Job Description

Ref Number

B02-08864

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

Permanent

Working Type

On site

Available for Secondment

No

Closing Date

27-Jul-2025

About us

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The mission of the Department of Clinical and Experimental 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.



Research across the Experimental Epilepsy Group, which sits within the Department, spans across fundamental mechanisms of vesicle fusion and synaptic transmission, ion channel biology, experimental models of epilepsy, the function of neural circuits, neurological diseases modelled in rodents and flies, and advanced therapies for epilepsy and related disorders.

About the role

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You will apply closed-loop optogenetic manipulations, together with automated behavioural analysis, to investigate the normal and pathological roles of cortical oscillations. The project will complement a programme of research aimed at improving the understanding and treatment of epilepsy and related disorders.



The role is available from September 2025 and funded by the Gatsby Initiative in Brain Development and Psychiatry for three 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 Dimitri Kullmann (d.kullmann@ucl.ac.uk).



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

About you

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You'll have a PhD in Neuroscience or a related discipline, coupled with experience of working with rodents and of 3D printing. An understanding of the principles of electrical and electronic engineering, coding and debugging skills (Python, Arduino, Raspberry Pi), and proficiency with data analysis for electrophysiological and time series data are also essential for this role.



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 - 1,255 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.



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.