Research Fellow​/Senior Research Fellow

The Sainsbury Wellcome Centre (SWC) brings together world-leading scientists to investigate how brain circuits process information to generate perception, form memories and guide behaviour. Developed through the vision and partnership of the Gatsby Charitable Foundation and Wellcome, and with substantial investment from these partners, the mission of the SWC is to generate experimentally testable theories of brain function.

The lab uses a wide range of multi-disciplinary methods: in vivo two-photon imaging and other imaging approaches, high-density acute and chronic electrophysiological recordings (such as next-generation Neuropixels technology), a large array of behavioural tasks and circuit modelling, together with molecular and genetic approaches to identify different cell types, record and manipulate their function and trace specific pathways.

We are looking for an excellent Postdoctoral Research Fellow to join the Hofer Lab  project aims to determine the neural circuit mechanisms of predictive sensory processing.

The post is for studying the neural and molecular mechanisms of fear regulation and the development of potential treatments for fear disorders in mouse models.

You will design and implement independent research projects, and be involved in a range of activities both independently and in collaboration with others. Activities may include animal behavioral training, recording and/or imaging from identified neural populations, neuronal perturbation, setting up experimental equipment, data analysis, and scientific communication, including writing up manuscripts for publication and grant writing.

This post is funded for 2 years in the first instance with the possibility of extension subject to successful grant application/renewal.

Appointment at Grade 7 is dependent upon having been awarded a PhD; if this is not the case, initial appointment will be at Research Assistant Grade 6B (spine points 25 - 28) with payment at Grade 7 being backdated to the date of final submission of the PhD thesis.

You will hold a PhD in neuroscience or a closely related discipline, or have submitted your thesis prior to commencing the role.

Expertise in rodent handling, stereotaxic surgery and behavioural training, alongside experience in neural circuit dissection and manipulation techniques are essential.

You will have experience in computer programming and data analysis, using languages or platforms such as Python, R or MATLAB. Experience of in vivo electrophysiological recording and/or imaging techniques with single-cell resolution would also be highly valued.

You will be a creative and collaborative researcher, able to contribute innovative ideas to the development of new research projects and support the generation of research income.

For Grade 8 appointments:

You will additionally demonstrate a strong track record of research, evidenced through high-quality publications and clear advances in knowledge. You will have experience of successfully supervising and mentoring MSc and PhD students, as well as supervising or leading a small team of researchers.

The SWC offers staff an award-winning work environment in the heart of Fitzrovia with an onsite brasserie, access to lockers and changing facilities, secure bicycle storage, and access to pleasant outdoor spaces. The Centre also offers the full range of UCL staff benefits, including a generous annual leave entitlement, occupational pension schemes, excellent family-friendly policies such as occupational shared parental pay, a work-life balance policy, and a range of financial benefits such as a season ticket loan scheme and staff discounts.

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…