Current Vacancies

Reference: B02-08979
Salary: £43,374 to £51,860 inclusive of London Allowance
Working Type: On-site / full time
Closing Date: 18th July 2025

About the role
We are looking for a motivated and organised Senior Research Technician to join the O'Keefe Lab at SWC. The lab's current research is directed toward unravelling the role of the entorhinal cortex and hippocampus in spatial memory and understanding the mechanisms underlying short-term memories in the amygdala. We employ a range of technologies including tetrode and high density neuropixels electrophysiological probes, two photon imaging in conjunction with virtual reality environment, and novel maze tasks to study the spatial correlates of hippocampal and medial entorhinal cortical cells. You will contribute to the work of the O’Keefe lab, participating in all aspects of the team’s work, supporting the group’s research programme and directly contributing to research projects. The role will involve contributing to the maintenance of equipment, lab supplies and databases.

You will primarily work on projects looking at the role of the rodent hippocampal system in navigation and spatiotemporal memory, and how these are affected in animal models of neurodegeneration. As part of this project, you will run rodent behavioural experiments, collect and analyse behavioural data, and contribute to computational models. You will also have the opportunity to assist in collecting and analysing in vivo electrophysiological recordings.

You can download the full job description and person specification (PDF) here.

This post is funded for one year in the first instance.

About you
You will hold an undergraduate degree or equivalent qualification in neuroscience, molecular biology, engineering, physics or a related field. Experience of working in a research laboratory and running rodent behavioural assays are essential. You will have programming experience (C++, Python, Matlab) as well as experience in computational modelling of brain activity. We are looking for an excellent communicator with the ability to prioritise and integrate demands of a range of different activities and deadlines in parallel.

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. 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 B02-08979. Click on “Apply Now” to enter the recruitment portal and start your application.

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 in the candidate guidance.