Job vacancies at the Sainsbury Wellcome Centre

Join our friendly international community of over 150 staff here at Sainsbury Wellcome Centre where we support extraordinary people to tackle extraordinary problems.

Comprising of 12 research groups made up of Postdoctoral Researchers, PhD Students, Research Assistants and Master’s Students who all are working towards understanding how the brain drives behaviour. Alongside, are professional and scientific staff who provide indispensable expertise to support SWC’s mission. 

Current vacancies

Find the latest vacancies below and apply online via the UCL jobs website. You can also follow us on Bluesky for the latest job opportunities or sign up for regular job alerts on the UCL application portal.

Research Fellow/Senior Research Fellow

Reference: B02-11130

Salary: G7 £43,981 - £54,019 or G8 £56,431 - £66,437 p.a. inclusive of London Allowance

Working Type: Hybrid, full-time

Closing Date: Sunday 27 September at 23:59

Available Until: Funded for 2 years in the first instance

About the role

We are looking for an excellent Postdoctoral Research Fellow to join the Hofer Lab at SWC. The 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 26 - 29) with payment at Grade 7 being backdated to the date of final submission of the PhD thesis.

About you

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.

What we offer
SWC offers staff an award-winning work environment in the heart of Fitzrovia with an onsite brasserie, access to pleasant outdoor spaces, secure bicycle storage and changing facilities. 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, career break policy and a range of financial benefits such as a season ticket loan scheme and staff discounts.

How to apply
To apply, visit UCL Jobs and search for vacancy reference: B02-11130. Click on 'Apply Now' to enter the recruitment portal and start your application.

The full job description and person specification (PDF) can be downloaded here

 

Want to know more? Read our Why join SWC? page to learn about our values and commitments, state of the art Centre, staff benefits and awards.

Interested in joining us? Find out more about How to Apply.

For general enquiries please contact the SWC HR team swc.hr@ucl.ac.uk, +44 (0)20 3108 8011.

 

 

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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 ethnic minority backgrounds; disabled people; LGBTQI+ people; and for our Grade 9 and 10 roles, women.

The Athena SWAN Charter recognises commitment to advancing women's careers in science, technology, engineering, maths, and medicine (STEMM) employment in academia. SWC is delighted to have received an Athena Swan Bronze Award in 2021. We stand by our commitment to positive action to improve equality and accessibility in the workplace. We will provide reasonable adjustments to enable people to work and flourish with us. 

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