Research Fellow at UCL

UCL; Greater London; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 55,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

41 Days holiday

On-site gym

On-site nursery

Job summary

UCL in London seeks a Research Fellow to explore proteostasis collapse in ageing and neurodegenerative diseases within the Bourdenx Lab. You will combine systems biology with spatial and single-cell omics to study autophagy in neurons and differentiate iPSCs into neurons for mechanistic studies.

The role requires a PhD in molecular or cellular biology, bioinformatics coding in Python/R, and experience with genome editing and high-content imaging.

Qualifications

• PhD in molecular or cellular biology or related discipline.
• Experience with iPSC and genome-editing techniques.
• High-content microscopy, image acquisition/processing.
• Advanced scientific programming for bioinformatics (Python, R).
• Knowledge of version control and good programming practices.
• Expertise in developing and applying agentic AI systems for biological knowledge extraction and regulatory networks.

Responsibilities

• Investigate mechanisms of proteostasis collapse in ageing and neurodegenerative disorders.
• Work with Bourdenx Lab using systems biology, spatial and single-cell omics.
• Differentiate iPSCs into neurons and perform mechanistic studies.
• Apply computational approaches to understand selective neuronal vulnerability.

Job description

Ref Number B02-11414 • Professional Expertise Research and Research Support Department School of Life & Medical Sciences (B02) • Location London • Working Pattern Full time • Salary £44,861-£55,099 • Contract Type Fixed-term • Working Type On site • Available for Secondment • No Closing Date 30-Oct-2026

About us

The UK Dementia Research Institute (UK DRI) is a globally leading multidisciplinary research institute investigating the spectrum of neurodegenerative disorders causing dementia, driving a step change in our understanding of neurodegeneration, and accelerating the discovery, development and delivery of interventions that will help diagnose, treat, and ultimately prevent dementia. The UK DRI at UCL is embedded within the UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, an autonomous academic research department and a leading centre for neuroscience research.

About the role

We are seeking a Research Fellow to investigate mechanisms of proteostasis collapse in ageing and neurodegenerative disorders within the Bourdenx Lab. Our research integrates systems biology with spatial and single cell omics and computational approaches to understand why specific neuronal populations selectively degenerate in dementia. You will specifically focus on regulatory mechanisms of diverse forms of autophagy in neuronal systems. You will use molecular and cell biology techniques, including the generation, maintenance and characterisation of novel iPS cells, their differentiation into neurons and mechanistic studies. The post is available from 01 November 2026 and is funded by the Medical Research Council to 31 October 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]). For informal enquiries about the role please contact Dr Mathieu Bourdenx (email: [e-mail]). A full job description and person specification for this role can be accessed below.

About you

You will have a PhD in molecular or cellular biology or a related discipline and a strong foundation in cell-biology. Experience with iPSC and in genome-editing techniques, with high-content microscopy and image acquisition/processing and in advanced scientific programming for bioinformatics (Python, R) and programming good practises (version control, etc) is essential. Expertise in developing and applying agentic AI systems for biological knowledge extraction and regulatory networks, knowledge of neuroscience, and an understanding of the mission of the UKDRI, an interest in its research work and a commitment to supporting high-quality research is also a requirement. 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.

Appointment

Appointment as Research Fellow is dependent upon having been awarded a PhD; if this is not the case, initial appointment will be as Research Assistant (salary £40,603 - £43,749 per annum) with appointment as Research Fellow being backdated to the date of final submission of the PhD thesis.

Benefits

• 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
• On-site nursery
• On-site gym
• Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption pay
• Employee assistance programme: Staff Support Service
• Discounted medical insurance

Visit https://www.ucl.ac.uk/work-at-ucl/reward-and-benefits to find out more.

This appointment is subject to UCL Terms and Conditions of Service for Research and Professional Services Staff. Please visit https://www.ucl.ac.uk/human-resources/conditions-service-research-teaching-and-professional-services-staff 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 Gold 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.