Associate Professor/Professor of Cognitive Neuroscience

About us

Over the past 30 years, the Department of Imaging Neuroscience, home to the internationally renowned Functional Imaging Laboratory (FIL), has pioneered the development and application of imaging techniques to advance our understanding of the human brain. It continues to play a leading role in progressing and transforming research in many areas of neuroscience. The Department hosts multiple large-scale collaborative grants including the Wellcome-funded Discovery Research Platform for Naturalistic Neuroimaging, and the Max Planck UCL Centre for Computational Psychiatry and Ageing Research.

About the role

We are now recruiting an internationally recognised leader in the field of imaging-informed cognitive neuroscience to work with some of the world's leading neuroscientists and their research groups within the Department of Imaging Neuroscience, play an important role in shaping the future of the Department, and be vital to maintaining the Department's position as a centre of research excellence shaping the field.

We seek applicants from across the broad field of cognitive neuroscience with an imaging-informed programme that is complementary to our existing research portfolio. The successful candidate's cognitive neuroscience expertise could include (but is not limited to): clinical, developmental or life-span perspectives on memory, learning, sleep, executive function, social behaviour, motor control and action planning - as explored through neuroimaging or related methodologies.

It is expected that the successful applicant will bring a broad perspective to the overarching question of how we can understand real world human behaviour and cognition in terms of brain mechanisms and underlying neurobiology, and how this understanding can be applied to the psychological, social, clinical and scientific challenges we face.

The post, on the academic/tenure track, is available on a permanent basis from 01 January 2026.

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 ( [email protected] ).

Informal enquiries regarding the role can be addressed to Professor Martina Callaghan, Head of the Research Department of Imaging Neuroscience ( [email protected] ).

To apply, please complete the online application form and upload the following supporting documents:

• A current CV
• A cover letter/statement of interest outlining your interest in joining the Department of Imaging Neuroscience and how you meet the essential and desirable criteria for the role.
• A summary of your five-year research vision.

There will be a two-stage selection process; please refer to the job description and person specification for the role for full details; the job description can be accessed below.

About you

You will have an international reputation in human cognitive neuroscience, a strong track record of impactful, peer-reviewed academic publications, and of obtaining significant and sustained research grant funding for your imaging neuroscience programme.

Excellent management skills, as well as interpersonal skills to work successfully with colleagues, students and research participants, and to support and provide direction for junior researchers are also essential for this role.

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

Appointment will be as Associate Professor (UCL Grade 9 with salary in the range £67,341 - £75,192 per annum including London Allowance) or Professor (UCL Grade 10 with competitive, negotiable salary starting from a minimum of £83,660 per annum including London Allowance) based on knowledge, skills, and experience. Please refer to the job description and person specification for details of the selection criteria at each grade.

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
• 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 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 Academic Staff. Please visit 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 Silver 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.