or possibly MATLAB), and relevant experimental expertise. Highly desirable requirements include experience with in vivo electrophysiology, animal behavioural training, and in writing scientific manuscripts, which is typically evidenced by a record of publications.

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