At a Glance
- Tasks: Develop and optimise algorithms for brain imaging data processing.
- Company: Join the Sainsbury Wellcome Centre, a leader in neuroscience research.
- Benefits: Hybrid working, state-of-the-art facilities, and UCL benefits.
- Other info: Inclusive environment encouraging diverse applicants.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in neuroscience with cutting-edge technology.
- Qualifications: Strong Python skills and experience with numerical data.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 72000 £ per year.
About us
The Sainsbury Wellcome Centre (SWC) brings together world-leading scientists to investigate how brain circuits process information to generate perception, form memories and guide behaviour. Developed through the vision and partnership of the Gatsby Charitable Foundation and Wellcome, and with substantial investment from these partners, the mission of the SWC is to generate experimentally testable theories of brain function. The Centre comprises 13 highly interdisciplinary experimental research groups accommodated in a new, purpose-designed building, offering an outstanding and unparalleled research environment. SWC scientists use a broad spectrum of the latest advances in molecular and cellular biology, imaging, electrophysiology and behavioural techniques and enjoy state-of-the-art research laboratories, cutting-edge scientific equipment, technologically-advanced prototyping and fabrication laboratories and custom in-house high-performance computing facilities.
About the role
We are inviting applications for a research software engineer to be based in the Neuroinformatics Unit, working with the laboratories of Tom Mrsic-Flogel, Sonja Hofer and Tim Behrens in collaboration with the Advanced Microscopy Facility. Our research seeks to understand how the frontal regions of the brain build circuits for cognition (e.g. planning, reasoning, abstraction). The challenge is to identify the precise neural microcircuits that underpin cognitive computations. To achieve this, we image the activity of neurons in a variety of tasks using benchtop and miniaturised two-photon microscopes, and then perform targeted holographic stimulation of identified neurons to probe their connectivity. This requires a complex pipeline of imaging, signal processing and alignment of multi-modal data sources. You will be responsible for developing and optimising efficient algorithms to process functional brain imaging data including motion correction, segmentation and multimodal registration. These algorithms will then be integrated within existing software packages for data acquisition, analysis and visualisation. This post is funded until September 2028 in the first instance with the possibility of extension subject to grant funding.
About you
You will have strong programming skills in Python along with extensive experience working with numerical data such as images and timeseries. The ideal candidate will have experience in either image registration or working with multiphoton calcium imaging. You should have a strong interest in building easy to use software to help advance neuroscience and be comfortable working in teams of researchers and software engineers. The ideal candidate will have experience of good software engineering best practices and working on, and with open-source software.
What we offer
The post is based in London, suitable for hybrid working with a minimum of 40% of time onsite. As well as the exciting opportunities this role presents, SWC offers staff an award-winning work environment with state-of-the-art facilities, an on-site brasserie and access to pleasant outdoor spaces. SWC staff receive the full range of UCL benefits.
Our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
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+ people; and for our Grade 9 and 10 roles, women.
Senior Research Software Engineer (Multiphoton Microscopy) in London employer: Society of Research Software Engineering
The Sainsbury Wellcome Centre (SWC) is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant and collaborative work culture that fosters innovation in neuroscience research. With state-of-the-art facilities in London, employees benefit from a hybrid working model, access to advanced scientific equipment, and a commitment to equality and diversity, ensuring a supportive environment for all staff. SWC prioritises employee growth through interdisciplinary collaboration and provides a range of UCL benefits, making it an attractive place for those seeking meaningful and rewarding careers in research.
Contact Details:
Society of Research Software Engineering Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Research Software Engineer (Multiphoton Microscopy) in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at SWC on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give us insider info about the team and the role, plus it shows our genuine interest.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by diving deep into the latest research in multiphoton microscopy and neuroinformatics. We want to impress them with our knowledge and passion for the field!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase our coding skills! Bring examples of past projects where we’ve developed algorithms or worked with imaging data. This is our chance to shine and demonstrate our technical prowess.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure our application gets seen. Plus, we can tailor our supporting statement to highlight how we meet their criteria perfectly.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Research Software Engineer (Multiphoton Microscopy) in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the role of Senior Research Software Engineer. Highlight your programming skills in Python and any experience with image registration or multiphoton calcium imaging. We want to see how your background aligns with our mission at SWC!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Use the supporting statement section or upload a cover letter to showcase how you meet both the essential and desirable criteria. This is your chance to tell us why you're passionate about neuroscience and how you can contribute to our research efforts.
Showcase Your Team Spirit:Since collaboration is key in our environment, mention any experiences where you've worked effectively in teams of researchers and software engineers. We love to see candidates who thrive in a collaborative setting!
Follow Application Guidelines:Be sure to follow the application guidelines closely. Upload only your CV and cover letter, as additional attachments won't be considered. We appreciate attention to detail and following instructions!
How to prepare for a job interview at Society of Research Software Engineering
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your programming skills, especially in Python. Be ready to discuss your experience with numerical data, image registration, and multiphoton calcium imaging. The more you can demonstrate your technical expertise, the better!
✨Show Your Passion for Neuroscience
Express your genuine interest in neuroscience and how software can advance the field. Share any relevant projects or experiences that highlight your enthusiasm for building user-friendly software that aids research.
✨Prepare for Team Dynamics
Since you'll be working closely with researchers and other software engineers, think about examples from your past where you've successfully collaborated in a team. Highlight your communication skills and how you contribute to a positive team environment.
✨Understand Their Mission
Familiarise yourself with the Sainsbury Wellcome Centre's goals and research focus. Being able to articulate how your skills align with their mission to understand brain circuits will show that you're not just looking for any job, but that you're genuinely interested in contributing to their work.
