Scientific Officer (Open Science & Bioengineering) UK Visa Sponsorship

Job Description

The University of Sussex is seeking a technically skilled and research-engaged Scientific Officer to lead a cutting-edge Bioengineering Facility that underpins advanced neuroscience research. This role sits at the intersection of engineering, imaging, and open science, supporting innovative work on neural circuits and behaviour across vertebrate and invertebrate models.

You’ll be a key partner to academics, postgraduates, and researchers—ensuring the facility runs safely and efficiently while helping to shape its future technical direction.

 What You’ll Be Doing

Facility Leadership & Technical Excellence

• Lead the operation and ongoing development of a modern bioengineering and neuroscience facility.
• Enable quantitative behavioural analysis and advanced neural imaging, building on strengths in multiphoton microscopy and circuit-level neuroscience.
• Maintain high standards of safety, data quality, and reproducibility across all facility activities.

Research Enablement & Collaboration

• Work closely with academic staff and research teams to advise on experimental design, instrumentation, and best practice.
• Support postgraduate researchers through hands-on training and technical guidance.
• Act as a trusted scientific and technical collaborator within a dynamic research environment.

Open Science & Innovation

• Champion open science approaches, including reproducible workflows, prototyping, electronics, and 3D printing.
• Contribute to the strategic development of research infrastructure, anticipating future needs and emerging technologies.

 Who This Role Is For

This position is ideal for someone who enjoys working where science meets technology—a specialist who is as comfortable with instrumentation and imaging as they are collaborating with researchers.

You’ll bring:

• Expertise in bioengineering, imaging, instrumentation, or a closely related field.
• Confidence working in a research-active environment and advising on technical decisions.
• A proactive, adaptable mindset with a genuine interest in enabling high-quality, open, and collaborative research.
• Enthusiasm for training others and developing shared research infrastructure.

About the School of Life Sciences

The School of Life Sciences at Sussex brings together multidisciplinary research and teaching across chemistry, molecular biosciences, neuroscience, ecology, evolution, and conservation biology.

The School:

• Hosts five departments and the Sussex Drug Discovery Centre, supporting bench-to-bedside translation.
• Has a strong research economy, with around 50% of income from research and an active grant portfolio exceeding £50 million.
• Is home to University Centres of Excellence, including Sussex Neuroscience and the Genome Damage and Stability Centre.
• Achieved outstanding results in the REF 2021, with the vast majority of outputs rated world-leading or internationally excellent.
• The School is proud to hold a Silver Athena Swan Award and is committed to kindness, integrity, inclusion, collaboration, and courage.

 Why Join the University of Sussex?

• A beautiful 150-acre campus beside the South Downs National Park.
• Excellent transport links, including Falmer train station next to campus.
• Cycle-to-work scheme and dedicated cycling infrastructure.
• A supportive, research-led international university culture where people and ideas thrive.

 Equality, Inclusion & Diversity

The University of Sussex is committed to equality and valuing diversity. Applications are particularly welcomed from women and Black, Asian and minority ethnic candidates, who are under-represented in STEMM academic roles at Sussex.

 Visa, ATAS & Right-to-Work Information

• All work must be performed in the UK.
• This role may be eligible for Skilled Worker visa sponsorship, subject to salary and eligibility criteria.
• The assigned SOC code is 2161 – Research and Development Managers (going rate £54,400).
• The role may require ATAS clearance, depending on nationality and research focus.

 Official UK Government & Research Resources

The following official resources may be helpful for applicants:

UK Visas & Immigration – Skilled Worker Visa

 Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) – UK Government

 UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) – Open research & funding standards

Health and Safety Executive (HSE) – Laboratory and workplace safety

 Office for Students (England) – Higher education regulation

 Key Dates

Closing Date: 2 February 2026 (3:59 PM)

Interviews: Approximately 3 weeks after closing

Expected Start Date: April–June 2026