Ref Number
B02-10816
Professional Expertise
Research and Research Support
Department
School of Life & Medical Sciences (B02)
Location
London
Working Pattern
Full time
Salary
See advert text
Contract Type
Fixed-term
Working Type
On site
Available for Secondment
No
Closing Date
10-Jul-2026
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 Centre comprises 12 highly interdisciplinary experimental research groups accommodated in a new, purpose-designed building, offering an outstanding and unparalleled research environment. SWC scientists use a broad spectrum of the latest advances in molecular and cellular biology, imaging, electrophysiology and behavioural techniques and enjoy state-of-the-art research laboratories, cutting edge scientific equipment, technologically advanced prototyping and fabrication laboratories and custom in-house high-performance computing facilities.
The Saxe Lab investigates how learning shapes neural systems by developing mathematical and deep learning models to better understand cognition and behaviour. The lab combines theoretical modelling with close experimental collaboration to uncover the principles underlying learning in biological systems. You will join a supportive and innovative research team committed to producing rigorous and impactful science.
You will support the design and delivery of behavioural and electrophysiological experiments investigating neural activity in animal models, including training rats in established behavioural paradigms and assisting with in vivo neural recordings. The role involves close collaboration with technicians, the Neurobiological Research Facility, and a postdoctoral researcher to ensure the effective coordination and execution of experiments. You will contribute to data collection, organisation and analysis, as well as the development of behavioural task protocols using MATLAB and analysis in Python.
You should have prior experience working in a research laboratory, including handling rodents and supporting experimental procedures, alongside strong organisational and communication skills. Experience in monitoring animals and providing post-operative care is essential, and familiarity with maintaining behavioural setups is desirable. The role offers opportunities to develop advanced technical skills, including building and implanting recording devices, performing histological analysis, and contributing to experimental design in a collaborative, multidisciplinary environment.
This role meets the eligibility requirements for a skilled worker certificate of sponsorship or a global talent visa under UK Visas and Immigration legislation. Therefore, UCL welcomes applications from international applicants who require a visa.
You will be responsible for delivering reliable experimental support, ensuring accuracy and consistency in data collection, and contributing to the smooth running of behavioural and electrophysiological research activities within the lab. You will hold a degree (Bachelor’s or Master’s) in neuroscience, molecular biology or a related field, and have demonstrable experience working in a research laboratory.
You will bring hands-on experience conducting behavioural experiments in rats, alongside expertise in high-density electrophysiology in tethered, behaving animals, including associated surgical procedures and histological verification. You will also have practical experience handling, monitoring the health and welfare of rodents, including administering post-operative care.
You are a motivated and organised individual with strong communication skills, comfortable working both independently and as part of a collaborative, multidisciplinary team. You demonstrate initiative, attention to detail, and a proactive approach to supporting scientific research, with experience analysing behavioural and/or neural data in Python and contributing to experimental design.
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.
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. SWC is proud to uphold both UCL’s Dignity at Work and Work-Life Balance policies. As Centre we commit to fostering a positive cultural climate where all staff and students can thrive and and actively support Wellbeing@UCL, UCL community, supported by our Wellbeing.
