Research Fellow Ref: 40640 (Fixed Term)

Brighton and Sussex Medical School; Brighton; On-site; GBP 38,000 - 46,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading university is seeking a Research Fellow to join an interdisciplinary neuroscience group. This position involves conducting cutting-edge research on neural circuits using zebrafish, with opportunities to collaborate in an innovative environment that values open science. Ideal candidates will have a relevant PhD, practical zebrafish experience, and programming skills in Python.

Qualifications

• PhD in Neuroscience or relevant field is essential.
• Experience in 2-photon microscopy and strong programming skills (Python) required.
• Practical experience with zebrafish and ability to manage research projects needed.

Responsibilities

• Conduct advanced research using 2-photon imaging and custom behavioral assays.
• Design and run experiments, analyze data, and maintain zebrafish colonies.

Skills

2-photon microscopy

Programming skills (Python)

Zebrafish experience

Data analysis

Communication skills

Education

PhD in Neuroscience, Biology, or related field

Job description

Full time – 1.0 FTE (37.5 hours per week). Requests for flexible working options will be considered (subject to business need).

Grade 7 starting at £38,249 to £45,413 per annum, pro rata if part time.

Contract Type

Fixed Term Contract

About the role

As a Research Fellow, you will join the Baden Lab, a highly collaborative and interdisciplinary neuroscience group within the School of Life Sciences at the University of Sussex. Our lab focuses on investigating how neural circuits process visual information and drive behaviour, primarily using zebrafish as a model system.

In this role, you will contribute to cutting-edge research using advanced 2-photon imaging, genetic tools, and custom behavioural assays. You will design and run experiments, analyse data using Python and IGOR, and support the maintenance of zebrafish colonies and bespoke experimental setups. You’ll be part of a dynamic environment that values open science, collaboration, and innovation.

About you

You will hold, or be close to completing, a PhD in Neuroscience, Biology, or a related field. You’ll have experience in 2-photon microscopy, strong programming skills (preferably Python and IGOR), and practical experience with zebrafish. You should be capable of managing multiple research projects, working independently, and contributing to a supportive team environment. A publication record in peer-reviewed journals and excellent communication skills are also essential.

We are particularly interested in applicants with innovative ideas and a keen interest in pushing the boundaries of imaging-based neuroscience research.

About our School

In the School of Life Sciences we strive to understand the mechanisms that drive biological and chemical processes and to develop innovative and diverse approaches to enhance human health, technology and the environment. We undertake multidisciplinary research, teaching and engagement across a wide range of subjects, from Chemistry through Cellular and Molecular Biosciences to Conservation Biology.

The School comprises five Departments: Biochemistry & Biomedicine, Genome Damage and Stability Centre, Neuroscience, Ecology & Evolution and Chemistry. We also house the Sussex Drug Discovery Centre which works to deliver the bench-to-bedside translation of our discoveries. The breadth and depth of our cutting-edge research and innovative teaching practice is delivered by a diverse community who work across boundaries to deliver excellence, engage with real world problems and produce impact.

We pride ourselves on our world-leading research and have a strong research economy, with approximately 50% of our income stemming from research and an active grant portfolio of over £50 million. We host or form part of three University Centres of Excellence : the Genome Damage and Stability Centre, Sussex Neuroscience and Sussex Sustainability Research Programme. In the 2021 Research Excellence Framework, 90.6 % of our Biological Sciences outputs and 84.8% of our Chemistry outputs were rated as world-leading or internationally excellent. We are proud that in both areas, 100% of our Impact cases were rated as world-leading or internationally excellent.

The School is committed to the University’s core values of kindness, integrity, inclusion, collaboration and courage. We believe that equality, diversity and inclusion is everyone’s responsibility and aim to provide a friendly and supportive environment for all who work, study and visit the School of Life Sciences.

The School of Life Sciences is proud to hold a Silver Athena Swan Award.

Why work here

Our university is situated off the A27, next to the beautiful South Downs where you will enjoy everything that our 150-acre campus has to offer. We are accessible by public transport; Falmer train station is a five-minute walk to campus and several bus stops are located within campus. We also have dedicated cycling paths and encourage our staff to use these with our offering of a cycle to work scheme.

Sussex is a renowned, multi-accredited, research-led International University and this is only possible because of the people that work here. Whether you are a member of Faculty, part of a Professional Services team or a Student, it’s our people that make us great and we want you to be part of that.

The University is committed to equality and valuing diversity, and applications are particularly welcomed from women and black and minority ethnic candidates, who are under-represented in academic posts in Science, Technology, Engineering, Medicine and Mathematics (STEMM) at Sussex.

The University of Sussex values the diversity of its staff and students, and we welcome applicants from all backgrounds.

The University requires that work undertaken for the University is performed in the UK.

Visa Sponsorship Queries: This role has been assigned an eligible SOC code, and meets the salary requirements for Skilled Worker Sponsorship if full time. Please consult our Skilled Worker Visa information page for further information about Visa Sponsorship.

If you are experiencing any issues using our application portal or if you require adjustments to be made to the selection process, please contact us on [phone] or [e-mail] to discuss your requirements.