Research Assistant
Ref Number
B02\-10627
Professional Expertise
Research and Research Support
Department
School of Life \& Medical Sciences (B02\)
Location
London
Working Pattern
Full time
Salary
See advert text
Contract Type
Fixed\-term
Working Type
On site
Available for Secondment
No
Closing Date
08\-Jun\-2026
About us
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The UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology Department of Epilepsy’s mission is to transform the lives of people living with epilepsy by identifying, understanding, correcting, or preventing the underlying mechanisms that lead to epilepsy and its associated comorbidities in each individual. Our vision is to build on the excellence and breadth of our research through the seamless integration of basic and clinical science.
The Burgess group, based within the Department, investigates the neural mechanisms that support the cognitive functions of the hippocampal formation in health and disease. This work includes experimental studies in mice and humans, as well as computational analysis and modelling, often focusing on electrophysiology and neuroimaging in tasks involving memory and spatial cognition.
About the role
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We are seeking a Research Assistant to join the Burgess Group and contribute to a project acquiring 2\-photon imaging data from mice navigating within a virtual reality system. In this system, the animal’s head can rotate freely through 360° in yaw, while roll, pitch, and translational movements are restricted.
The role will involve all aspects of the experimental workflow, including animal training, surgical procedures, data acquisition, analysis, and preparation of results for publication.
This work forms part of a larger project aimed at understanding the neural mechanisms underlying spatial navigation in the brain, with a particular focus on how environmental and self\-motion information influence neural representations of spatial location within the hippocampal formation.
The post is available immediately and funded by a Wellcome Principal Research Fellowship awarded to Professor Burgess for six months in the first instance.
If you need reasonable adjustments or a more accessible format to apply for this job online, or have any queries regarding the application process, please contact the Institute of Neurology HR Team (ion.hradmin@ucl.ac.uk).
Informal enquiries regarding the role can be addressed to Professor Neil Burgess (n.burgess@ucl.ac.uk).
A full job description and person specification for this role can be accessed below. To apply, please upload a current CV, complete the online application form, and use the supporting statement section or upload a cover letter to outline how you meet the essential and desirable criteria for the role. Please do not upload any additional attachments as these will not be considered by the selection panel.
About you
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You will hold a BSc in Neuroscience, Biology or a related discipline and additional relevant research experience. You will will have experience in behavioural neuroscience research, including mouse virtual reality paradigms, in vivo 2\-photon imaging, surgical implantation procedures, and the acquisition and analysis of behavioural and neuroimaging data, alongside a strong understanding of neural representations underlying spatial cognition.
Strong technical, analytical, and organisational skills, including proficiency in Python or MATLAB, experience with ScanImage and Unity, and expertise in mouse handling and behavioural training, alongside excellent communication and collaborative working abilities are also required for the role.
What we offer
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Starting salary offered in the range £39,148 \- £41,833 per annum, inclusive of London Allowance.
As well as the exciting opportunities this role presents, we also offer great benefits, some of which are below:
- 41 Days holiday (27 days annual leave 8 bank holiday and 6 closure days)
- Additional 5 days’ annual leave purchase scheme
- Defined benefit career average revalued earnings pension scheme (CARE)
- Cycle to work scheme and season ticket loan
- Immigration loan
- On\-site nursery
- On\-site gym
- Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption pay
- Employee assistance programme: Staff Support Service
- Discounted medical insurance
This appointment is subject to UCL Terms and Conditions of Service for Research and Professional Services Staff. Please visit https://www.ucl.ac.uk/human\-resources/conditions\-service\-research\-teaching\-and\-professional\-services\-staff for more information.
Our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
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The Institute prides itself on operating in an all\-inclusive environment irrespective of personal, physical, or social characteristics. Teamwork is highly valued, individual strengths are recognised and celebrated, and we are committed to advancing the careers of everyone. 12% of Institute staff are actively working on Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) initiatives; visit our EDI website for more information about our initiatives and priorities. The Institute also holds an Athena SWAN Gold award, in recognition of our commitment and demonstrable impact in advancing gender equality.
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\+ and gender diverse people in all roles, and women in Grade 9 and 10 roles.
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