Sainsbury Wellcome Centre for Neural Circuits and Behaviour
Head of FabLab (Fabrications Laboratory)
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Reference: B02-11112
Salary: £68,284 - £72,146 per annum inclusive of London Allowance
Working Type: Onsite, full-time
Closing Date: Sunday 20th September at 23:59
Interview Date: Thursday 8th October 2026
Available Until: Grant funded until 31st October 2030 in the first instance
About the Role
The SWC FabLab (Fabrications Laboratory) is seeking a collaborative and strategic leader. The primary purpose of the FabLab is to deliver innovative scientific solutions to the stakeholders, supporting research to understand how the brain processes information relevant to learning and behaviour. Such set-ups currently include, for example, virtual reality environments, continuous automated delivery of food and monitoring of behaviour, advanced microscopy technologies such as miniaturised head-mounted two-photon systems, all of which require bespoke and custom designed solutions.
Future research is likely to rely on novel instrumentation that will be developed in-house, in collaboration between researchers and the FabLab team.
As Head of FabLab, you will lead our state-of-the-art facility and a highly skilled team to deliver world-class innovative solutions for complex scientific challenges.
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You will champion our MakerSpace, enabling researchers and students to explore ideas through independent, rapid prototyping while fostering a culture of creativity, collaboration and technical excellence. A key aspect of the role will be building, developing and managing relationships with a diverse range of stakeholders across the organisation.
Working in close partnership with Group Leaders, postdoctoral researchers, PhD students and other scientific staff, you will help deliver innovative, world-class solutions to tackle the most challenging questions in neuroscience.
You will oversee the delivery of complex, large-scale projects involving multiple stakeholders, where iterative design, prototyping and advanced manufacturing approaches are required to achieve robust and impactful outcomes.
For informal enquiries about the role, please contact Robb Barrett: robb.barrett@ucl.ac.uk
About You
You have a proven ability to build strong working relationships to achieve successful research outcomes. With a strong background in the conception, design and manufacture of scientific instrumentation, you are comfortable leading multidisciplinary projects and teams.
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You will bring expertise in one or more of the following areas:
- Software
- Machining
- CAD/CAM
- 3D printing
- Fluidics
- Electronics
You thrive in a research environment, enjoy solving complex technical challenges, and are passionate about turning innovative ideas into high-quality scientific tools and technologies.
What We Offer
SWC offers staff an award-winning work environment in the heart of Fitzrovia with an onsite brasserie, access to pleasant outdoor spaces, secure bicycle storage and changing facilities. The Centre also offers the full range of UCL staff benefits, including a generous annual leave entitlement, occupational pension schemes, excellent family-friendly policies such as occupational shared parental pay, a work-life balance policy, career break policy and a range of financial benefits such as a season ticket loan scheme and staff discounts.
How to Apply
To apply, visit UCL Jobs and search for vacancy reference: B02-11112. Click on 'Apply Now' to enter the recruitment portal and start your application.
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