Job Description

Ref Number

B02-09174

Professional Expertise

Research and Research Support

Department

School of Life & Medical Sciences (B02)

Location

London

Working Pattern

Full time

Salary

35,930-41,255

Contract Type

Fixed-term

Working Type

On site

Available for Secondment

No

Closing Date

14-Aug-2025

About us

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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, cuttingedge scientific equipment, technologicallyadvanced prototyping and fabrication laboratories and custom in-house high-performance computing facilities.

About the role

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The Branco lab study the mechanisms by which neurons integrate sensory information to generate behaviour that promote survival. The lab uses various innovative techniques including behaviour, neural recordings and imaging, optogenetics, anatomy, computer science and theoretical neuroscience.



We are looking for a Research Assistant to perform whole-cell recordings in vitro and in vivo in head-fixed mice. You will work closely within a team and be responsible for the preparation of acute brain slices, for performing surgery, obtaining high-quality electrophysiological recordings, performing histological procedures and assist in neural optogenetic experiment, data analysis and presentation of the results.



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

About you

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You will be an excellent communicator, have prior experience of working within a research laboratory and whole-cell electrophysiological techniques, as well as some experience in handling rodents and surgical techniques.



Knowledge in synaptic physiology and plasticity is desirable, as well as basic programming skills in python or MATLAB environments. You will be expected to work under your own initiative in a collaborative and multidisciplinary research environment.

What we offer

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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.

Our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

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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.