Research Fellow (Pathology)

UCL; London; On-site; GBP 44,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

The Institute of Neurology at UCL seeks a Research Fellow to join the RLW BRAIN programme, focusing on the integration of clinical and omics data in neurodegeneration research. This is an opportunity to contribute to a pivotal research initiative while developing significant academic credentials towards a PhD.

Benefits

41 Days holiday

Defined benefit career average revalued earnings pension scheme (CARE)

Cycle to work scheme and season ticket loan

On-site gym

Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption pay

Qualifications

• Clinical background in neurology, neuropathology, or neurodegenerative disease research.
• Experience in basic or clinical research.
• Skills in developing AI/ML models.

Responsibilities

• Generate datasets for clinical, neuropathological, and biomarker research.
• Develop AI and machine learning models based on digital pathology datasets.
• Assist in clinical diagnostic activities.

Skills

Knowledge of multi-omics data integration

Clinical experience in neurology

Experience with large-scale clinical datasets

Education

Medical degree (MBBS, MD or equivalent)

Job description

About us

The Department of Clinical and Movement Neurosciences is a world-leading group that brings together expertise across the clinical and basic science spectrum of the physiology and pathology of human movement and movement disorders.

The Department incorporates groups from the Queen Square and Royal Free campuses of the Institute and includes the Reta Lila Weston Institute. At the heart of this is the Reta Lila Weston Biomarker Research and Innovation in Neurodegeneration (RLW BRAIN) programme, a unique new research initiative based on the 2,500 postmortem brain tissue collection at the Queen Square Brain Bank (QSBB). The collection includes samples from patients with neurodegenerative disorders, such as Parkinson's disease, parkinsonian disorders, Alzheimer's disease, frontotemporal dementia, and controls. The programme is led by Professor Tom Warner, Director of the Reta Lila Weston Institute and QSBB, alongside Co-Investigator Dr Zane Jaunmuktane.

About the role

We are seeking a Research Fellow with clinical background to join the RLW BRAIN programme, the main goal of which is to generate detailed datasets of clinical, neuropathological, biomarker, and tissue omics (proteome, lipidome, posttranslational modifications), as well as spatial transcriptomic data.

You will work with digital pathology datasets, develop Artificial Intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) models based on image and language data, and contribute to advancing diagnostic accuracy, biomarker discovery, and disease stratification through innovative research. This is an excellent opportunity for a motivated individual to gain substantial research experience and develop academic credentials leading toward a PhD.

You will be a part of an exciting, large multicentre research project contributing to clinical research, assisting with the day-to-day coordination of all team efforts, ensuring high levels of functionality and communication. You will also have an opportunity to participate in clinical diagnostic activities at both QSBB and the Division of Neuropathology.

The post is available immediately and funded by the Reta Lila Weston Trust until 29 February 2028 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 Professor Tom Warner ( [e-mail] ) and Dr Zane Jaunmuktane ( [e-mail] ).

A full job description and person specification for this role can be accessed below.

About you

You will have a Medical degree (MBBS, MD or equivalent) with clinical experience in neurology, neuropathology, or neurodegenerative disease research, as well as a background in clinical and/or basic research. Knowledge of multi-omics data integration (genomics, proteomics, metabolomics) and experience with large-scale clinical datasets, imaging and electronic health records (EHRs) 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.

What we offer

Research Fellow appointment is offered with salary in the range £44,480 - £51,860 per annum, inclusive of London Allowance.

Resident Doctor in training will be appointed as Clinical Research Fellow with salary in the range of £49,284 - £75,038 per annum including London Allowance on the RDPS, or StR scale, dependent on NHS contract and/or stage of clinical training.

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
• 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.

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 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 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.