Research Technician – Akrami, Erlich and Saxe Labs
Job Description
About Us
The Sainsbury Wellcome Centre (SWC) brings together world-leading neuroscientists to study how brain circuits process information to generate perception, memory, and behaviour. Established through the partnership of the Gatsby Charitable Foundation and Wellcome, the SWC’s mission is to produce experimentally testable theories of brain function through innovative, collaborative research.
The Akrami Lab investigates the neurobiology of cognition, using a cross-species approach that integrates experiments in rats, mice, and humans with computational modelling. The team studies complex cognitive processes such as working memory and statistical learning. The lab values diversity in both scientific and cultural backgrounds and works closely with other research groups, including the Erlich and Saxe Labs.
The Erlich and Saxe Labs explore the theories of cognition and learning by studying behavior in mice, rats, humans, and synthetic agents. A distinguishing feature of their work is a highly automated behavioral training facility capable of training hundreds of rodents daily, supported by modern information technology tools such as databases, web dashboards, version control systems, and data pipelines.
About the Role
We are seeking a motivated and well-organized Research Technician to support the training and behavioral testing of rats and mice in our high-throughput facility.
Key responsibilities include:
Handling, caring for, and training rodents within behavioral experiments.
Monitoring and recording animal behavior, maintaining accurate experimental data.
Working collaboratively with members of the Akrami, Erlich, and Saxe Labs, as well as the Neurobiological Research Facility.
Participating in lab meetings and maintaining high standards of animal welfare.
Performing physical tasks, such as transferring cages and moving racks between holding and training rooms.
(If qualified) Acting as a Personal Licence (PIL) holder responsible for specific animals.
There may also be opportunities to contribute directly to experimental research, such as:
Assisting with stereotaxic surgeries
Supporting electrophysiological recordings
Aiding in optogenetic manipulations, intracranial infusions, or pharmacological studies
Working pattern:
This role requires a shifted working week from Saturday to Tuesday, approximately 9 hours per day. Regular days off will be Wednesday to Friday. The postholder will be expected to work around 26 weekends per year.
The post is funded for one year in the first instance.
About You
You will have excellent organizational and communication skills, the ability to work independently, and a proactive approach to problem-solving.
Essential criteria:
Experience in handling and caring for rodents (mice and rats).
Strong attention to detail and commitment to high-quality research.
Ability to work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary research environment.
Desirable criteria:
A valid Personal License (PIL) under the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act.
Technical experience in maintaining and calibrating behavioral setups.
What We Offer
The Sainsbury Wellcome Centre provides an award-winning research environment in central London, offering:
Generous annual leave and occupational pension schemes
Excellent family-friendly policies and work-life balance initiatives
Access to UCL’s training and professional development programmes
A supportive, inclusive culture with opportunities to develop new skills and advance your career
Learn more about UCL staff benefits at: UCL Rewards and Benefits
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
At UCL, we believe diversity drives creativity and innovation. We are committed to building an inclusive environment that reflects the diversity of the global community.
We particularly welcome applications from individuals who are underrepresented in our workforce, including Black, Asian and minority ethnic candidates, disabled people, LGBTQI+ individuals, and for senior roles, women.
The SWC holds an Athena SWAN Bronze Award (2021) in recognition of its ongoing commitment to gender equality and inclusive practice. We are dedicated to ensuring accessibility and wellbeing for all staff, supported by UCL’s Dignity at Work and Work-Life Balance policies.
