Research Fellow

About us

The Department of Epilepsy at the UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology is dedicated to advancing the understanding and treatment of epilepsy and other neurological disorders. Research within the Department spans basic and translational science, bringing together researchers with expertise across a range of neurological conditions and experimental approaches.

Based within the department, the Jepson laboratory uses Drosophila models to investigate the mechanisms underlying neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative disorders, including dystonia, epilepsy, neuropathies and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).

About the role

We are seeking a Research Fellow to join an exciting research project investigating the role of DEAF1 in neurodevelopment. Working with Dr Gabriel Aughey in the Jepson laboratory and in collaboration with Dr Jenna Carpenter, you will contribute to research aimed at informing the development of a potential gene therapy for a severe neurodevelopmental disorder caused by mutations in the DEAF1 gene.

Using Drosophila as a model system, you will help generate and characterise new disease models and investigate the cell types and developmental windows in which restoring DEAF1 function may be beneficial. You will contribute to genetic and behavioural experiments, as well as transcriptomic studies and data analysis, to improve our understanding of how DEAF1 disruption affects the development and function of the nervous system.

The role offers an excellent opportunity to gain experience in a range of genetic, molecular and behavioural approaches while working as part of a collaborative project that brings together Drosophila and human cell models.

The role is available from 01 October 2026 and funded by for one year in the first instance.

To apply, please upload a current CV, complete the online application form, and use the supporting statement section or upload a cover letter to outline how you meet the essential and desirable criteria for the role. Please do not upload any additional attachments as these will not be considered by the selection panel.

About you

You will have a PhD in Neuroscience, Genetics or a related field, with experience in Drosophila husbandry, maintenance, genetics, and behavioural assays. You will also have experience of molecular biology techniques and confocal and/or live imaging methods.

Knowledge of neuroscience and neurological disease research, alongside experience of collaborative and interdisciplinary working, is essential, as are strong organisational, communication, literacy and numeracy skills and the ability to prioritise competing demands and work effectively as part of a research team.

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

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 £39,807 - £42,891 per annum) with appointment as Research Fellow being backdated to the date of final submission of the PhD thesis.

Customer advert reference: B02-11205

Advert information