Scientific Officer – Open Science & Bioengineering(UK Visa Sponsorship)

Job Description

About the Role

The University of Sussex is seeking an experienced Scientific Officer (Open Science & Bioengineering) to lead the development and operation of an advanced bioengineering facility supporting high-impact neuroscience research.

This role sits at the heart of a growing research ecosystem, enabling quantitative analysis of animal behaviour and sophisticated imaging of neural activity across both vertebrate and invertebrate models. Building on established expertise in multiphoton microscopy and circuit-level neuroscience, you will ensure the facility delivers reliable, innovative and reproducible scientific capability.

Working in close partnership with academic researchers, postgraduate students and technical colleagues, you will oversee day-to-day facility operations while also contributing strategically to its future direction. The role combines hands-on technical leadership with scientific collaboration, training and infrastructure development, all underpinned by strong commitments to research quality, safety and open science.

Key Responsibilities

In this role, you will:

• Lead and manage a specialist bioengineering research facility supporting neuroscience
• Maintain and develop advanced imaging and behavioural analysis platforms
• Provide expert technical and scientific advice on experimental design and methodology
• Ensure safe, compliant and efficient operation of laboratory equipment and workflows
• Support training for researchers and students in imaging, instrumentation and analysis
• Champion open science practices, including prototyping, electronics and 3D printing
• Contribute to the strategic growth of research infrastructure and technical capability

About You

You are a technically confident and research-focused specialist who thrives at the intersection of engineering, biology and neuroscience. You enjoy enabling others to do outstanding science and take pride in building robust, future-facing research environments.

You will bring:

• Expertise in bioengineering, imaging, instrumentation or a closely related discipline
• Experience supporting experimental research in a laboratory or facility setting
• Confidence advising researchers on best practice and experimental approaches
• Strong collaborative and communication skills across academic and technical teams
• A proactive, adaptable mindset and enthusiasm for innovation and problem-solving
• An interest in open science, research reproducibility and emerging technologies—such as prototyping, electronics or digital fabrication—will be particularly valuable in this role.

About the School of Life Sciences

The School of Life Sciences at the University of Sussex is a vibrant, multidisciplinary research environment dedicated to advancing understanding of biological and chemical systems while addressing real-world challenges in health, technology and sustainability.

The School spans five departments:

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

It also hosts the Sussex Drug Discovery Centre, supporting translation from laboratory research to clinical application. Approximately half of the School’s income is research-derived, with an active grant portfolio exceeding £50 million.

In the 2021 Research Excellence Framework (REF), over 90% of Biological Sciences outputs and nearly 85% of Chemistry outputs were rated world-leading or internationally excellent, with 100% of impact case studies achieving the highest ratings.

The School holds a Silver Athena Swan Award and is committed to equality, diversity, inclusion and a supportive research culture grounded in kindness, integrity and collaboration.

Why Join Sussex

Located on a beautiful 150-acre campus at the edge of the South Downs, the University of Sussex offers a unique balance of academic excellence and quality of life. The campus is well connected by train, bus and cycle routes, with Falmer Station just minutes away.

Sussex is a globally recognised, research-led university whose success is driven by its people. We value inclusive working practices, flexible arrangements and a supportive environment where staff and students can thrive.

• Research Governance, Safety and Visa Information
• All work must be undertaken in the UK
• This role may be subject to ATAS clearance if visa sponsorship is required
• Skilled Worker visa eligibility depends on salary, tradeable points and individual circumstances

Relevant UK Government guidance:

• Skilled Worker visa information
• ATAS clearance requirements
• Regulation of animal research (ASPA)
• Health and safety in laboratories
• Data protection and GDPR compliance

How to Apply

For full details and to apply, visit the University of Sussex vacancies page.

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