Scientific Officer (UK Visa Sponsorship)

Job Description

About the Role

The University of Sussex is seeking a forward-thinking Scientific Officer to take a leading role in the development and delivery of a cutting-edge Bioengineering Facility supporting world-class neuroscience research.

This position sits at the intersection of engineering, imaging, and open science, enabling advanced experimental approaches such as quantitative behavioural analysis and high-resolution neural imaging across both vertebrate and invertebrate models. The facility builds on established expertise in multiphoton microscopy, neural circuitry, and behavioural neuroscience.

Working in close partnership with academic staff, postdoctoral researchers, and postgraduate students, you will ensure the facility operates to the highest scientific, technical, and safety standards. Alongside day-to-day leadership, you will help shape the facility’s future—driving innovation, supporting reproducible research, and contributing to strategic infrastructure development.

All work will align with UK research governance, safety, and ethical standards

(ATAS and visa-related compliance)

Key Responsibilities

In this role, you will:

• Lead the technical operation and continuous development of the Bioengineering Facility
• Support advanced neuroscience research through imaging, instrumentation, and behavioural analysis
• Advise researchers on experimental design, best practice, and technical feasibility
• Ensure safe, compliant, and efficient use of specialist equipment and laboratory spaces
• Champion open science approaches, including reproducibility, data transparency, and shared methodologies
• Support training activities for staff and students, including hands-on technical instruction
• Contribute to prototyping and innovation through electronics, hardware development, and 3D printing
• Research activity will be conducted in line with national standards for laboratory safety, data governance, and animal research

About You

This role will suit a technically skilled and research-active professional who enjoys enabling others to do excellent science.

You will bring:

• Expertise in bioengineering, imaging, instrumentation, neuroscience technologies, or a related field
• Confidence working collaboratively with researchers at different career stages
• A practical, solution-focused mindset and strong attention to detail
• An interest in research infrastructure development and emerging technologies
• Enthusiasm for open science, innovation, and knowledge sharing
• The ability to balance independent working with responsive, team-based support

You will be proactive, adaptable, and comfortable acting as a trusted scientific and technical partner in a fast-moving research environment.

About the School of Life Sciences

The School of Life Sciences at the University of Sussex undertakes internationally recognised research across biology, chemistry, neuroscience, and environmental science, with a shared mission to improve human health, technology, and sustainability.

The School includes five academic departments:

• Biochemistry & Biomedicine
• Genome Damage and Stability Centre
• Neuroscience
• Ecology & Evolution
• Chemistry

It also hosts the Sussex Drug Discovery Centre, supporting translational research from laboratory to clinical application.

Approximately 50% of the School’s income is research-funded, with an active grant portfolio exceeding £50 million. The School is home to multiple University Centres of Excellence and achieved outstanding results in the 2021 Research Excellence Framework, with the majority of outputs rated world-leading or internationally excellent.

The School is proud to hold a Silver Athena Swan Award and is committed to creating a respectful, inclusive, and supportive working environment in line with UK equality legislation

Why Join the University of Sussex?

• A vibrant, research-led university with a strong international reputation
• A collaborative culture grounded in kindness, integrity, and inclusion
• A scenic campus adjacent to the South Downs National Park
• Excellent transport links, including a nearby train station and cycling routes
• Generous benefits, flexible working options, and career development support
• Our people are central to everything we do, and we are committed to supporting staff to thrive professionally and personally.

Visa and Right to Work Information

• This role may be eligible for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker visa route
• Assigned SOC code: 2161 – Research and Development Managers
• Going rate: £54,400 per annum

Eligibility will depend on the salary offered, tradeable points, and/or existing Skilled Worker sponsorship issued before 4 April 2024. Further guidance is available at:

Some candidates may also require ATAS clearance, depending on nationality and research focus

All work must be undertaken within the UK.

Key Dates

• Closing date: 2 February 2026 (3:59 PM)
• Interviews: Approximately 3 weeks after closing date
• Expected start date: April–June 2026