Research Associate

The University of Tennessee Medical Center Graduate School of Medicine; Greater London; On-site; GBP 42,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

University College London (UCL) invites applications for a Research Fellow to join the Dementia Research Centre, working on GWAS of posterior cortical atrophy. You will perform genotype-phenotype analyses and functional work with UK Biobank data, collaborating with the UK DRI team.

The role requires a PhD in biology/genetics, strong programming in Python/R/Bash, and proven bioinformatic expertise. Eligible international applicants are welcome to apply under UK visa rules.

Qualifications

• PhD in biology, genetics, or cognate subject is required.
• Background in genetic and bioinformatic analysis with advanced programming (e.g., Python, R, Bash).
• Excellent communication, interpersonal and organisational skills are essential.

Responsibilities

• Conduct genotype-phenotype analyses and genetic correlations.
• Carry out downstream functional analyses linking phenotypes to genomic data.
• Collaborate with UK DRI at UCL on phenotyping and genetic analyses of dementia patients and UK Biobank volunteers.
• Publish findings in peer‑reviewed journals.

Skills

Bioinformatic analysis

Python

R

Bash

Communication skills

Interpersonal skills

Organisational skills

Education

PhD in biology, genetics, or cognate subject

Tools

Python

R

Bash

Job description

We have an exciting opportunity for a Research Fellow working with Maryam Shoai, Sir John Hardy, Andre Altmann and the UCL Dementia Research Centre to compare GWAS of posterior cortical atrophy ('visual variant AD') with related phenotypes in UKBiobank and AD data sharing initiatives. We anticipate major discoveries and publications from this work.

You will join a team carrying out phenotyping and genetic analyses of patients with dementia and UK Biobank volunteers, and work alongside the technical team at UK DRI at UCL. Beyond genetic analyses of case-control and quantitative phenotypes, there will be correlation with available long-read genomic and transcriptomic data from patient-donated brain samples with neurodegenerative disorders.

The post is aimed at an ambitious early career researcher, who has bioinformatic and clinical experience and is keen to pursue an academic career. You will be expected to conduct genotype-phenotype, genetic correlation and downstream functional analyses that will lead to discoveries and publications.

The post is available from 01 September 2026 and funded by the BrightFocus Foundation to 31 August 2027 in the first instance.

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 ([e-mail]).

Informal enquiries regarding the role can be addressed to Dr Keir Yong ([e-mail]).

You’ll have a PhD in biology, genetics, or a cognate subject, and a background in genetic and bioinformatic analysis with particular focus on advanced programming (e.g., Python, R, Bash). Excellent communication, interpersonal, and organisational skills are essential, as is a high level of accuracy and ability to work to deadline. Experience with neurodegenerative disorders, neuropathology, and database management and a background statistics and clinical, radiologic and/or pathologic analysis and correlation with genomic or transcriptomic data is desirable.

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.