Research Assistant

Job title:

Research Assistant

Company:

University College London

Job description

About us The Sainsbury Wellcome Centre (SWC) brings together world-leading scientists to investigate how brain circuits process information to generate perception, form memories and guide behaviour.Developed through the vision and partnership of the Gatsby Charitable Foundation and Wellcome, and with substantial investment from these partners, the mission of the SWC is to generate experimentally testable theories of brain function.About the role The Branco lab studies the mechanisms by which neurons integrate sensory information to generate behaviour that promote survival.The lab uses various innovative techniques including behaviour, neural recordings and imaging, optogenetics, anatomy, computer science and theoretical neuroscience. We are looking for a Research Assistant to run training and behavioural experiments in head-fixed mice. You will work closely within a team and be responsible for the handling and care of rodents (supported by the SWC’s Neurobiological Research Facility).You will be responsible for performing surgery, training, behavioural experiments, histological procedures and will be able to assist in neural recording/optogenetic experiments, help to gather and collate data, and assist with data analysis and presentation of the results.This post is funded for one year in the first instance.About you You will hold a bachelor’s degree in Neuroscience, molecular biology or a related field. Prior experience of working in a research laboratory is essential as well as some experience of monitoring rodents and providing post-operative care.You will be an excellent communicator with the ability to work under your own initiative in a collaborative and multidisciplinary research environment.Technical expertise in the calibration, maintenance and repair of animal behavioural setups is desirable, as well knowledge of surgical procedures and some basic programming skills in python or MATLAB environments.What we offer The SWC offers staff an award-winning work environment in the heart of Fitzrovia with access to pleasant outdoor spaces.The Centre also offers the full range of UCL staff benefits, including a generous annual leave entitlement, occupational pension schemes, excellent family-friendly policies such as occupational shared parental pay, career break policy, a work-life balance policy, and a range of financial benefits such as a season ticket loan scheme and staff discounts. SWC prides itself on offering a high quality administrative, technical and operational support function, and fully supports the professional development and progression of its staff, actively encouraging colleagues to learn new skills and broaden their experience.

The SWC is supported in this aim by UCL’s Organisational Development team who run a wide range of training programmes for all staff types and grades.Equality, Diversity and Inclusion As London’s Global University, we know diversity fosters creativity and innovation, and we want our community to represent the diversity of the world’s talent. We are committed to equality of opportunity, to being fair and inclusive, and to being a place where we all belong. We therefore particularly encourage applications from candidates who are likely to be underrepresented in UCL’s workforce. These include people from Black, Asian and ethnic minority backgrounds; disabled people; LGBTQI+ people; and for our Grade 9 and 10 roles, women.The Athena SWAN Charter recognises commitment to advancing women’s careers in science, technology, engineering, maths, and medicine (STEMM) employment in academia. SWC is delighted to have received an Athena Swan Bronze Award in 2021. We stand by our commitment to positive action to improve equality and accessibility in the workplace. We will provide reasonable adjustments to enable people to work and flourish with us.SWC is proud to uphold both UCL’s Dignity at Work and Work-Life Balance policies. As Centre we commit to fostering a positive cultural climate where all staff and students can thrive and actively support Wellbeing@UCL.Available documents

Expected salary

Location

North West London

Job date

Wed, 18 Dec 2024 23:51:51 GMT

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