Research Fellow(UK Visa Sponsorship)

Job Description

About Us

The Sainsbury Wellcome Centre (SWC) is an internationally recognised research hub dedicated to understanding how brain circuits process information to produce perception, memory, and behaviour. Founded in partnership with the Gatsby Charitable Foundation and Wellcome, the Centre fosters collaborative, cutting‑edge work at the intersection of molecular biology, imaging, electrophysiology, behaviour, and computational neuroscience.

SWC provides an exceptional research setting with state‑of‑the‑art facilities, including advanced imaging laboratories, electrophysiology suites, behavioural testing rigs, prototyping workshops, and high‑performance computing infrastructure.

 Overview of the Role

We are seeking an outstanding Postdoctoral Research Fellow to join a collaborative project led by the laboratories of Sonja Hofer and Tim Behrens. This project explores how different brain circuits interact to support flexible behaviour, focusing on how animals switch goals and select strategies in changing environments.

You will apply a multidisciplinary toolkit — including in vivo imaging, high‑density electrophysiology (e.g., Neuropixels probes), behavioural assays, genetic tools, and circuit manipulation — to investigate the interplay between structures such as the frontal cortex, hippocampus, and median raphe nucleus.

 What You’ll Do

In this role, you will:

• Plan and conduct independent research that advances understanding of cortical and subcortical interactions underlying behaviour
• Use cutting‑edge techniques to record and manipulate neuronal populations in rodents
• Analyse complex datasets using tools such as Python, R, or MATLAB
• Contribute to manuscript writing and presentations at scientific meetings
• Generate original ideas that can lead to new research directions and grant proposals
• Work collaboratively with team members across labs

 About You

You are likely to be successful if you:

• Hold (or will soon complete) a PhD in neuroscience, biology, psychology, or a related field
• Have strong experience in rodent behaviour, surgical techniques, or electrophysiological recordings/imaging
• Are comfortable programming for data analysis and statistics (e.g., Python, MATLAB, R)
• Communicate clearly, both in writing and orally
• Manage multiple tasks with strong planning and organisational skills
• Work collaboratively with integrity and scientific curiosity

This role meets eligibility criteria for a Skilled Worker visa certificate of sponsorship or the Global Talent visa under UK immigration rules, making it accessible to international candidates.
Learn more about UK skilled visas
Skilled Worker visa guidance (GOV.UK) 

 Global Talent visa overview (GOV.UK) 

 Working at SWC & UCL

The Sainsbury Wellcome Centre offers more than a job — it’s a research community. Located in Fitzrovia, London, staff benefit from a collaborative environment, modern amenities, and access to UCL’s vast academic network.

What We Provide:

• Generous annual leave entitlement
• Automatic enrolment in an occupational pension scheme
• Family‑friendly policies including shared parental pay
• Bicycle storage, lockers, and changing facilities
• Access to outdoor spaces and an onsite brasserie
• Season ticket loans and staff discounts
•  Find UK workplace pension rules here
   Workplace pension guidance (GOV.UK) 

 Equality, Diversity & Inclusion

UCL and SWC are committed to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment where all individuals can succeed. We believe diversity enhances creativity and promotes better research outcomes.

We especially encourage applications from groups underrepresented in science and academia, including:

• Black, Asian and minority ethnic candidates
• Disabled applicants
• LGBTQ+ applicants
• Women in STEMM fields

Reasonable adjustments to support candidates at every stage of recruitment are available upon request.
UK law on equality and employment protections
 Equality Act 2010 – Employment protections (GOV.UK) 

 Wellbeing & Work‑Life Support

SWC actively supports staff wellbeing through policies and programmes designed to help balance personal life and professional ambitions. The team champions a healthy research culture where everyone can thrive.

Guidance on workplace wellbeing and mental health in the UK
Workplace health support (GOV.UK)

 How to Apply

Interested candidates should submit their application before 15 March 2026. Only applications received by this closing date will be considered.

Please ensure your application includes all required supporting documents, as specified in the job posting.