Research Fellow

Over the past 25 years, the Department of Imaging Neuroscience, home to the internationally renowned Functional Imaging Laboratory (FIL), has pioneered the development and application of imaging techniques to advance our understanding of the human brain. It continues to play a leading role in progressing and transforming research in many areas of neuroscience. The Department seeks to answer fundamental questions about how the brain works, particularly in contexts more representative of our everyday lives, to increase our understanding of real-world cognition and improve human health. The Department hosts and trains many clinicians, scientists, and professional services staff, and has close collaborations with other departments within the Institute of Neurology, across UCL, nationally and internationally. It is also home to Statistical Parametric Mapping (SPM), the world's most popular software tool for analysing neuroimaging data. We have an exciting opportunity for a Research Fellow to join the Department and work under the guidance of Professor Friston and Dr Lambert, with a focus on advancing the methodological framework for multiscale analysis. Specifically, you will be working on developing a multiscale generative model of Parkinson's disease, which will be applied to the data currently being generated. The aim is to use this model to better understand the mechanisms of disease progression across different scales. The role is available immediately and is funded by the MRC until 31 October 2025 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 at ucl.ac.uk). Informal enquiries regarding the role can be addressed to Dr Christian Lambert (christian.lambert at ucl.ac.uk). For a full job description and to apply for this role please visit UCL’s online recruitment portal (https://www.ucl.ac.uk/work-at-ucl/search-ucl-jobs) and search using vacancy reference B02-06733. You will hold an Honours degree in a numerate discipline such as computer science, mathematics, physics, or engineering, along with a PhD in neuroscience, or a scientific discipline that is directly relevant to the post. In addition, you will have statistical and mathematical knowledge, ideally with some familiarity with Bayesian modelling techniques, and an understanding of differential equations and dynamical systems. Furthermore, you should possess strong programming skills, preferably with experience in MATLAB, and excellent oral and written communication abilities, with the capacity to communicate complex technical information to a wide range of researchers. 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 £37,332 - £39,980 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 some great benefits; visit https://www.ucl.ac.uk/work-at-ucl/reward-and-benefits to find out more. 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. 12% of Institute staff are actively working on EDI initiatives; visit https://www.ucl.ac.uk/ion/equality-diversity-inclusion for more information about what we’re doing.