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- Tasks: Lead cutting-edge research in cognitive neuroscience and collaborate with top neuroscientists.
- Company: Join UCL's renowned Department of Imaging Neuroscience, a leader in brain research for over 30 years.
- Benefits: Enjoy 41 days of holiday, flexible working options, and a supportive work environment.
- Why this job: Shape the future of neuroscience while making a real-world impact on human behaviour and cognition.
- Qualifications: Must have an international reputation in cognitive neuroscience and a strong publication record.
- Other info: Applications from diverse backgrounds are encouraged; part-time and flexible work arrangements available.
The predicted salary is between 67341 - 75192 £ per year.
About us
Over the past 30 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 hosts multiple large-scale collaborative grants including the Wellcome-funded Discovery Research Platform for Naturalistic Neuroimaging, and the Max Planck UCL Centre for Computational Psychiatry and Ageing Research.
About the role
We are now recruiting an internationally recognised leader in the field of imaging-informed cognitive neuroscience to work with some of the world\’s leading neuroscientists and their research groups within the Department of Imaging Neuroscience, play an important role in shaping the future of the Department, and be vital to maintaining the Department\’s position as a centre of research excellence shaping the field.
We seek applicants from across the broad field of cognitive neuroscience with an imaging-informed programme that is complementary to our existing research portfolio. The successful candidate\’s cognitive neuroscience expertise could include (but is not limited to): clinical, developmental or life-span perspectives on memory, learning, sleep, executive function, social behaviour, motor control and action planning – as explored through neuroimaging or related methodologies.
It is expected that the successful applicant will bring a broad perspective to the overarching question of how we can understand real world human behaviour and cognition in terms of brain mechanisms and underlying neurobiology, and how this understanding can be applied to the psychological, social, clinical and scientific challenges we face.
The post, on the academic/tenure track, is available on a permanent basis from 01 January 2026.
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 ( ).
Informal enquiries regarding the role can be addressed to Professor Martina Callaghan, Head of the Research Department of Imaging Neuroscience ( ).
To apply, please complete the online application form and upload the following supporting documents:
- A current CV
- A cover letter/statement of interest outlining your interest in joining the Department of Imaging Neuroscience and how you meet the essential and desirable criteria for the role.
- A summary of your five-year research vision.
There will be a two-stage selection process; please refer to the job description and person specification for the role for full details; the job description can be accessed below.
About you
You will have an international reputation in human cognitive neuroscience, a strong track record of impactful, peer-reviewed academic publications, and of obtaining significant and sustained research grant funding for your imaging neuroscience programme.
Excellent management skills, as well as interpersonal skills to work successfully with colleagues, students and research participants, and to support and provide direction for junior researchers are also essential for this role.
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
Appointment will be as Associate Professor (UCL Grade 9 with salary in the range £67,341 – £75,192 per annum including London Allowance) or Professor (UCL Grade 10 with competitive, negotiable salary starting from a minimum of £83,660 per annum including London Allowance) based on knowledge, skills, and experience. Please refer to the job description and person specification for details of the selection criteria at each grade.
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 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 Academic Staff. Please visit 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 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. #J-18808-Ljbffr
Associate Professor/Professor of Cognitive Neuroscience employer: UCL
Contact Detail:
UCL Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Associate Professor/Professor of Cognitive Neuroscience
✨Tip Number 1
Network with current faculty members and researchers in the Department of Imaging Neuroscience. Engaging in conversations about their work can provide insights into the department's culture and ongoing projects, which can be beneficial during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Attend relevant conferences and workshops in cognitive neuroscience and neuroimaging. This not only helps you stay updated on the latest research but also allows you to meet potential collaborators and showcase your expertise.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare a clear and compelling five-year research vision that aligns with the department's existing portfolio. Highlight how your work can complement and enhance their current projects, demonstrating your understanding of their goals.
✨Tip Number 4
Familiarise yourself with the department's recent publications and grant activities. Being knowledgeable about their work will allow you to tailor your discussions and show genuine interest in contributing to their research excellence.
We think you need these skills to ace Associate Professor/Professor of Cognitive Neuroscience
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, take the time to thoroughly read the job description. Understand the key responsibilities and the essential and desirable criteria for the role. This will help you tailor your application effectively.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter should clearly outline your interest in the Department of Imaging Neuroscience and how your expertise aligns with their research portfolio. Highlight your relevant experience and how it complements their existing work.
Detail Your Research Vision: In your summary of the five-year research vision, be specific about your goals and how they relate to cognitive neuroscience. Discuss potential collaborations and the impact your research could have on the field.
Showcase Your Achievements: When preparing your CV, ensure it highlights your international reputation, impactful publications, and successful grant funding. Use quantifiable achievements to demonstrate your contributions to the field of cognitive neuroscience.
How to prepare for a job interview at UCL
✨Showcase Your Research Vision
Prepare a clear and compelling summary of your five-year research vision. This should align with the department's focus on imaging-informed cognitive neuroscience and demonstrate how your work complements their existing research portfolio.
✨Highlight Collaborative Experience
Emphasise your experience in collaborative research projects, especially those involving large-scale grants. Discuss how you have successfully worked with diverse teams and contributed to advancing the field of neuroscience.
✨Demonstrate Management Skills
Be ready to discuss your management style and how you've supported junior researchers in the past. Highlight specific examples where your leadership has led to successful outcomes in research or teaching.
✨Prepare for Questions on Real-World Applications
Anticipate questions about how your research can address psychological, social, clinical, and scientific challenges. Be prepared to articulate the practical implications of your work and how it can contribute to understanding human behaviour and cognition.
