Ref Number
B02-10717
Professional Expertise
Research and Research Support
Department
School of Life & Medical Sciences (B02)
Location
London
Working Pattern
Full time
Salary
See advert text
Contract Type
Fixed-term
Working Type
On site
Available for Secondment
No
Closing Date
16-Jun-2026
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. We offer excellent training in research and have well-funded and modern multidisciplinary facilities for studying cellular and animal models, human volunteers and patients with neurological disorders.
We are seeking a Research Fellow to join the Gandhi Lab at the Francis Crick Institute, working on an exciting project exploring the links between Type 2 diabetes, brain ageing, and neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s.
You will investigate disease mechanisms and identify biomarkers of progression using neuronal-derived extracellular vesicles (NDEVs) from human biofluids and iPSC-derived neuronal models. The role involves applying techniques in molecular biology, extracellular vesicle research, and data analysis within a large international collaboration.
This is an excellent opportunity to develop expertise in neurodegenerative and metabolic biology, while contributing to high-impact translational research. You will also analyse complex data and contribute to publications and presentations.
The role is available immediately and is funded by an MRC grant for one year or until 30 September 2027, whichever is sooner, in the first instance.
We expect to hold interviews on Tuesday 23 June 2026.
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 Dr Dilan Athauda ([email protected]) or Professor Sonia Gandhi ([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 will hold a PhD (or have submitted your thesis prior to starting) in Neuroscience, Molecular Biology, or a related discipline, with a strong foundation in biochemistry and molecular biology.
You will be organised and able to manage your own workload effectively, prioritising tasks to meet deadlines with minimal supervision. You will have excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present complex scientific information clearly to a range of audiences and to work well within multidisciplinary teams and build effective working relationships.
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.
Starting salary offered at £45,103 per annum, inclusive of London Allowance.
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.
