Research Fellow(UK Visa Sponsorship)
Job Description
About the Sainsbury Wellcome Centre
The Sainsbury Wellcome Centre (SWC), part of University College London, is a leading neuroscience institute dedicated to uncovering how brain circuits give rise to perception, memory, and behaviour. Founded through the partnership of the Gatsby Charitable Foundation and Wellcome, the Centre was created to develop experimentally testable theories of brain function.
Located in Fitzrovia, London, SWC brings together around 14 interdisciplinary research groups in a purpose-built facility equipped with advanced molecular biology labs, high-end imaging platforms, electrophysiology systems, behavioural testing environments, and powerful in-house computational infrastructure.
Among its research groups, the Harris Lab investigates one of biology’s most intriguing questions: why sleep is essential for brain function. Using mouse models, the lab combines electrophysiology, optogenetics, and behavioural approaches to explore how sleep reshapes neural circuits and optimises brain performance.
About the Project
We are recruiting a Postdoctoral Research Fellow to contribute to a collaborative project between the laboratories of Sonja Hofer and Tim Behrens. The project seeks to understand how cortical and subcortical circuits coordinate to support flexible, goal-directed behaviour.
The research will explore how the brain switches behavioural strategies and selects appropriate responses to changing environments. A particular focus will be on interactions between the median raphe nucleus, frontal cortex, and hippocampus. The successful candidate will connect computational theories of behaviour with biological microcircuits.
Methods will include:
- In vivo calcium imaging
- High-density electrophysiological recordings (e.g., Neuropixels)
- Behavioural paradigms in rodents
- Molecular and genetic circuit tracing
- Optogenetic manipulation
This is an opportunity to work at the interface of systems neuroscience, computational theory, and behavioural science in a highly collaborative setting.
Candidate Profile
We are looking for an ambitious and independent neuroscientist who:
- Holds a PhD in neuroscience or a closely related discipline (or will have submitted prior to starting)
- Has hands-on experience in rodent research, including handling, stereotaxic surgery, and behavioural training
- Has experience with in vivo imaging or single-cell electrophysiological recording
- Is confident in analysing complex datasets using Python, R, or MATLAB
- Demonstrates a strong understanding of statistical analysis
- Can communicate research clearly through publications and presentations
The ideal candidate will be intellectually curious, collaborative, highly organised, and motivated to contribute creatively to grant applications and new research directions.
Visa and Immigration Information
This position qualifies for UK visa sponsorship under the Skilled Worker route or Global Talent route, subject to eligibility criteria defined by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI).
Relevant government guidance includes:
- Skilled Worker visa overview
- Global Talent visa guidance
- Right to work in the UK
- Certificate of Sponsorship guidance
- Visa application processing times
International applicants are encouraged to review the above resources before applying.
What We Offer
SWC provides a modern, award-winning workplace in central London, including:
- Onsite brasserie and social spaces
- Changing facilities and secure cycle storage
- Access to outdoor areas
- Competitive annual leave entitlement
- Occupational pension schemes
- Family-friendly policies, including shared parental pay
- Financial benefits such as season ticket loans and staff discounts
- As part of UCL, staff benefit from one of the UK’s most comprehensive university benefits packages.
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
As London’s Global University, UCL recognises that diverse perspectives drive innovation. The Centre actively welcomes applications from individuals who are underrepresented in academia, including those from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds, disabled individuals, LGBTQI+ communities, and women in senior STEMM roles.
SWC holds an Athena Swan Bronze Award in recognition of its commitment to advancing gender equality in science and academia.
