Research Fellow / Senior Research Fellow

Job title:

Research Fellow / Senior Research Fellow

Company

University College London

Job description

About usUCL Biosciences is one of the world’s foremost centres for research and teaching in the biological sciences and one of the largest Divisions within UCL, undertaking a significant amount of research and teaching. The Division has a diverse portfolio addressing all areas of biology from protein interactions to cell function, organism development, genetics, population studies and the environment. Computational modelling approaches are frequently used alongside experimental research programmes and much of our research crosses traditional boundaries, including the relationship of biodiversity to the health of the planet. Activity is underpinned by high calibre science technology platforms and state of the art equipment. Educational activity includes a range of undergraduate programmes, an expanding number of Masters Programmes and a substantial number of postgraduate research students.This is an exciting opportunity to join the newly formed Gleeson Lab of Open Neuroscience & AI (http://openneuroai.org) in the department of Neuroscience, Physiology and Pharmacology. The focus of the group is on the development and application of open neuroscience software tools and resources to facilitate the investigation of brain function, as well as the investigation of new approaches to modelling networks across computational neuroscience and AI/machine learning. Projects being undertaken include the Open Source Brain model and data sharing platform and the NeuroML model description language/software ecosystem for computational neuroscience. Additionally, we are also involved in the OpenWorm initiative and contribute to the development of MDF (Model Description Format) which allows specification of network models across computational neuroscience, machine learning and cognitive science.The OpenWorm project (https://openworm.org) aims to create a cell-by-cell simulation of the worm C. elegans. A key goal of the project is to create a biophysically detailed network model of the worm’s nervous system, which can control the musculature of a simulated worm body to allow the worm to move, sense and interact in a 3D virtual environment.We seek a Research Fellow/Senior Research Fellow who will contribute specifically to the infrastructure development and scientific aims of the OpenWorm project and will also help drive forward the other informatics initiatives of the lab.About the roleThe role will involve contributing to existing and creating new software packages which facilitate the goals of the OpenWorm project. It will also involve carrying out research into the physiology, anatomy and behaviour of C. elegans, to ensure the simulations are biologically realistic. Code will be open source from the start and active interaction with the community of researchers in this area will be required.A job description and person specification can be accessed below. If you have any queries about the role, please contact Padraig Gleeson at p.gleeson@ucl.ac.uk.If you need reasonable adjustments or a more accessible format to apply for this job online or have any queries about the application process, please contact Biosciences staffing at biosciences.staffing@ucl.ac.uk.About youThe ideal candidate will have a PhD in neuroscience or a related field, and experience in developing open source tools for investigating (neuro)biological function, a publication record demonstrating the use of such tools in original scientific research, and an active interest in making their research accessible to the wider community.For appointment to Grade 8, the candidate will have substantial postdoctoral experience, a strong publication track record in this area, evidence of the ability to sustain independent research, and an established reputation in their field as a proponent of open science.What we offerAs well as the exciting opportunities this role presents, we also offer some 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 and expenses
• Relocation scheme for certain posts
• On-Site nursery
• On-site gym
• Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption pay
• Employee assistance programme: Staff Support Service
• Discounted medical insurance

Visit https://www.ucl.ac.uk/work-at-ucl/reward-and-benefits to find out more.Our commitment to Equality, Diversity and InclusionAs 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.Our department holds an Athena SWAN Silver award, in recognition of our commitment to advancing gender equality.You can read more about our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion here: https://www.ucl.ac.uk/equality-diversity-inclusion/Available documents

Expected salary

Location

North West London

Job date

Sat, 18 May 2024 04:42:53 GMT

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