Research Fellow in Methods Development for Brain-Body Imaging

UCL - Department of Imaging Neuroscience

About us

The Department of Imaging Neuroscience, home to the internationally renowned Functional Imaging Laboratory, has spent over 30 years advancing our understanding of the human brain through cutting-edge imaging techniques. We lead major initiatives, including the Wellcome-funded Discovery Research Platform for Naturalistic Neuroimaging and the Max Planck UCL Centre for Computational Psychiatry and Ageing Research.

We aim to understand how the brain works in real-world contexts and improve human health, training clinicians, scientists, and professional staff, with strong collaborations across UCL, nationally, and internationally. Our facilities include 7 T and 3 T MRI scanners, a cryogenically cooled MEG system, and a wearable OPM system for brain and spinal cord electrophysiology.

About the role

We are seeking a Research Fellow to join our Wellcome-funded Discovery Research Platform for Naturalistic Neuroimaging. You will be part of a multidisciplinary team developing the next generation of tools to enable naturalistic brain and body imaging. This is an exciting opportunity to work at the forefront of neuroimaging technology, applying cutting-edge techniques to address important cognitive and clinical neuroscience questions.

The Department has pioneered the use of optically pumped magnetometers (OPMs), which allow brain activity to be recorded while participants move and engage in naturalistic tasks. This also enables scanning of a wider range of participants, including children and some patient groups.

You will work in world-class facilities, including two dedicated OPM scanning suites and a large magnetically shielded room equipped with advanced motion-tracking systems. The role involves developing and applying innovative hardware and software solutions, contributing to the planning and design of novel experiments, and collaborating with leading neuroscientists to establish a globally impactful Discovery Research Platform for Naturalistic Neuroimaging.

The role is available immediately and funded by Wellcome for two years in the first instance.

For a full job description please visit UCL’s online recruitment portal and search using vacancy reference B02-09898. 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

You’ll have an honours degree (minimum 2:1) and a PhD (or be near completion) in Physics, Engineering, or a related discipline, or equivalent industrial/commercial experience. You’ll have experience in the independent development of brain and body imaging hardware, as well as programming skills in Matlab, LabView, Python, or a C-based language. Experience in neuroscience research and evidence of creative, original work in hardware or software development for imaging or stimulation systems are essential.

You’ll be a confident communicator with excellent problem-solving and interpersonal skills, able to work independently, manage competing priorities, and collaborate effectively within a multidisciplinary team.

What we offer

Appointment as Research Fellow is dependent upon having been awarded a PhD; if this is not the case, initial appointment will be as Research Assistant (salary £39,148 - £41,833 per annum) with appointment as Research Fellow being backdated to the date of final submission of the PhD thesis.

As well as the exciting opportunities this role presents, we also offer great benefits; visit https://www.ucl.ac.uk/work-at-ucl/reward-and-benefits to find out more.

Customer advert reference: B02-09898