Postdoctoral Research Fellow(UK Visa Sponsorship)
Job Description
About the UCL Ear Institute
The UCL Ear Institute (EI) is a world-leading centre dedicated to understanding the mechanisms of hearing and the causes of deafness. Together with the Royal National Throat, Nose and Ear Hospital (RNTNEH), the EI forms part of a National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Biomedical Research Centre (BRC) in Deafness and Hearing Problems.
The EI hosts approximately 75 multidisciplinary staff across multiple sites, including central UCL and the Royal Veterinary College in Camden. Our research spans auditory neuroscience, sensory processing, and translational studies aimed at improving clinical outcomes.
NIHR Biomedical Research Centres
Project Overview
We are seeking a Postdoctoral Research Fellow to lead research on how the brain maps sounds into the world. The project, led by Prof Jennifer Bizley and funded by Wellcome, investigates neural representations of auditory space through recordings in freely moving animal models.
Key responsibilities include:
- Leading a small team to explore active sensing strategies and auditory cortical responses.
- Programming and data analysis using Python and MATLAB.
- Analysing electrophysiology and/or video tracking data from chronically implanted Neuropixels probes.
- Establishing eye-tracking methods for behavioural experiments.
- Preparing research outputs for publication and presentation at international conferences.
- Candidate suitability: Experience with ferrets or other animal models in auditory neuroscience is highly desirable.
Role Details
- Salary: £43,981–£52,586 (Grade 7), with London Allowance included.
- Alternative: Initial appointment at Grade 6B (£39,807–£42,891) if PhD not yet submitted, with backdated progression upon completion.
- Eligibility: This role qualifies for a Skilled Worker Certificate of Sponsorship or a Global Talent Visa under UKVI legislation.
UK visa guidance:
Candidate Profile
Applicants should have:
- A PhD in Neuroscience, Hearing Sciences, Engineering, or a related discipline.
- Proven experience in experimental work with animal models.
- Strong coding skills in Python and/or MATLAB.
- Ability to work collaboratively, organise a small team, and communicate results effectively.
- Enthusiasm for interdisciplinary research in auditory processing and active sensing.
- Ethics and compliance: Experience with animal research regulations in the UK is essential. Guidance
Application Process
Interviews: Scheduled the week of 16 March 2026, with an anticipated start in April 2026.
Applications should include:
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Cover Letter highlighting relevant research experience and coding skills
Benefits
- 41 days holiday (27 annual leave + 8 bank holidays + 6 closure days)
- Additional 5 days leave purchase scheme
- Defined benefit CARE pension scheme
- Cycle-to-work and season ticket loan schemes
- Immigration loan support
- On-site nursery and gym
- Enhanced maternity, paternity, and adoption pay
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Discounted medical insurance
Equality, Diversity & Inclusion
UCL is committed to an inclusive and diverse workplace, recognising that diversity drives creativity and innovation. We particularly encourage applications from groups underrepresented in STEM and neuroscience, including:
Black, Asian, and ethnic minority candidates
Disabled individuals
- LGBTQI+ and gender-diverse people
- Women in senior research roles
- Guidance on UK equality legislation
Why Join Us?
This postdoctoral opportunity offers a chance to:
- Lead innovative research in auditory neuroscience.
- Work within a world-class interdisciplinary team.
- Engage in high-impact translational science at the interface of behaviour, neurophysiology, and computation.
- Contribute to publications and conferences at an international level.
