Research Fellow

About us

The UK Dementia Research Institute (UK DRI) is a globally leading multidisciplinary research institute investigating the spectrum of neurodegenerative disorders causing dementia.

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.

For a full job description please visit UCL's online recruitment portal (https://www.ucl.ac.uk/work-at-ucl/search-ucl-jobs) and search using vacancy reference B02-11414. 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 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.

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 £40,603 - £43,749 per annum) with appointment as Research Fellow being backdated to the date of final submission of the PhD thesis.

As well as the exciting opportunities this role presents, we also offer some great benefits; 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

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. 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. 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.

Customer advert reference: B02-11414

Advert information