Duties and Responsibilities

Applications are invited for a Research Fellow in the field of synaptic release of neurotransmitters to participate in collaborative research between the laboratories of Professor Kirill Volynski (IoN) and Professor James Rothman (IoN/Yale University). The position complements existing strengths in understanding of synaptic physiology and neurological disease at IoN. The post holder will apply electrophysiological and optical methods to address the molecular mechanisms of neurotransmitter release in central synapses, and will have the opportunity to apply their research skills in a broad collaborative environment, which includes neurogenetics, structural biology, biochemical and biophysical studies of vesicle exocytosis and ion channel function, and mammalian and invertebrate circuit neuroscience.

The post is funded by a grant from the European Research Council and is available from March 2021 until 31 August 2021 with the possibility of an extension.

Key Requirements

Applicants must have, or be close to obtaining, a PhD in a relevant discipline within neuroscience or biophysics, a track record of experimental laboratory research, and quantitative skills in analysing large data sets. Experience of patch-clamp electrophysiology and live-cell fluorescence microscopy is essential. Understanding of molecular genetics and biophysical principles, knowledge of scientific computer programming, and a strong publication record are desirable.

Please note: appointment at Grade 7 is dependent upon having been awarded a PhD; if this is not the case, initial appointment will be at research assistant Grade 6B (salary 31,542 – 33,257 per annum) with payment at Grade 7 being backdated to the date of final submission of the PhD thesis.

Further Details

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

To apply for the vacancy, please click on the ‘Apply Now’ button below.

If you have any queries regarding the application process, please contact Miss E Bertram, HR Manager, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology (email: IoN.HRAdmin@ucl.ac.uk).

For informal enquiries, please contact Professor Kirill Volynski (email: k.volynski@ucl.ac.uk).

UCL Taking Action for Equality

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

Closing Date

9 Mar 2021

Latest time for the submission of applications

23:59

Interview date

12 March 2021

Our department holds an Athena SWAN Silver award, in recognition of our commitment and demonstrable impact in advancing gender equality.

This appointment is subject to UCL Terms and Conditions of Service for Research and Support Staff.

Please use these links to find out more about UCL working life including the benefits we offer and UCL Terms and Conditions related to this job.