At a Glance
- Tasks: Investigate spinal motor circuit neurophysiology in mouse models of ALS using advanced electrophysiological techniques.
- Company: UCL's Department of Neuromuscular Diseases, a leader in clinical and research excellence.
- Benefits: 41 days holiday, competitive salary, pension scheme, and on-site gym access.
- Other info: Flexible working options available; commitment to diversity and inclusion.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in neuromuscular research and contribute to groundbreaking therapeutic advances.
- Qualifications: PhD in Neuroscience or related field with experience in electrophysiology and data analysis.
The predicted salary is between 41103 - 41103 £ per year.
The Department of Neuromuscular Diseases is a centre of clinical and research excellence focused on understanding the causes and mechanisms of neuromuscular disorders and translating these findings into therapeutic advances. The Nascimento Research Group is a newly established laboratory within the department, investigating spinal motor circuit neurophysiology in animal models of disease, including ALS, and in humans. We use a range of electrophysiological approaches in mice alongside high-density surface electromyography (HDsEMG) in humans. We work closely with the Brownstone and Beato groups at UCL and are embedded within a collaborative research environment with access to extensive core facilities, including surgical, behavioural, histology, and microscopy resources.
About the role: We have an exciting opportunity for a Research Fellow to study neuromuscular and spinal circuit pathophysiology in mouse models of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). We have recently shown that spinal microcircuits undergo some of the earliest alterations in ALS, preceding motoneuron death by months (Nascimento et al. Cell Rep 2024). These changes are likely part of pro-homeostatic mechanisms that preserve motor output during early disease stages despite ongoing neurodegeneration. Such alterations may be multiphasic across disease progression, and emerging evidence suggests that the intrinsic resilience of spinal circuits may play a critical role in determining the rate of functional decline. This project aims to characterise the time-course of alterations in spinal microcircuits, motoneurons, neuromuscular junctions, and muscle, and to determine how these changes impact motor behaviour in mouse models of ALS. You will employ a range of neurophysiological recording techniques in mice, including in vitro motoneuron recordings from spinal cord preparations, in vivo motoneuron recordings from intact animals, and ex vivo neuromuscular junction recordings from nerve‑muscle preparations.
The position is available from 1 October 2026 and is funded by the Wellcome Trust until 30 September 2029 in the first instance. We expect to hold interviews on 20 July 2026.
About you: You will have a PhD in a Neuroscience‑related discipline (or be near completion), with experience in electrophysiology, in vitro patch clamp recordings and/or in vivo recordings. A good understanding of neuronal physiology and single cell electrophysiology is essential, as is a proven ability to critically evaluate experimental results and analyse data using appropriate statistical methods, with experience writing up findings for publication. Evidence of a good publication record and a solid quantitative background with proficiency in data analysis and statistics is also a requirement.
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. 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
- On‑site gym
- Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption pay
- Employee assistance programme: Staff Support Service
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 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.
Research Fellow – Mouse Electrophysiologist employer: UK Dementia Research Institute
UCL's Department of Neuromuscular Diseases offers an exceptional work environment for a Research Fellow in Mouse Electrophysiology, fostering collaboration and innovation within a state-of-the-art research facility. With generous benefits including 41 days of holiday, a defined benefit pension scheme, and a strong commitment to equality and diversity, UCL is dedicated to supporting employee growth and well-being. The opportunity to contribute to groundbreaking research in a vibrant London setting makes this position both meaningful and rewarding.
Contact Details:
UK Dementia Research Institute Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Research Fellow – Mouse Electrophysiologist
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your contacts in the field of neuroscience and electrophysiology. Attend conferences or seminars, and don’t be shy about introducing yourself to potential collaborators or mentors. You never know who might have a lead on your dream job!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Research the Nascimento Research Group and their recent findings. Be ready to discuss how your skills in electrophysiology and data analysis can contribute to their exciting projects. Show them you’re not just a fit, but the perfect fit!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or colleagues. Focus on articulating your research experience and how it aligns with the role. The more comfortable you are talking about your work, the more confident you’ll feel during the real deal.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage with us directly. So, get that application in and let’s make some waves in neuromuscular research together!
We think you need these skills to ace Research Fellow – Mouse Electrophysiologist
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in electrophysiology and any relevant research. We want to see how your skills align with the exciting work we're doing at the Nascimento Research Group!
Show Off Your Publications:If you've got a solid publication record, flaunt it! Include details about your research findings and how they relate to neuromuscular disorders. This will help us see your potential impact on our team.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward. Use clear language to explain your experience and why you're passionate about this role. We appreciate a well-structured application that gets straight to the point!
Apply Through Our Website:Don't forget to submit your application through our official website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this fantastic opportunity.
How to prepare for a job interview at UK Dementia Research Institute
✨Know Your Electrophysiology
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of electrophysiological techniques, especially in vitro and in vivo recordings. Be prepared to discuss your previous experiences with these methods and how they relate to the research being conducted in the Nascimento Research Group.
✨Showcase Your Analytical Skills
Since a solid quantitative background is essential for this role, be ready to talk about your experience with data analysis and statistical methods. Bring examples of how you've critically evaluated experimental results and how you’ve written up findings for publication.
✨Understand the Research Context
Familiarise yourself with the latest research on ALS and spinal motor circuits. Being able to discuss recent findings, like those from Nascimento et al., will show your genuine interest in the field and your ability to engage with current scientific discussions.
✨Emphasise Collaboration
This position is embedded within a collaborative environment, so highlight any past experiences working in teams or interdisciplinary projects. Discuss how you can contribute to the collaborative spirit at UCL and how you value teamwork in advancing research.
