Research Fellow in London

About us

The mission of the Department of Neuroinflammation is to transform the lives of people living with diseases underpinned by neuroinflammation, including multiple sclerosis and Alzheimer’s disease, for the better, by identifying, understanding, and correcting or preventing the underlying mechanisms. Our vision is to build upon the excellence and breadth of our research, seamlessly integrating basic and clinical science.

The Physics group, led by Professor Claudia Wheeler-Kingshott, develops quantitative MRI approaches to investigate neurological disease, particularly multiple sclerosis. The group has access to a 3T Philips Ingenia Cx MRI scanner and develops applications spanning microstructure, physiology and functional measurements across the central and peripheral nervous systems.

The group has close collaborations with the University of Pavia in Italy, including research into brain digital twin technologies. Professor Wheeler-Kingshott also leads international research exploring ultra-low-field MRI and other accessible neuroimaging technologies in the UK, Italy and Uganda.

About the role

We are seeking an enthusiastic and motivated researcher to join Professor Wheeler-Kingshott’s Physics group within the Department of Neuroinflammation and contribute to a UKRI-funded project investigating the physics of brain digital twins and their potential application in low-resource settings.

You will work with Dr Antonio Ricciardi and Professor Wheeler-Kingshott to understand the limits of this technology using the 3T MRI scanner and EEG signal recordings. You will also learn about fast neural electrical impendence tomography (fnEIT) developed by Professor David Holder, which in future may be a better option for detecting brain function in low resource settings.

The post is available from 01 November 2026 and funded for 1 year in the first instance.

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 (ion.hradmin@ucl.ac.uk).

For informal enquiries about the role please contact Professor Claudia Wheeler-Kingshott (email: c.wheeler-kingshott@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 should hold a PhD in physics, mathematics, engineering, neuroscience or related discipline, or be close to obtaining, with demonstrable experience in quantitative MRI acquisition/processing and demonstrable experience/understanding of computational modelling. Experience/understanding of virtual brain modelling platforms and a good knowledge of neuroanatomy and advanced neuroimaging analyses such as imagine and signal manipulation for parameter’s extraction is essential, as is knowledge of machine learning / artificial intelligence applications in neuroscience, and strong programming skills, including Python and MATLAB.

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

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
• On-site nursery
• On-site gym
• Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption pay
• Employee assistance programme: Staff Support Service
• Discounted medical insurance

Visit https://www.ucl.ac.uk/work-at-ucl/reward-and-benefits 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 Research and Professional Services Staff. Please visit https://www.ucl.ac.uk/human-resources/conditions-service-research-teaching-and-professional-services-staff 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 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.