Ref Number
B02-11062
Professional Expertise
Research and Research Support
Department
School of Life & Medical Sciences (B02)
Location
London
Working Pattern
Full time
Salary
£43,981-£54,019
Contract Type
Fixed-term
Working Type
On site
Available for Secondment
No
Closing Date
14-Sept-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.
Based within the UK DRI, the Hong lab investigates how interactions between neural circuits, glia and the immune system drive synaptic dysfunction and loss in ageing and neurodegenerative disease. We study microglia, border-associated macrophages and astrocytes alongside adaptive immune cells, including T cells and B/plasma cells, in Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases. Our work also examines immune contributions outside the brain, including neuroimmune signalling along the gut-brain axis.
We are seeking an exceptional and ambitious Research Fellow to lead a fast-moving, interdisciplinary project at the interface of neuroimmunology, circuit neuroscience and immune-cell engineering. Building directly on our recent discovery that neuronal hyperactivity drives region- and input-specific, C1q-dependent synapse loss through brain-recruited B cell immunoglobulins (Crowley et al., Science 2026; doi:10.1126/science.adv1219), the project will determine how pathological neural activity generates antigen-specific B cell responses, identify the molecular features recognised by these responses, and use this biology to develop engineered immune-cell approaches that can detect and selectively modulate disease-relevant brain states. The work will move rapidly between mechanistic discovery in mouse models and validation in human tissue and cellular systems.
This role requires a scientist who combines intellectual ambition and creativity with exceptional hands-on experimental ability, reliability and disciplined execution. You will take ownership of complex, multi-step experiments, troubleshoot decisively and move the programme forward at pace without compromising rigour.
This job is part of an Advanced Research + Invention Agency-funded project, subject to contract negotiations. The post is available from 19 October 2026 and funded by the Advanced Research and Invention Agency (ARIA) for 3 years 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 Soyon Hong ([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 should have a PhD in Neuroscience, Immunology, Neuroimmunology, Molecular or Cell Biology, or a closely related biomedical field, and a strong conceptual knowledge in a least one of neuroimmunology, adaptive immunology or B cell biology, or circuit neuroscience, with the ability to connect mechanisms across disciplines. A demonstrable track record of rigorous, high quality research, and substantial hands-on laboratory experience with deep practical expertise in at least one relevant experimental area with evidence of successfully establishing, optimising or troubleshooting technically demanding methods is essential, as is the ability to take ownership of a complex programme of experiments.
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 £39,807- £42,891per 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.
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.
