Research Fellow

About us

Biosciences is one of the world’s foremost centres for research and teaching in the biological sciences and one of the largest Divisions within UCL, undertaking a significant amount of research and teaching. The Division has a diverse portfolio addressing all areas of biology from protein interactions to cell function, organism development, genetics, population studies and the environment. Computational modelling approaches are frequently used alongside experimental research programmes and much of our research crosses traditional boundaries, including the relationship of biodiversity to the health of the planet. Activity is underpinned by high calibre science technology platforms and state of the art equipment. Educational activity includes a range of undergraduate programmes, an expanding number of Masters Programmes and a substantial number of postgraduate research students.

This is an exciting opportunity to join the Computational Systems and Synthetic Biology Group at UCL, led by Prof. Chris Barnes: https://ucl-cssb.github.io/

About the role

The main purpose of the position is to develop statistical tools for the design of engineered microbial communities for biotechnological applications. The postholder will assist the team in the development, planning and delivery of research funded through the AI-4-EB consortium, funded by the BBSRC: https://www.imperial.ac.uk/news/236657/new-uk-wide-ai-engineering-biology-consortium/

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 £34,502- £36,348 per annum, including London Allowance) with payment at Grade 7 being backdated to the date of final submission of the PhD thesis (including corrections).

This role is an open-ended contract with a funding end date of 30/01/2024 in the first instance with possibility of extension.

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

If you have any queries about the role, please contact Prof. Chris Barnes at [email protected]

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 [email protected]

About you

You will be expected to contribute to the project in the area of statistical modelling of microbial community dynamics using Gaussian processes. In addition to developing and conducting the research, you will communicate results as scientific papers and in scientific presentations at local, national and international conferences.

You will have a PhD (or be studying towards it) in physical science, computer science or engineering. Proven knowledge of statistical algorithm development in C++/Python/R.

What we offer

As well as the exciting opportunities this role presents we also offer some great benefits some of which are below:

41 Days holiday (including 27 days annual leave 8 bank holiday and 6 closure days)
Hybrid Final Salary Pension Scheme
Cycle to work scheme and season ticket loan
On-Site nursery
On-site gym
Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption pay
Employee assistance programme: Staff Support Service
Discounted medical insurance

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 department 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/