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.

This is an exciting opportunity to join the Rihel lab in the Department of Cell and Developmental Biology.

About the role

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

The purpose of this job is to investigate how sleep is regulated in zebrafish. The project uses a combination of molecular genetics, brain imaging, and behavioural analysis. 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).

We will consider applications to work on a part-time, flexible and job share basis wherever possible.

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

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 behavioural 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 animals 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.

Customer advert reference: B02-10468

Advert information