Job Description

Ref Number

B02-09898

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

Fixed-term

Working Type

On site

Available for Secondment

No

Closing Date

04-Jan-2026

About us

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The Department of Imaging Neuroscience, home to the internationally renowned Functional Imaging Laboratory, has spent over 30 years advancing our understanding of the human brain through cutting-edge imaging techniques. We lead major initiatives, including the Wellcome-funded Discovery Research Platform for Naturalistic Neuroimaging and the Max Planck UCL Centre for Computational Psychiatry and Ageing Research.



We aim to understand how the brain works in real-world contexts and improve human health, training clinicians, scientists, and professional staff, with strong collaborations across UCL, nationally, and internationally. Our facilities include 7 T and 3 T MRI scanners, a cryogenically cooled MEG system, and a wearable OPM system for brain and spinal cord electrophysiology.

About the role

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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 (ion.hradmin@ucl.ac.uk).



Informal enquiries regarding the role can be addressed to Professor Gareth Barnes (g.barnes@ucl.ac.uk).



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

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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 (e.g., 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

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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 39,148 - 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.

Our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

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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 Silver 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.