Job Description

Ref Number

B02-08772

Professional Expertise

Research and Research Support

Department

School of Life & Medical Sciences (B02)

Location

London

Working Pattern

Full time

Salary

43,374 51,860

Contract Type

Fixed-term

Working Type

On site

Available for Secondment

No

Closing Date

02-Jun-2025

About us

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The Beato (UCL Division of Biosciences) and Brownstone (UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology) labs are currently integrated and share resources and personnel. Our group investigates the physiology and pathophysiology of neuronal circuits controlling movement, employing techniques including anatomical circuit tracing, in vitro and in vivo electrophysiological recordings, multiphoton microscopy, RNA sequencing, and behavioural analysis.

About the role

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We have an exciting opportunity for a Research Fellow to study the circuit pathophysiology in genetic models of dystonia, focusing on genetic forms modelling human dystonias. We have recently shown that the signs of dystonia can be reproduced by restricting the underlying mutation to the spinal cord, thus challenging the common view that dystonia is caused by dysfunction of the basal ganglia (Pocratsky et al, Science Translational Medicine, 2023). This finding has spearheaded a new line of research in the lab and within this project we aim at dissecting alterations to spinal circuits that are responsible for the dystonic phenotype and using this knowledge to understand normal spinal circuit function. You will use a variety of techniques that are routinely used in the lab, like multiple electrophysiological recordings, two-photon assisted circuit mapping, anatomical reconstructions, and viral tracing.



The post is available from 18 August 2025 and is funded by Wellcome until 17 August 2028 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).



If you have any queries about the role, please contact Professor Marco Beato (m.beato@ucl.ac.uk) or Professor Rob Brownstone (r.brownstone@ucl.ac.uk).



A full job description and person specification for this role can be accessed below.

About you

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You will have a PhD in a Neuroscience-related discipline (or be near completing) with knowledge of mouse genetics and a keen interest in the study of motor systems. Experience in patch clamp recordings in mature preparation and spinal cord electrophysiology is essential, as is a good understanding of single neuronal physiology and single cell electrophysiology. Evidence of a good publication record and a proven ability to interpret and critically evaluate results and analyse and write up data is also a requirement. Experience in two-photon microscopy, proficiency in in vitro patch-clamp and/or intracellular recordings in the CNS and in in vivo recordings of neural, autonomic, and/or muscle activity, and coding skills (MATLAB or Python) is desirable.



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 38,607 - 41,255 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.



As well as the exciting opportunities this role presents, we also offer some great benefits; visit


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.

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.