Job Description

Ref Number

B02-09159

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

11-Aug-2025

About us

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Biosciences is one of the world's foremost centres for research and teaching in the biological sciences and one of the largest Divisions within UCL, undertaking a significant amount of research and teaching. The Division has a diverse portfolio addressing all areas of biology from protein interactions to cell function, organism development, genetics, population studies and the environment. Computational modelling approaches are frequently used alongside experimental research programmes and much of our research crosses traditional boundaries, including the relationship of biodiversity to the health of the planet. Activity is underpinned by high calibre science technology platforms and state of the art equipment. Educational activity includes a range of undergraduate programmes, an expanding number of Masters Programmes and a substantial number of postgraduate research students.



This is an exciting opportunity to join the group of Tom Wills, becoming an active member of a research project focused on uncovering the neural mechanisms underlying the post-natal emergence of memory.

About the role

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The main purpose of this role is to be an active member of a research project focused on uncovering the neural mechanisms underlying the post-natal emergence of memory. The research will involve multi-site single unit recording from the hippocampus and cortical regions (e.g. Entorhinal Crtex, Hippocampus) while animals are engaged in spatial memory tasks in 2-dimensional VR. The post holder will assist in the design and running of experimental procedures, analysing neural spike and local field potential data, writing up the results, and should have a desire to publish in prestigious journals. Applications are encouraged from candidates with behavioural/systems neuroscience experience, who have expertise in in vivo electrophysiology during behavioural tasks, specifically with 2-dimensional virtual reality apparatus.


This role has a funding end date of 30/03/2026 in the first instance.

Appointment at Grade 7 is dependent upon having been awarded a PhD; if this is not the case, initial appointment will be at Grade 6B (salary 34,502 - 36,348 per annum) with payment at Grade 7 being backdated to the date of final submission of the PhD Thesis.

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.


A job description and person specification can be accessed at the bottom of this page. If you have any queries about the role, please contact Prof Tom Wills t.wills@ucl.ac.uk



If you need reasonable adjustments or a more accessible format to apply for this job online or have any queries about the application process, please contact Biosciences staffing at biosciences.staffing@ucl.ac.uk.

About you

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You must have a PhD in neuroscience (or have submitted your thesis before starting in the position). You must have experience in vivo electrophysiological recording in the hippocampus and related areas, and experience of working on projects where virtual reality is used for behavioural tasks.


You will assist the team in the development, planning and delivery of research funded by the Wellcome Trust, investigating the neural bases of memory development: you will be expected to produce independent and original contributions to the research program.

In addition to developing and conducting the research, you will communicate results as scientific papers and in scientific presentations at local, national, and international conferences.

What we offer

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As well as the exciting opportunities this role presents, we also offer some 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 Relocation scheme for certain posts 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.

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.



Our department holds an Athena SWAN Bronze award, in recognition of our commitment to advancing gender equality.



You can read more about our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion here: https://www.ucl.ac.uk/equality-diversity-inclusion/