Research Assistant

The Department of Clinical and Movement Neurosciences is a world-leading group that brings together expertise across the clinical and basic science spectrum of the physiology and pathology of human movement and movement disorders. The Department incorporates groups from the Queen Square and Royal Free campuses of the Institute and includes the Reta Lila Weston Institute and the Movement Disorders Centre.

We have an exciting opportunity for a Research Assistant to join the Bestmann Group and work in close collaboration with scientists at UCL Psychology and Language Sciences and the Wellcome Centre for Human Neuroimaging on a new project funded by the BBSRC.

You will be involved in participant engagement and recruitment, as well as working with a postdoctoral researcher on experimental testing including non-invasive brain stimulation, functional neuroimaging (fMRI), pupil tracking, and other physiological data. You will be expected to participate in, and play an active role in supporting and promoting, the research programme.

This role would suit a researcher who is motivated and keen to learn the skills and processes involved in conducting human behavioural and brain stimulation research in the context of human memory processing and action.

The role is available immediately and funded for one year in the first instance.

If you have any queries regarding the application process, please contact the Institute of Neurology HR Team (ion.hradmin@ucl.ac.uk).

A full job description and person specification for this role can be accessed below.

You will be educated to a degree level; we see the role as ideal for a candidate with an undergraduate degree in the biological or psychological sciences, although we will consider candidates with alternative degree level qualifications. You’ll also have experience of working within an experimental research environment, excellent communication and organisational skills, advanced IT proficiency (including good skills in database design and use), and strong problem-solving abilities. A good understanding of non-invasive brain stimulation and/or functional brain imaging (fMRI) and/or pupil/eye tracking is desirable.

Starting salary of £34,502 per annum including London Allowance.

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
• 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.

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

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 Silver 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.