Current Vacancies

•    Reference: B02-10452
•    Salary: £39,148-£41,833 inclusive of London Allowance
•    Working Type: On site, Full time
•    Closing date: 17 May 2026

About the role
The Duan Lab aims to understand how neural population dynamics generate flexible, and cognitive behaviours. In particular, we use freely-moving and head-fixed rodent paradigms to study the neural mechanisms underlying decision-making under risk and uncertainty and in a social context. Towards this goal, we combine theory-motivated behavioural designs, quantitative extraction of animals’ internal states, large-scale, cellular-resolution monitoring and manipulation of identified neural circuits during decision tasks, and computational modelling.

We are looking for two Research Assistants to conduct experiments and data analyses investigating the neural mechanisms of strategic decision-making using head-fixed (1) and freely-moving (1) behavioural paradigms in mice.

You will work closely within a team responsible for training and monitoring mice in a streamlined, semi-automated facility for rodent training. You will perform stereotaxic surgeries and assist in recording neural activity with high-density electrophysiology or optical imaging methods, and perturbing activity with optogenetics or pharmacological manipulations. Alternatively, your duties will focus on analysing/modelling behavioural and neural data from these types of experiments.

The positions are available for one year in the first instance with the possibility of extension subject to funding. 

About you

We seek candidates who are quantitative, detail-oriented, conscientious, and self-motivated. Additionally, the ideal candidates must be able to demonstrate (or learn) precision and care in tasks involving fine manual/analytical skills and be able to communicate their science in a clear manner.

A bachelor’s degree in Neuroscience, molecular biology, Engineering, Physics, Computer Science or a related field is essential along with experience with training rodents in behavioural tasks and related analyses.

The positions are ideal for candidates seeking additional research experience before applying to graduate degree programs in Neuroscience or related fields. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates and encourage applications from underrepresented groups in science.

What we offer
The SWC offers staff an award-winning work environment in the heart of Fitzrovia with 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.

The SWC prides itself on offering a high quality administrative, technical and operational support function, and fully supports the professional development and progression of its staff, actively encouraging colleagues to learn new skills and broaden their experience. The SWC is supported in this aim by UCL’s Organisational Development team who run a wide range of training programmes for all staff types and grades.

How to apply
To apply visit UCL’s vacancy listings and search for vacancy reference B02-10452. Click on “Apply Now” to enter the recruitment portal and start your application.

The full job description and person specification can be downloaded here.

You will be required to upload a supporting statement and CV as part of your online application. Your supporting statement must explain how you meet each of the selection criteria for the post using examples of your skills and experience. More information on this can be found on the candidate guidance.

•    Reference: B02-10457
•    Salary: £36,433-£41,833 inclusive of London Allowance
•    Working Type: On site, Full time
•    Closing date: 10 May 2026

About the role

We are seeking a motivated and organised Research Technician to play a central role in supporting cutting‑edge behavioural neuroscience research within the Akrami, Erlich and Saxe laboratories at the Sainsbury Wellcome Centre (SWC).

Working in a high‑throughput, highly automated behavioural training facility, you will support the care, handling and training of rats and mice, contributing directly to research programmes exploring the neural basis of cognition and learning. This is a hands‑on, impactful role at the heart of experimental activity, supporting the generation of high‑quality, reproducible data.

You will work closely with researchers, facility staff and the Neurobiological Research Facility, monitoring animal behaviour, maintaining behavioural training setups, and ensuring that all work is conducted to the highest ethical, legal and scientific standards. You will also attend relevant lab meetings and contribute to the smooth day‑to‑day running of the facility.

The role is physical in nature and involves moving animal cages and equipment between holding rooms and behavioural training spaces. It follows a shifted working pattern, supporting animal training seven days a week across the year. The post‑holder will work Saturday to Tuesday (9 hours per day), with Wednesday to Friday as non‑working days, and approximately 26 weekends per year, coordinated as part of a wider team. The positions are available for one year in the first instance.

About you

You are a reliable, organised and conscientious individual who enjoys hands‑on work in a research environment and is motivated by supporting high‑quality scientific research. You have experience handling and caring for rodents and are comfortable working with routine procedures while maintaining accuracy, attention to detail and high ethical standards.

You are confident working independently, using your initiative to manage tasks and resolve issues, while recognising when advice or input from colleagues is needed. You also work well as part of a team, communicating clearly and building positive working relationships with researchers, technicians and facility staff.

You have strong organisational skills and are able to manage a varied workload, keep clear and accurate records, and work flexibly to meet the needs of a busy research facility. You are proficient in MS Office and digital systems, and willing to learn new tools and databases used to support large‑scale behavioural research.

Above all, you demonstrate an interest in neuroscience research and a commitment to supporting research that is conducted rigorously, collaboratively and responsibly. The role offers opportunities to broaden your technical skills and contribute more widely to experimental work as your experience develops.

What we offer
The SWC offers staff an award-winning work environment in the heart of Fitzrovia with 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.

The SWC prides itself on offering a high quality administrative, technical and operational support function, and fully supports the professional development and progression of its staff, actively encouraging colleagues to learn new skills and broaden their experience. The SWC is supported in this aim by UCL’s Organisational Development team who run a wide range of training programmes for all staff types and grades.

How to apply
To apply visit UCL’s vacancy listings and search for vacancy reference B02-10457. Click on “Apply Now” to enter the recruitment portal and start your application.

The full job description and person specification can be downloaded here.

You will be required to upload a supporting statement and CV as part of your online application. Your supporting statement must explain how you meet each of the selection criteria for the post using examples of your skills and experience. More information on this can be found on the candidate guidance.

•    Reference: B02-10488
•    Salary: £39,148-£41,833 inclusive of London Allowance
•    Working Type: On site, Full time
•    Closing date: 13 May 2026

About the role

Join the Stephenson-Jones Lab to explore how brain circuits transform information into purposeful action. We study decision-making and motivation by combining advanced behavioural tasks in rodents with cutting-edge techniques like optogenetics, in vivo electrophysiology, and imaging. We're looking for a highly motivated Research Assistant to support ongoing experiments and potentially lead independent projects. You’ll train animals, run behavioural and neural recording experiments, and help manage lab operations. Ideal for someone seeking hands-on experience before a PhD, this role suits candidates with strong organisational skills and a passion for neuroscience. This position is funded for one year, in the first instance.

About you

You’ll have a degree in neuroscience, physics, or a related field, with hands-on experience in behavioural neuroscience or systems neuroscience research. Familiarity with rodent behavioural training and coding in Python or Bonsai is important, as is the ability to contribute to experimental design and data collection. We’re looking for someone who’s organised, proactive, and able to manage multiple tasks and deadlines. You should work well independently and as part of a team, with a strong sense of responsibility and integrity.

What we offer
The SWC offers staff an award-winning work environment in the heart of Fitzrovia with 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.

The SWC prides itself on offering a high quality administrative, technical and operational support function, and fully supports the professional development and progression of its staff, actively encouraging colleagues to learn new skills and broaden their experience. The SWC is supported in this aim by UCL’s Organisational Development team who run a wide range of training programmes for all staff types and grades.

How to apply
To apply visit UCL’s vacancy listings and search for vacancy reference B02-10488. Click on “Apply Now” to enter the recruitment portal and start your application.

The full job description and person specification can be downloaded here.

You will be required to upload a supporting statement and CV as part of your online application. Your supporting statement must explain how you meet each of the selection criteria for the post using examples of your skills and experience. More information on this can be found on the candidate guidance.