Scientific Officer Open Science & Bioengineering(UK Visa Sponsorship)

Job Description

The Role at a Glance

The University of Sussex is seeking an experienced Scientific Officer (Open Science & Bioengineering) to lead the operation and future development of a cutting-edge Bioengineering Facility supporting world-class neuroscience research.

This role sits at the intersection of engineering, imaging, and experimental neuroscience, enabling sophisticated analysis of animal behaviour and neural activity across vertebrate and invertebrate systems. You will be a central technical and scientific resource, working alongside academic staff, researchers, and postgraduate students to ensure research infrastructure is safe, innovative, and scientifically robust.

Key Responsibilities

In this role, you will:

• Lead the day-to-day operation, safety, and development of a specialist bioengineering and neuroscience research facility
• Support advanced behavioural analysis and neural imaging, including multiphoton microscopy and circuit-level approaches
• Advise researchers on experimental design, data acquisition, and best technical practice
• Drive the ongoing enhancement of research infrastructure, instrumentation, and workflows
• Champion open science principles, reproducibility, and shared research tools, aligning with UK research integrity guidance
• Support skills development and training for staff and students, including areas such as electronics, prototyping, and 3D printing
• Your work will contribute directly to the UK’s wider research and innovation ecosystem, as outlined by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI)

About You

This position will suit a technically confident, research-engaged professional who thrives in collaborative environments. You are likely to bring:

• A strong background in bioengineering, imaging, instrumentation, neuroscience technologies, or a related discipline
• Experience supporting experimental research and complex scientific equipment
• Confidence working with researchers at all career stages, from postgraduate students to senior academics
• An interest in open, transparent, and reproducible research practices
• A proactive and adaptable mindset, with enthusiasm for developing shared research infrastructure

You will enjoy acting as a trusted scientific partner and enabling others to achieve high-quality, ethical research outcomes in line with Home Office animal research regulations, where applicable

About the School of Life Sciences

The School of Life Sciences at the University of Sussex is home to a diverse and vibrant research community working across biology, chemistry, neuroscience, and environmental science.

Our five departments are:

Biochemistry & Biomedicine

• Genome Damage and Stability Centre
• Neuroscience

Ecology & Evolution

Chemistry

We also host the Sussex Drug Discovery Centre, supporting bench-to-bedside translational research.

Approximately 50% of the School’s income derives from research activity, with an active grant portfolio exceeding £50 million. In the Research Excellence Framework (REF), over 90% of Biological Sciences outputs and 84% of Chemistry outputs were rated as world-leading or internationally excellent, consistent with national standards set by Research England

The School holds a Silver Athena Swan Award and is committed to equality, inclusion, and a supportive research culture.

Why Join the University of Sussex?

• A beautiful 150-acre campus at the edge of the South Downs
• Excellent transport links, including Falmer train station and on-campus bus routes
• Dedicated cycling infrastructure and cycle-to-work scheme
• A collaborative, research-led international university environment
• Comprehensive rewards, benefits, and professional development opportunities

Our approach reflects the principles of fairness and inclusion set out in the Equality Act 2010
 https://www.gov.uk/guidance/equality-act-2010-guidance

Visa and Right to Work Information

All work must be undertaken within the UK.

This role may be eligible for Skilled Worker visa sponsorship, depending on salary level and individual circumstances. The assigned SOC code is 2161 – Research and Development Managers, with a going rate of £54,400. Eligibility may depend on tradeable points or existing Skilled Worker permission issued before 4 April 2024.

Applicants should consult official UK Government guidance on Skilled Worker visas
 https://www.gov.uk/skilled-worker-visa

Please note: ATAS clearance may be required for some applicants.

Further Information & Support

The University of Sussex welcomes applications from all backgrounds and particularly encourages candidates from groups currently under-represented in STEMM disciplines, in line with guidance from the Office for Students