About us

The Division of Biosciences at UCL is one of the world's foremost centres for research and teaching in the biological sciences. We have an outstanding international reputation and a community of over 500 staff and more than 300 PhD students engaged in cutting edge research and collaboration.

Further information can be found on our website https://www.ucl.ac.uk/biosciences

Applications are invited for a Research Technician to join the group of Dr Philip Coen, in the Research Department of Cell and Developmental Biology. This new group is seeking to understand how the brain combines auditory and visual information to make decisions and navigate the world. The post offers an exciting opportunity to use state-of-the-art behavioural and recording techniques to tackle fundamental questions about multisensory processing in the brain. For more information about the lab, visit https://coen-lab.com/.

About the role

The post holder will be mainly in charge of acquiring behavioural measurements in mice. However, the successful applicant will be joining the Coen lab at the early stages of development. Therefore, applicants should expect to participate in a variety of lab tasks, including experimental-rig-building and maintenance, documentation, and trouble-shooting.

The post-holder will participate in lab meetings and be encouraged to work creatively to improve the efficacy of the lab. As the lab develops, they will also assist members of the group in performing a variety of procedures such as surgeries, perfusions, immunohistochemistry, microscopy, and basic data analysis, as well as some administrative duties.

The position funded for 12 months in the first instance, but funding is available to support a longer tenure in the lab, with opportunity to progress to a more managerial role in the longer term.

Appointment at Grade 6B (salary £35,702 - £37,548 per annum.

A job description and person specification can be accessed at the bottom of this page.

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.

If you have any queries about the role, please contact Philip Coen at p.coen@ucl.ac.uk.

If you need reasonable adjustments or a more accessible format to apply for this job online or have any queries about the application process, please contact Biosciences staffing at biosciences.staffing@ucl.ac.uk.

About you

Applicants should have a BSc or equivalent in neuroscience, engineering, computer science, mathematics, physics, or a similar field, and will have relevant laboratory experience, although training will be provided during the initial period. A Home Office personal License (or international equivalent) is required.

Experience working with rodent behaviour would be highly desirable, as well as lab techniques such as basic surgical skills in rodents, immunohistochemistry, and microscopy. Programming experience will also be highly valued. An interest and aptitude in learning new procedures and techniques and performing them precisely is essential.

The ideal personality is one that enjoys learning new skills, while being comfortable with a certain level of routine work and attention to detail, and can work both independently and as part of a team.

What we offer

The UCL Ways of Working supports colleagues to be successful and happy at UCL through sharing expectations around how we work – please https://www.ucl.ac.uk/human-resources/policies-advice/ways-working to find out more.

As well as the exciting opportunities this role presents, we also offer some 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 https://www.ucl.ac.uk/work-at-ucl/reward-and-benefits to find out more.

Our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

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+ people; and for our Grade 9 and 10 roles, women.

Our division holds an Athena SWAN Bronze award, in recognition of our commitment to advancing gender equality.

You can read more about our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion here: https://www.ucl.ac.uk/equality-diversity-inclusion/