Job Description

We are hiring 2 new research assistants to conduct experiments and data analyses investigating the neural mechanisms of strategic and social decision-making using head-fixed (1) and freely-moving (1) behavioural paradigms in mice.

Ref Number B02-10452 Professional Expertise Research and Research Support Department School of Life & Medical Sciences (B02) Location London Working Pattern Full time Salary £36,433-£41,833 Contract Type Fixed-term Working Type On site Available for Secondment No Closing Date 17-May-2026

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.

The Centre comprises 13 highly interdisciplinary experimental research groups accommodated in a new, purpose-designed building, offering an outstanding and unparalleled research environment. SWC scientists use a broad spectrum of the latest advances in molecular and cellular biology, imaging, electrophysiology and behavioural techniques and enjoy state-of-the-art research laboratories, cutting edge scientific equipment, technologically advanced prototyping and fabrication laboratories and custom in-house high-performance computing facilities.

About the role

The Duan Lab aims to understand how neural population dynamics generate flexible, and cognitive behaviours. In particular, we use freely-moving and head-fixed rodent paradigms to study the neural mechanisms underlying decision-making under risk and uncertainty and in a social context. Towards this goal, we combine theory-motivated behavioural designs, quantitative extraction of animals’ internal states, large-scale, cellular-resolution monitoring and manipulation of identified neural circuits during decision tasks, and computational modelling.

We are looking for two Research Assistants to conduct experiments and data analyses investigating the neural mechanisms of strategic decision-making using head-fixed (1) and freely-moving (1) behavioural paradigms in mice. You will work closely within a team responsible for training and monitoring mice in a streamlined, semi-automated facility for rodent training. You will perform stereotaxic surgeries and assist in recording neural activity with high-density electrophysiology or optical imaging methods, and perturbing activity with optogenetics or pharmacological manipulations. Alternatively, your duties will focus on analysing/modelling behavioural and neural data from these types of experiments.

The positions are available for one year in the first instance with the possibility of extension subject to funding.

About you

We seek candidates who are quantitative, detail-oriented, conscientious, and self-motivated. Additionally, the ideal candidates must be able to demonstrate (or learn) precision and care in tasks involving fine manual/analytical skills and be able to communicate their science in a clear manner.

A bachelor’s degree in Neuroscience, molecular biology, Engineering, Physics, Computer Science or a related field is essential along with experience with training rodents in behavioural tasks and related analyses.

The positions are ideal for candidates seeking additional research experience before applying to graduate degree programs in Neuroscience or related fields. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates and encourage applications from underrepresented groups in science.

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, a work-life balance policy, and a range of financial benefits such as a season ticket loan scheme and staff discounts.

The 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.

Our commitment to 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