Ref Number
B02-10890
Professional Expertise
Research and Research Support
Department
School of Life & Medical Sciences (B02)
Location
London
Working Pattern
Part time
Salary
See advert text
Contract Type
Fixed-term
Working Type
Hybrid
Available for Secondment
No
Closing Date
26-Jul-2026
The mission of the Research Department of Epilepsy is to transform the lives of people living with epilepsy for the better by identifying, understanding and correcting or preventing the underlying mechanisms leading to the epilepsies and associated comorbidities in each individual person. Our vision is to build upon the excellence and breadth of our research, seamlessly integrating basic and clinical science.
We are seeking a Research Fellow to join the Vivekananda research group to work on a research project investigating the neural mechanisms underlying low mood, particularly anhedonia, in epilepsy. The project will use structural and functional neuroimaging data alongside behavioural measures collected before and after epilepsy surgery to better understand these mechanisms. The findings will also have the potential to be translated to broader clinical populations, such as individuals with depression.
You will be expected to make independent, original contributions to the project and will have the opportunity to develop your own research programme aligned with these themes. You will apply advanced computational methods, including artificial intelligence (AI) techniques, to analyse behavioural, magnetoencephalography (MEG), and intracranial electroencephalography (iEEG) data.
The post is available immediately and funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) until 28 February 2027 in the first instance.
The post is offered part-time at 18.25 hours per week (0.5 Full Time Equivalent). This role is eligible for hybrid working with a minimum of 50% of time on site.
If you need reasonable adjustments or a more accessible format to apply for this job online, or have any queries regarding the application process, please contact the Institute of Neurology HR Team ([email protected]).
Informal enquiries regarding the role can be addressed to Dr Umesh Vivekananda ([email protected]).
A full job description and person specification for this role can be accessed below. To apply, please upload a current CV, complete the online application form, and use the supporting statement section or upload a cover letter to outline how you meet the essential and desirable criteria for the role. Please do not upload any additional attachments as these will not be considered by the selection panel.
You will hold a PhD (or be close to completion) in neuroscience, engineering, mathematics or another relevant quantitative discipline with a strong neuroscience component. You will have experience in analysing neurophysiological data, particularly magnetoencephalography (MEG), using advanced computational approaches, and will be proficient in scientific programming using MATLAB, Python and/or C++.
You will have a strong publication record commensurate with your career stage, excellent analytical and communication skills, and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a multidisciplinary research environment.
This role does not meet the eligibility requirements for a Skilled Worker Visa certificate of sponsorship under UK Visas and Immigration legislation. Therefore UCL will not be able to sponsor individuals who require right to work in the UK to carry out this role.
Starting salary offered at UCL Grade 7 in the range £22,551.50 - £23,130.50 (i.e., 50% of £45,103 - £46,261) per annum, inclusive of London Allowance.
Appointment as Research Fellow is dependent upon having been awarded a PhD; if this is not the case, initial appointment will be as Research Assistant (£19,574.00 - £20,916.50, i.e.,50% of £39,148 - £41,833 per annum) with appointment as Research Fellow being backdated to the date of final submission of the PhD thesis.
As well as the exciting opportunities this role presents, we also offer 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
- 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.
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.
The Institute prides itself on operating in an all-inclusive environment irrespective of personal, physical, or social characteristics. Teamwork is highly valued, individual strengths are recognised and celebrated, and we are committed to advancing the careers of everyone. 12% of Institute staff are actively working on Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) initiatives; visit our EDI website for more information about our initiatives and priorities. The Institute also holds an Athena SWAN Gold award, in recognition of our commitment and demonstrable impact in advancing gender equality.
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+ and gender diverse people in all roles, and women in Grade 9 and 10 roles.
