Ref Number
B02-10747
Professional Expertise
Research and Research Support
Department
School of Life & Medical Sciences (B02)
Location
London
Working Pattern
Full time
Salary
£43,981-£52,586
Contract Type
Fixed-term
Working Type
On site
Available for Secondment
Yes
Closing Date
14-Jul-2026
The Department of Neuromuscular Diseases is a hub for clinical and research excellence across the spectrum of brain, spinal cord, and neuromuscular diseases. Our group of world-leading clinical, genetic and basic science researchers focus their work on understanding the causes and biological mechanisms leading to neuromuscular diseases and translating this knowledge into developing novel therapeutic solutions that are of direct benefit to neurological disorders.
The Centre for Neuromuscular Diseases (CNMD), based in the Department, provides comprehensive NHS clinical services for over 5,000 patients per year, which include a range of specialist neuromuscular clinics and nationally commissioned services. It provides the largest clinical neuromuscular services for children and adults in Europe. It represents a UK national centre of excellence, setting standards for rare disease management and offering training opportunities for specialist clinicians and clinical scientists.
The International Centre for Genomic Medicine in Neuromuscular Diseases (ICGNMD) was established in 2019 to understand the worldwide genetic causes of neuromuscular diseases and address the under-representation of people living in low-middle income settings in genetic NMD cohorts. We have created a comprehensive genetic and phenotypic database of participants from around the world, and we connect experts globally to collaborate in NMD diagnosis and research. Our aim is to improve international knowledge of the global causes of NMD and increase access to genomic medicine, so more patients’ care can be informed by their genetic data.
We are now seeking two experienced and motivated bioinformaticians to identify, adapt, and implement cutting edge techniques and applications to interrogate short-read, long-read, genotype, and transcriptome data. There is also the potential to develop and publish novel analytical approaches.
This is a unique opportunity to work alongside clinical experts, bioinformaticians, and basic scientific researchers at a world-leading institution to make a tangible difference to the NMD and neurodegenerative rare disease community.
These posts are available immediately and are funded by Wellcome and the Multiple System Atrophy Trust for 6 months 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 ([email protected]).
Informal enquiries regarding the role can be addressed to Professor Henry Houlden ([email protected]) or Dr Viorica Chelban ([email protected]).
A full job description and person specification for this role can be accessed below. 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.
You’ll have a PhD in bioinformatics (or equivalent skills and experience), an understanding of human genetics, knowledge of DNA and RNA sequencing analysis, and experience of working with HPC. Knowledge of programming languages (R, Python, Bash script), of bioinformatics pipelines for genomic data analysis, and excellent communication, interpersonal, time management, and problem-solving skills are also essential for this role.
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 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 £39,148 - £41,833 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 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.
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.
