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- 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 42000 - 60000 £ 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.
Informal enquiries regarding the role can be addressed to Adam Tyson (adam.tyson@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 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) employer: Society of Research Software Engineering
Contact Detail:
Society of Research Software Engineering Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Research Software Engineer (Multiphoton Microscopy)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at SWC on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give you insider info and maybe even a referral, which can really boost your chances.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Prepare a portfolio or GitHub repository showcasing your programming projects, especially those related to Python and image processing. This will help us see your practical experience in action.
✨Tip Number 3
Get ready for the interview! Research the latest trends in neuroscience and software engineering. Be prepared to discuss how your skills can contribute to the exciting work happening at SWC.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! Make sure to tailor your CV and cover letter to highlight how you meet the essential criteria. We want to see your passion for advancing neuroscience through software engineering!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Research Software Engineer (Multiphoton Microscopy)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the role. Highlight your programming skills in Python and any experience with image registration or multiphoton calcium imaging. We want to see how your background fits with our mission at SWC!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Use the supporting statement section or upload a cover letter to explain how you meet the essential and desirable criteria. Be specific about your experience and how it aligns with the work we do in the Neuroinformatics Unit.
Showcase Your Team Spirit: We love collaboration! Mention any past experiences where you've worked in teams of researchers and software engineers. This will show us that you're not just a coding whiz, but also a great team player.
Follow Application Guidelines: Remember to upload only your CV and cover letter as specified. We won't consider any additional attachments, so keep it simple and stick to the guidelines when applying through our website!
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. Familiarise yourself with the latest techniques in image registration and multiphoton calcium imaging. Being able to discuss specific algorithms or projects you've worked on will show that you're not just a theoretical candidate but someone who can contribute practically.
✨Show Your Team Spirit
This role involves collaboration with researchers and software engineers, so be ready to talk about your experience working in teams. Share examples of how you've contributed to group projects or how you've helped others with their coding challenges. Highlighting your teamwork skills will demonstrate that you’re a good fit for their collaborative environment.
✨Understand Their Mission
Dive into the Sainsbury Wellcome Centre's research focus and mission. Be prepared to discuss how your work aligns with their goal of understanding brain circuits and cognition. Showing genuine interest in their research will set you apart and demonstrate that you’re not just looking for any job, but this specific opportunity.
✨Prepare Questions
Have a few thoughtful questions ready to ask at the end of your interview. This could be about their current projects, the technologies they use, or how they envision the role evolving. Asking insightful questions shows that you’re engaged and serious about the position, plus it gives you a chance to assess if the role is right for you.