Current Vacancies

• Salary: N/A, Fellowship funded
• Closing Date: 16 July 2026

About the role

The Sainsbury Wellcome Centre for Neural Circuits and Behaviour (SWC) and the Gatsby Computational Neuroscience Unit (Gatsby Unit) invite expressions of interest from outstanding early-career researchers seeking sponsorship for external career fellowships to establish an independent research group in mechanistic theories of neural computation or learning.

SWC and Gatsby Unit share a vision to understand the mechanisms of intelligent behaviour in brains and machines. Co-located at University College London (UCL), they bring together world-leading experimental neuroscience, computational theory, and machine learning. Together, the two Centres drive a close theory–experiment loop, supported by shared trainees, joint PhD programmes, and a collaborative research environment.

The successful candidate will develop an independent computational research programme, supported by an external fellowship and jointly hosted at SWC and the Gatsby Unit. This programme should focus on developing models and theories that link neural circuit activity to behaviour, including perception, cognition, planning, motor control and/or learning.

This is a computational neuroscience position without a dedicated experimental space. However, active collaboration with SWC and Gatsby Unit researchers is strongly encouraged. The successful fellow will benefit from close interaction with experimentalists generating rich datasets and with theorists and machine learning researchers developing formal frameworks for learning, inference, and decision-making.

About you

You will have:

• A PhD in neuroscience, physics, mathematics, machine learning, or a related quantitative discipline
• A strong track record in developing theories or computational models grounded in neuroscience
• The ability to work at the interface of theory and experiment, with a clear vision for testing theoretical predictions in neural circuits
• Evidence of, or strong potential for, collaborative work with experimental neuroscientists
• A compelling research plan suitable for a competitive fellowship application

You should also have postdoctoral research experience and a publication record appropriate to your career stage. Candidates should have identified relevant fellowship scheme(s) and have a realistic application timeline.

What we offer

SWC and the Gatsby Unit will sponsor the selected candidate to apply for an external career fellowship. Support includes:

• A collaborative research environment at the interface of neuroscience, theory, and machine learning
• Mentorship and support with fellowship applications
• Opportunities to co-mentor PhD students
• Office space and access to computational resources

In addition, you will benefit from being part of UCL, one of the world’s leading universities, with a large and highly collaborative neuroscience community.

How to apply:

Send the following as a single PDF to swc.hr@ucl.ac.uk:

• A cover letter (max 2 pages) outlining your motivation, how your research bridges SWC and Gatsby Unit, and your intended fellowship scheme(s) and timeline
• A research proposal (max 4 pages, excluding references)
• A full CV, including publications and three referees

Shortlisted candidates will be invited to present a seminar and participate in a chalk talk, followed by meetings with faculty and researchers. Final selection will be based on alignment with the Centres’ research strategy and fellowship competitiveness.

All candidates will be notified of the outcome of their application.

For more detailed information on the opportunity and application process, please visit the Fellowship Sponsorship page.

Contact

For informal enquiries:

• Professor Tom Mrsic-Flogel (SWC): t.mrsic-flogel@ucl.ac.uk
• Professor Maneesh Sahani (Gatsby Unit): m.sahani@ucl.ac.uk

For application queries:

• swc.hr@ucl.ac.uk

• Reference: B02-10861
• Salary: £39,148 - £41,833 p.a.
• Working Type: On site, Full time
• Closing date: 10 July 2026

About the role

The Saxe Lab investigates how learning shapes neural systems by developing mathematical and deep learning models to better understand cognition and behaviour. The lab combines theoretical modelling with close experimental collaboration to uncover the principles underlying learning in biological systems. You will join a supportive and innovative research team committed to producing rigorous and impactful science.

You will support the design and delivery of behavioural and electrophysiological experiments investigating neural activity in animal models, including training rats in established behavioural paradigms and assisting with in vivo neural recordings. The role involves close collaboration with technicians, the Neurobiological Research Facility, and a postdoctoral researcher to ensure the effective coordination and execution of experiments. You will contribute to data collection, organisation and analysis, as well as the development of behavioural task protocols using MATLAB and analysis in Python.

You should have prior experience working in a research laboratory, including handling rodents and supporting experimental procedures, alongside strong organisational and communication skills. Experience in monitoring animals and providing post-operative care is essential, and familiarity with maintaining behavioural setups is desirable. The role offers opportunities to develop advanced technical skills, including building and implanting recording devices, performing histological analysis, and contributing to experimental design in a collaborative, multidisciplinary environment.

This role meets the eligibility requirements for a skilled worker certificate of sponsorship or a global talent visa under UK Visas and Immigration legislation. Therefore, UCL welcomes applications from international applicants who require a visa.

About you

You will be responsible for delivering reliable experimental support, ensuring accuracy and consistency in data collection, and contributing to the smooth running of behavioural and electrophysiological research activities within the lab. You will hold a degree (Bachelor’s or Master’s) in neuroscience, molecular biology or a related field, and have demonstrable experience working in a research laboratory.

You will bring hands-on experience conducting behavioural experiments in rats, alongside expertise in high-density electrophysiology in tethered, behaving animals, including associated surgical procedures and histological verification. You will also have practical experience handling, monitoring the health and welfare of rodents, including administering post-operative care.

You are a motivated and organised individual with strong communication skills, comfortable working both independently and as part of a collaborative, multidisciplinary team. You demonstrate initiative, attention to detail, and a proactive approach to supporting scientific research, with experience analysing behavioural and/or neural data in Python and contributing to experimental design.

What we offer

The SWC offers staff an award-winning work environment in the heart of Fitzrovia with an onsite brasserie, access to lockers and changing facilities, secure bicycle storage, and 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, career break policy and a range of financial benefits such as a season ticket loan scheme and staff discounts. Further information can be found online.

How to apply

To apply visit UCL’s vacancy listings and search for vacancy reference B02-10816. Click on “Apply Now” to enter the recruitment portal and start your application.

You will be required to upload a supporting statement and CV as part of your online application. Your supporting statement must explain how you meet each of the selection criteria for the post using examples of your skills and experience. More information on this can be found on the candidate guidance.

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