Research Fellow(UK Visa Sponsorship Available)
Job Description
About Us
The Research Department of Epilepsy at UCL is dedicated to improving the lives of people living with epilepsy. Our mission is to identify, understand, and ultimately prevent or correct the mechanisms underlying epilepsies and their associated comorbidities.
Our vision is to build on the excellence and breadth of our research by integrating basic and clinical neuroscience to develop innovative approaches that transform diagnosis, treatment, and long-term outcomes for individuals affected by epilepsy.
About the Role
We are seeking a Research Fellow to join the Vivekananda Group, working at the intersection of neuroscience, data science, and clinical research. The postholder will investigate the mechanistic basis of anhedonia in epilepsy, employing advanced computational and AI-based approaches to analyse behavioural, magnetoencephalography (MEG), and intracranial electroencephalography (iEEG) data.
The project aims to understand the neurobiological mechanisms of low mood and anhedonia in epilepsy, examining changes across multiple brain levels. This will involve integrating structural and functional neuroimaging data with behavioural outcomes before and after epilepsy surgery. The findings will also be extended to broader clinical populations, such as individuals with depression.
The role offers the opportunity to make independent, original contributions to the project and to develop your own line of research aligned with these themes.
- Funding: EPSRC-funded until 31 March 2026 (in the first instance)
- Start Date: Available immediately
- Working Pattern: Full-time, hybrid
- Salary: UCL Grade 7 – £45,103 per annum (inclusive of London Allowance)
If you are near PhD completion, you may be appointed initially as a Research Assistant (Grade 6B; £39,148–£41,833), with promotion to Research Fellow backdated to the date of PhD award.
About You
You will hold (or be close to completing) a PhD in Science, Engineering, Mathematics, or a related field that includes elements of neuroscience. You should have a strong background in computational analysis, experience with neurophysiological data (particularly MEG), and an understanding of clinical neuroscience.
Essential criteria include:
- Proven research experience and knowledge of relevant methodologies
- Demonstrable expertise in neurophysiological data collection and analysis
- Strong programming and computational skills (e.g., Python, MATLAB, or R)
- Excellent communication and presentation skills
- Ability to teach or demonstrate methods to others
- Strong analytical ability and experience in interpreting and writing up results
Desirable criteria:
Experience working with AI or machine learning methods in neuroscience
Familiarity with clinical research settings
Application Process
To apply, visit the UCL Jobs Portal
and search for vacancy reference B02-09631.
You will need to:
- Complete the online application form
- Upload a current CV
- Provide a supporting statement or cover letter explaining how you meet the essential and desirable criteria
- Please do not upload additional attachments, as these will not be considered.
Visa Sponsorship
This position meets the eligibility criteria for a Skilled Worker Certificate of Sponsorship or a Global Talent Visa under UK Visas and Immigration legislation.
UCL welcomes applications from international researchers requiring visa sponsorship.
What We Offer
UCL provides a comprehensive employment package, including:
- 41 days of annual leave (27 days leave, 8 bank holidays, 6 closure days)
- Additional 5 days’ annual leave purchase scheme
- Defined benefit CARE pension scheme
- Cycle to Work and Season Ticket Loan schemes
- Immigration loan
- On-site nursery and gym facilities
- Enhanced maternity, paternity, and adoption pay
- Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)
- Discounted medical insurance
- UCL supports applications for part-time, flexible, or job share arrangements wherever possible.
- This appointment is subject to UCL Terms and Conditions of Service for Research and Professional Services Staff
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
At UCL, we believe that diversity drives creativity and innovation. The Institute of Neurology prides itself on maintaining an inclusive environment that values individual strengths and advances the careers of all staff.
12% of our Institute’s staff actively contribute to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) initiatives. We also hold an Athena SWAN Silver Award in recognition of our progress in promoting gender equality.
We particularly welcome applications from individuals who are underrepresented in our workforce, including:
- People from Black, Asian, and minority ethnic backgrounds
- Disabled people
- LGBTQI+ and gender diverse individuals
- Women in senior academic roles
