Research Assistant

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 Assistant 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 post holder will be mainly in charge of acquiring behavioural measurements in mice. However, the successful applicant will be joining the Coen lab at the early stages of development. Therefore, applicants should expect to participate in a variety of lab tasks, including experimental-rig-building and maintenance, documentation, and trouble-shooting. The post-holder will participate in lab meetings and be encouraged to work creatively to improve the efficacy of the lab. As the lab develops, they will also assist members of the group in performing a variety of procedures such as surgeries, perfusions, immunohistochemistry, microscopy, and basic data analysis, as well as some administrative duties. The position funded for 12 months in the first instance, but funding is available to support a longer tenure in the lab, with opportunity to progress to a more managerial role in the longer term.

This role is an open-ended contract with a funding end date of 31/08/2026 in the first instance.

Appointment at Grade 6B (salary £35,702 - £37,548 per annum.

This appointment is subject to UCL Terms and Conditions of Service for Research and Professional Services Staff. Please visit https://www.ucl.ac.uk/human-resources/conditions-service-research-teaching-and-professional-services-staff for more information.

About you

Applicants should have a BSc or equivalent in neuroscience, engineering, computer science, mathematics, physics, or a similar field, and will have relevant laboratory experience, although training will be provided during the initial period. Experience working with rodent behaviour would be highly desirable, as would a Home Office personal License, or lab techniques such as basic surgical skills in rodents, immunohistochemistry, and microscopy. Programming experience in MATLAB or Python will also be highly valued. An interest and aptitude in learning new procedures and techniques and performing them precisely is essential.

Customer advert reference: B02-08885

Advert information