Ref Number
B02-10897
Professional Expertise
Research and Research Support
Department
School of Life & Medical Sciences (B02)
Location
London
Working Pattern
Full time
Salary
£43,981-£52,586
Contract Type
Permanent
Working Type
On site
Available for Secondment
No
Closing Date
26-Jul-2026
Biosciences is one of the world’s foremost centres for research and teaching in the biological sciences and one of the largest Divisions within UCL, undertaking a significant amount of research and teaching. The Division has a diverse portfolio addressing all areas of biology from protein interactions to cell function, organism development, genetics, population studies and the environment. Computational modelling approaches are frequently used alongside experimental research programmes and much of our research crosses traditional boundaries, including the relationship of biodiversity to the health of the planet. Activity is underpinned by high calibre science technology platforms and state of the art equipment. Educational activity includes a range of undergraduate programmes, an expanding number of Masters Programmes and a substantial number of postgraduate research students.
Further information can be found on our website https://www.ucl.ac.uk/biosciences
This is an exciting opportunity to join the groups of Tom Wills and Francesca Cacucci, becoming an active member of a research project focused on uncovering the neural mechanisms underlying the post-natal emergence of memory.
The main purpose of this role is to be an active member of a research project focused on uncovering the neural mechanisms underlying the post-natal emergence of memory.
The research will involve multi-site single unit recording from the hippocampus and cortical regions while animals are engaged in spatial memory tasks in developing rodents. The project will have a specific focus on regions involved in the head direction system. The post holder will be responsible for the design and running of experimental procedures, analysing neural spike and local field potential data, writing up the results, and should have a desire to publish in prestigious journals.
Applications are encouraged from candidates with behavioural/systems neuroscience experience, who have expertise in in vivo electrophysiology during behavioural tasks, especially in developing rodents, and in particular in the head direction system.
This role is an open-ended contract with a funding end date of 31/08/2027 in the first instance.
Appointment at Grade 7 is dependent upon having been awarded a PhD; if this is not the case, initial appointment will be at Grade 6B (salary £34,502 - £36,348 per annum) with payment at Grade 7 being backdated to the date of final submission of the PhD Thesis.
We will consider applications to work on a part-time, flexible and job share basis wherever possible.
This appointment is subject to UCL Terms and Conditions of Service for Research and Professional Services Staff. Please visit https://www.ucl.ac.uk/human-resources/conditions-service-research-teaching-and-professional-services-staff for more information.
A job description and person specification can be accessed at the bottom of this page.
If you have any queries about the role, please contact Prof Tom Wills [email protected]
If you need reasonable adjustments or a more accessible format to apply for this job online or have any queries about the application process, please contact Biosciences staffing at [email protected].
You must have a PhD in neuroscience (or have submitted your thesis before starting in the position). You must have experience in vivo electrophysiological recording in the hippocampus and related areas (especially within the head direction system), and experience of working on projects where developing rodents are used.
- You will assist the team in the development, planning and delivery of research funded by the Wellcome Trust, investigating the neural bases of memory development: you will be expected to produce independent and original contributions to the research program.
- In addition to developing and conducting the research, you will communicate results as scientific papers and in scientific presentations at local, national, and international conferences.
As well as the exciting opportunities this role presents, we also offer some great benefits some of which are below:
- 41 Days holiday (27 days annual leave 8 bank holiday and 6 closure days)
- Additional 5 days’ annual leave purchase scheme
- Defined benefit career average revalued earnings pension scheme (CARE)
- Cycle to work scheme and season ticket loan
- Immigration loan
- Relocation scheme for certain posts
- On-Site nursery
- On-site gym
- Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption pay
- Employee assistance programme: Staff Support Service
- Discounted medical insurance
Visit https://www.ucl.ac.uk/work-at-ucl/reward-and-benefits to find out more
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.
Our department holds an Athena SWAN Bronze award, in recognition of our commitment to advancing gender equality.
You can read more about our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion here: https://www.ucl.ac.uk/equality-diversity-inclusion/
