Research Fellow

About us

This is an exciting opportunity to join the groups of Dr Nazif Alic and Prof. Linda Partridge at the UCL Institute of Healthy Ageing in the Division of Biosciences. The Alic & Partridge laboratories are interested in understanding the plasticity of adult physiology and lifespan in the fruit fly. The UCL Institute of Healthy Ageing is a centre of excellence for research on the biology of ageing and ageing-related diseases.

About the role

The successful applicant will investigate the role of the multiple copies of tRNAiMet in animal development and ageing, extending from our recent publications on the topic (Filer et al. Nature 2017, Javidnia et al. Genome Research 2022). The successful applicant will use a combination of fruit fly genetics, phenotypic assays, molecular techniques, microscopy and computational approaches to determine the molecular mechanisms whereby different copies of tRNAiMet present in the fruit fly genome play different roles in development, late-life health and longevity of the whole animal. The project is based on xtensive novel genetics reagents already available. The work will be supervised jointly by Dr Nazif Alic and Prof Linda Partridge. The post is funded by the BBSRC and is an open-ended contract for 2 years in the first instance with a possibility of extension for 1 year and is available to start immediately. Where appropriate, successful applicants will also be supported in applying for further independent funding, should they wish to do so. A job description and person specification can be accessed at the bottom of this page. If you have any queries about the role, please contact Dr Nazif Alic at.

About you

We are looking for a highly motivated individual who has obtained or is about to obtain a PhD in a related field (e.g., ageing, physiology, gene regulation, genetics, tRNA biology etc) with previous experience in fruit fly genetics and husbandry or previous experience in molecular biology or similar relevant experience. Candidates should be confident working independently and committed to cultivating a collegial research atmosphere within the groups and across the institute. In addition, the successful candidate should have excellent organisational skills, be extremely conscientious, take responsibility for their work, be collaborative and have a passion for scientific research.

What we offer

As well as the exciting opportunities this role presents we also offer some great benefits some of which are below: 41 Days holiday (including 27 days annual leave 8 bank holiday and 6 closure days)

Our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

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+ people; and for our Grade 9 and 10 roles, women. You can read more about our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion here : https://www.ucl.ac.uk/equality-diversity-inclusion/

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