Research Fellow(UK Visa Sponsorship)

Job Description

About the Sainsbury Wellcome Centre

The Sainsbury Wellcome Centre (SWC), based within UCL, is a leading neuroscience research institute dedicated to uncovering how brain circuits generate perception, memory and behaviour.

Established through a partnership between the Gatsby Charitable Foundation and Wellcome, the Centre was designed to support ambitious, theory-driven experimental neuroscience. Our researchers work in a purpose-built facility in Fitzrovia, equipped with cutting-edge laboratories, advanced prototyping and fabrication spaces, and in-house high-performance computing infrastructure.

Our mission is clear: to develop experimentally testable theories of brain function by combining interdisciplinary expertise with world-class technology.

The Opportunity

We are seeking an exceptional Postdoctoral Research Fellow to join a collaborative project between the laboratories of Sonja Hofer and Tim Behrens at SWC.

This project explores how neocortical and subcortical brain circuits cooperate to enable flexible behaviour. Specifically, the research will examine:

• Neural mechanisms underlying goal switching
• Behavioural strategy selection
• Mapping computational theories of behaviour onto identifiable microcircuits and neural pathways

The role will involve studying interactions between the median raphe nucleus, frontal cortex and hippocampus using advanced systems neuroscience approaches.

You will apply a multidisciplinary toolkit including:

• In vivo imaging
• High-density electrophysiological recordings (e.g. Neuropixels)
• Behavioural paradigms
• Molecular and genetic circuit-tracing methods

This is an opportunity to drive independent research within a highly collaborative and intellectually stimulating environment.

About You

We are looking for a motivated and creative neuroscientist who:

• Holds (or is close to submitting) a PhD in neuroscience or a related discipline
• Has hands-on experience in rodent research, including handling, stereotaxic surgery and behavioural training
• Has expertise in in vivo electrophysiology and/or single-cell imaging
• Is confident analysing complex datasets using Python, R or MATLAB
• Demonstrates strong statistical understanding
• Communicates research clearly in both written and spoken formats

You will be expected to develop independent research ideas, contribute to funding proposals, and collaborate effectively across disciplines. Strong organisational skills and a commitment to ethical, reproducible science are essential.

Visa Sponsorship and Immigration

This role qualifies for a Skilled Worker Certificate of Sponsorship and may also be suitable under the Global Talent visa route. International applicants are warmly encouraged to apply.

For official guidance, please refer to:

• Skilled Worker visa
• Global Talent visa
• UK visa and immigration overview
• Right to work in the UK
• Living and working in the UK (official government guidance)

What We Offer

Working at SWC means joining a vibrant scientific community in central London. Staff benefit from:

• A purpose-built, award-winning research environment
• On-site brasserie and social spaces
• Secure cycle storage and changing facilities
• Generous annual leave
• Occupational pension schemes
• Family-friendly policies including occupational shared parental pay
• Financial benefits such as season ticket loans and staff discounts

As part of UCL, you will also have access to extensive professional development opportunities and wellbeing initiatives.

Our Commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

As London’s Global University, UCL is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive academic community. SWC particularly encourages applications from individuals who are underrepresented in academia, including:

• Black, Asian and minority ethnic candidates
• Disabled candidates
• LGBTQI+ candidates
• Women (particularly in senior scientific grades)

SWC holds an Athena Swan Bronze Award and actively supports equality, accessibility, dignity at work and work-life balance policies.

We are committed to creating an environment where all researchers can thrive.