Job Description

Ref Number

B02-08982

Professional Expertise

Research and Research Support

Department

School of Life & Medical Sciences (B02)

Location

London

Working Pattern

Full time

Salary

43,374 51,860

Contract Type

Permanent

Working Type

On site

Available for Secondment

No

Closing Date

30-Jul-2025

About us

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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. The Department incorporates groups from the Queen Square and Royal Free campuses of the Institute and includes the Reta Lila Weston Institute and the Movement Disorders Centre.

About the role

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We are seeking a Research Fellow to join the Reta Lila Weston Programme for Biomarker Research and Innovation in Neurodegeneration (RLW BRAIN) programme, which is a unique new research initiative based on the 2,500 postmortem brain tissue collection at the Queen Square Brain Bank (QSBB) at UCL's Queen Square Institute of Neurology. The collection includes samples from patients with neurodegenerative disorders, such as Parkinson's disease, parkinsonian disorders, Alzheimer's disease, frontotemporal dementia, and controls.



The primary goal of the programme is to generate detailed datasets of clinical, neuropathological, biomarker, and tissue omics (proteome, lipidome, posttranslational modifications), as well as spatial transcriptomic data.



This post is designed for a postdoctoral fellow with a strong background in biochemistry, analytical chemistry and a focus on mass spectrometry-omics based approaches (particularly QTOF MSe proteomics experience) but also including targeted UPLC triple quadrupole-based protein, metabolite and lipids. The role will centre on the molecular profiling of human post-mortem brain tissues - both bulk and laser microdissected samples - within a multidisciplinary research environment.



In collaboration with world-leading experts in Artificial Intelligence (AI) at UCL's Computer Science department, we will train AI to identify and interpret patterns in these complex datasets. This vast and diverse range of data will enable the development of AI algorithms to predict disease mechanisms and pathways, discover biomarkers, and identify unique disease subtypes. The research will also reveal key factors that influence the onset, progression, and severity of neurodegenerative diseases, identify new biomarkers for clinical trials, and inform the development of effective treatments.



The programme is led by Professor Tom Warner, Director of the RLW Institute and QSBB, and Co-Investigator Dr Zane Jaunmuktane.


The post will be split between the RLW Institute and the Biological Mass Spectrometry Research Centre, with joint supervision by Professor Tom Warner (RLW Institute) and Professor Kevin Mills (Biological Mass Spectrometry Research Centre).



The post is available from 01 August 2025 and is funded by a grant from Reta Lila Weston Trust to 30 April 2028 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 (ion.hradmin@ucl.ac.uk).



A full job description and person specification for this role can be accessed below.

About you

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You will have a PhD or equivalent experience in neurology and mass spectrometry and a background in clinical and/or basic research involving the analysis of proteins, metabolites or lipids by mass spectrometry. Previous experience working in with LC and nano-LC QTOF and/or triple quadrupole mass spectrometers is 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.

What we offer

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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 38,607 - 41,255 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.

Our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

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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 Silver 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.