At a Glance
- Tasks: Investigate motoneuron dysfunction in ALS using cutting-edge neurophysiology techniques.
- Company: Join a leading research group at UCL focused on translational neuroscience.
- Benefits: Enjoy 41 days holiday, competitive salary, and access to an on-site gym.
- Other info: Flexible working options available; commitment to diversity and inclusion.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in understanding and treating neurological conditions.
- Qualifications: PhD in Neuroscience or related field with experience in human neurophysiology.
The predicted salary is between 41103 - 41103 £ per year.
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.
- 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.
Research Fellow – Human Electrophysiologist employer: UK Dementia Research Institute
As a leading institution in clinical and research excellence, UCL offers an exceptional work environment for the Research Fellow – Human Electrophysiologist role. With access to a well-characterised patient cohort and collaboration with top laboratories, employees benefit from a culture of innovation and support for professional growth. The generous benefits package, including 41 days of holiday and a commitment to equality and diversity, makes UCL an attractive employer for those seeking meaningful contributions to neuroscience.
Contact Details:
UK Dementia Research Institute Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Research Fellow – Human Electrophysiologist
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with folks in the field! Attend conferences, seminars, or even local meet-ups related to neuroscience and electrophysiology. You never know who might have a lead on your dream job or can introduce you to someone at UCL.
✨Show Off Your Skills
When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, make sure to highlight your experience with HDsEMG and data analysis. Bring examples of your work or publications to the conversation; it’s a great way to demonstrate your expertise and passion for the role.
✨Tailor Your Approach
Don’t just apply to every position you see. Focus on roles that align with your skills in human neurophysiology and spinal cord research. Customise your pitch to show how your background fits perfectly with what they’re looking for at the Nascimento Research Group.
✨Apply Through Our Website
Make sure to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team and contributing to groundbreaking research in neuromuscular diseases!
We think you need these skills to ace Research Fellow – Human Electrophysiologist
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in human neurophysiology and spinal cord electrophysiology. We want to see how your background aligns with our research goals, so don’t hold back on showcasing relevant projects!
Show Off Your Skills:Don’t forget to mention your proficiency in data analysis and any analytical software like Matlab, R, or Python. We’re keen on candidates who can critically evaluate results and have a solid quantitative background, so let us know what you’ve got!
Highlight Your Publications:If you’ve got a good publication record, make it known! We love seeing evidence of your ability to write up findings for publication, as it shows your commitment to advancing knowledge in the field. Include any relevant papers or presentations.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands. Plus, it gives you a chance to explore more about us and what we stand for!
How to prepare for a job interview at UK Dementia Research Institute
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of human neurophysiology and spinal cord electrophysiology. Be ready to discuss your PhD research and how it relates to the role, especially in terms of motoneuron dysfunction and ALS. This will show that you're not just a good fit academically, but also genuinely interested in the work.
✨Showcase Your Analytical Skills
Prepare to talk about your experience with data analysis and statistical methods. Bring examples of how you've used software like Matlab, R, or Python in your previous work. Being able to demonstrate your analytical prowess will be key, especially since the role involves developing new analytical approaches.
✨Connect with the Team
Research the Nascimento Research Group and their collaborations with other labs. Understanding their current projects and how they fit into the broader context of neuromuscular diseases will help you engage in meaningful conversations during the interview. It shows you're proactive and keen to be part of their team.
✨Prepare Questions
Have a list of thoughtful questions ready for your interviewers. Ask about their current research projects, the patient cohorts you'll be working with, or how they envision the role evolving over time. This not only demonstrates your interest but also helps you gauge if the position aligns with your career goals.
