Research Fellow/Senior Research Fellow

Ref Number B02-10705 Professional Expertise Research and Research Support Department School of Life & Medical Sciences (B02) Location London Working Pattern Full time Salary £43,981-£52,586 Contract Type Fixed-term Working Type Hybrid Available for Secondment No Closing Date 22-Jun-2026 About us

The Department of Translational Neuroscience and Stroke aims to understand mechanisms underlying neurological diseases and develop new treatments for patients with neurological conditions. The Department brings together several different areas of basic and clinical neuroscience, encouraging collaboration both within its various teams as well as with other departments across the Institute of Neurology, the National Hospital for Neurology & Neurosurgery, the Faculty of Brain Sciences, and UCL at large.

The High-Dimensional Neurology Group, led by Professor Parashkev Nachev, develops complex, highly expressive models of multimodal data with applications in fundamental and applied research.

About the role

This is an exciting opportunity for an enthusiastic software engineer/researcher with knowledge of software development and deployment, machine learning, and operational modelling to join a world-class University and Trust.

The aim of the project is to develop and implement novel AI-enabled operational tools in support of biomedical research infrastructure within the NIHR UCLH BRC, working within a dedicated research and development team in close collaboration with the NIHR UCLH BRC.

The post is available immediately and funded by a grant from the NIHR UCLH BRC for 24 months in the first instance.

This role is eligible for hybrid working with a minimum of 60% of time on site.

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 Dr Mohamad Zeina (m.zeina@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

You’ll have a PhD in mathematics, engineering, computer science, or a related discipline, with strong scientific writing skills, general machine learning experience, and experience of working with and analysing large, memory-intensive datasets. You’ll have experience of deep generative modelling and prompt engineering LLMs, the ability to work with Python, and strong problem-solving abilities. Good interpersonal skills, the ability to act on your own initiative, and a passion for developing technology, as well as your own skillset and scientific portfolio, in an innovative area of computational neuroscience is essential.

Candidates looking to be appointed at the Senior Research Fellow level will also need to evidence experience of managing or supervising staff or students and prior postdoctoral experience (or equivalent post-PhD industry experience).

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.

What we offer

The post is graded as Research Fellow/UCL Grade 7 (£45,103 - £52,586 per annum including London Allowance) or Senior Research Fellow/UCL Grade 8 with starting salary of £54,931 per annum including London Allowance, dependent on skills and experience.

Appointment at Grade 7 is dependent upon having been awarded a PhD; if this is not the case, initial appointment will be as Research Assistant/Grade 6B (salary £39,148 - £41,833 per annum) with payment at Grade 7 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, 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

Visit https://www.ucl.ac.uk/work\-at\-ucl/reward\-and\-benefits to find out more.

We will consider applications to work on a part-time, flexible, and job share basis wherever possible.

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

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.