Ref Number
B02-11009
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
Hybrid
Available for Secondment
No
Closing Date
18-Aug-2026
The UK Dementia Research Institute (UK DRI) is a globally leading multidisciplinary research institute of over 900 staff investigating the spectrum of neurodegenerative disorders causing dementia, driving a step change in our understanding of neurodegeneration, and accelerating the discovery, development and delivery of interventions that will help diagnose, treat, and ultimately prevent dementia.
Dementia is the biggest health challenge of our century – currently affecting over fifty million people worldwide, projected to triple by 2050, with huge financial, emotional and social impact on people directly affected, their carers, families and the community.
The Bourdenx lab is recruiting a Research Fellow to investigate mechanisms of vulnerability to proteostasis collapse in ageing and neurodegenerative disorders. Our research integrates spatial and single cell omics, and computational approaches to understand why specific neuronal populations selectively degenerate in dementia.
You will join a team of researchers working on the project “Disentangling the diverse forms of collective protein homeostasis in neuronal condensates” in collaboration with Professor Jernej Ule’s team at King’s College London.
You will focus on molecular and cell biology techniques, including the generation, maintenance and characterisation of novel iPS cells, their differentiation into neurons, as well as the direct differentiation of fibroblasts to neurons. Functional studies will involve high-content imaging, sequencing technologies and proteomics.
This post is available immediately and is funded by the Medical Research Council for one year 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]).
For informal enquiries about the role please contact Dr Mathieu Bourdenx ([email protected]).
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 B02-11009. 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 have a PhD in Molecular or Cellular Biology, or a related discipline, with experience with iPSC culture or direct conversion of fibroblasts, and genome-editing techniques. Experience in advanced scientific programming for bioinformatics or spatial biology (Python, R) and programming good practices (version control, etc), in microscopy and image acquisition, and molecular biology are also a requirement, as is knowledge of neuroscience related themes. Knowledge of biology of ageing and experience with cell culture and biochemistry (western blot, IP, etc) are desirable.
Appointment at Grade 7 is dependent upon having been awarded a PhD; if this is not the case, initial appointment will be as a Research Assistant/Grade 6B (salary £39,148 - £41,833 per annum inclusive of London Allowance) with payment at Grade 7 being backdated to the final date of final submission of the PhD thesis. It is expected that you will have had your viva prior to commencing in post.
As well as the exciting opportunities this role presents, we also offer some great benefits; 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.
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 EDI initiatives; visit https://www.ucl.ac.uk/ion/equality-diversity-inclusion for more information about what we’re doing. 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.
