About the role
We are seeking a Research Fellow to join our Wellcome-funded Discovery Research Platform for Naturalistic Neuroimaging. You will be part of a multidisciplinary team developing the next generation of tools to enable naturalistic brain and body imaging. This is an exciting opportunity to work at the forefront of neuroimaging technology, applying cutting-edge techniques to address important cognitive and clinical neuroscience questions.
The Department has pioneered the use of optically pumped magnetometers (OPMs), which allow brain activity to be recorded while participants move and engage in naturalistic tasks. This also enables scanning of a wider range of participants, including children and some patient groups.
You will work in world-class facilities, including two dedicated OPM scanning suites and a large magnetically shielded room equipped with advanced motion-tracking systems. The role involves developing and applying innovative hardware and software solutions, contributing to the planning and design of novel experiments, and collaborating with leading neuroscientists to establish a globally impactful Discovery Research Platform for Naturalistic Neuroimaging.
The role is available immediately and funded by Wellcome for two years in the first instance.
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 ().
Informal enquiries regarding the role can be addressed to Professor Gareth Barnes ().
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.
About you
You’ll have an honours degree (minimum 2:1) and a PhD (or be near completion) in Physics, Engineering, or a related discipline, or equivalent industrial/commercial experience. You’ll have experience in the independent development of brain and body imaging hardware, as well as programming skills in Matlab, LabView, Python, or a C-based language. Experience in neuroscience research and evidence of creative, original work in hardware or software development for imaging or stimulation systems are essential.
You’ll be a confident communicator with excellent problem-solving and interpersonal skills, able to work independently, manage competing priorities, and collaborate effectively within a multidisciplinary team.
Desirable skills include experience with OPM technology, collaborative software development (, GitHub), electrophysiological data analysis, and familiarity with SPM or similar neuroimaging tools.
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.
What we offer
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 (salary £39, - £41, 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:
1. 41 Days holiday (27 days annual leave 8 bank holiday and 6 closure days)
2. Additional 5 days’ annual leave purchase scheme
3. Defined benefit career average revalued earnings pension scheme (CARE)
4. Cycle to work scheme and season ticket loan
5. Immigration loan
6. On-site nursery
7. On-site gym
8. Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption pay
9. Employee assistance programme: Staff Support Service
10. Discounted medical insurance