Research Fellow – Human Electrophysiologist

The Department of Neuromuscular Diseases is a centre of clinical and research excellence spanning spinal cord and neuromuscular disorders. Our researchers aim to understand disease mechanisms and translate these insights into new therapeutic approaches for neurological conditions. The Nascimento Research Group is a newly established laboratory within the department, focused on translational neuroscience and the study of spinal motor circuit neurophysiology in both animal models of disease, including ALS, and in human patients. The group uses a range of electrophysiological approaches in rodents alongside high‑density surface electromyography (HDsEMG) in humans. We work closely with the Brownstone and Beato laboratories at UCL and are embedded within wider clinical and translational programmes at the Institute of Neurology and the MND Centre, enabling strong links with clinician‑scientists and access to well‑characterised patient cohorts.

About the role: We are seeking a Research Fellow to investigate motoneuron and spinal microcircuit dysfunction in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) using human neurophysiology. The project will use high‑density surface electromyography (HDsEMG) to study motor unit behaviour and spinal circuit function in patients with ALS and healthy participants, with a focus on identifying early biomarkers and mechanistic signatures of disease progression. Working within a leading UK MND clinical and research centre, you will have access to a large and well‑characterised patient cohort. You will also contribute to the development of analytical approaches, including signal decomposition and computational modelling, to advance understanding of neuromuscular disease mechanisms. The position is available from 1 October 2026 and is funded by the Wellcome Trust until 30 September 2029 in the first instance.

About you: You will have a PhD in Neuroscience, Biomedical Engineering, Physiology or a closely related discipline (or be near completion), with experience in human neurophysiology and/or spinal cord electrophysiology, and a good understanding of single neuron and motor unit physiology. A proven ability to critically evaluate experimental results and analyse data using appropriate statistical methods, with experience writing up findings for publication is essential, as is evidence of a good publication record. You should have a solid quantitative background with proficiency in data analysis and statistics and experience with relevant analytical software such as Matlab, R or Python. 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: Starting salary offered at £41,103 per annum, inclusive of London Allowance. Appointment as Research Fellow is dependent upon having been awarded a PhD; if this is not the case, initial appointment will be as Research Assistant (salary £39,148 – £41,833 per annum) with appointment as Research Fellow being backdated to the date of final submission of the PhD thesis. In addition, the following benefits are available:

• 41 days holiday (27 days annual leave, 8 bank holidays 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
• On‑site gym
• Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption pay
• Employee assistance programme: Staff Support Service
• Discounted medical insurance

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

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 under‑represented 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.

All appointments are subject to UCL Terms and Conditions of Service for Research and Professional Services Staff. Further details can be found at UCL Terms and Conditions.