Job Description

Ref Number

B02-08998

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

Fixed-term

Working Type

On site

Available for Secondment

No

Closing Date

16-Jul-2025

About us

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The Department of Neuromuscular Diseases is a hub for clinical and research excellence across the spectrum of 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 Disease and translating this knowledge into developing novel therapeutic solutions that is of direct benefit to neurological disorders such as motor neurone disease, Alzheimer's disease and neuromuscular disease.



The Houlden Laboratory, based in the Department, researches genetic causes underlying rare neurological diseases, particularly neurodegenerative and neurodevelopmental disorders.

About the role

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We recently discovered PSMF1 as a new gene implicated in Parkinson's disease (PD) and childhood neurodegeneration. We find that biallelic PSMF1 missense and loss-of-function variants co-segregate with phenotypes from early-onset PD and parkinsonism to perinatal lethality with neurological manifestations across 15 unrelated pedigrees with 22 affected subjects, showing clear genotype-phenotype correlation.



We are now recruiting a Research Fellow to join a team working on an exciting project on PSMF1. You will differentiate neurons from patient-derived induced pluripotent stem cells and perform a wide set of experiments to investigate the neurobiology of PSMF1 in humans. Five patient-derived induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC) will be immediately available for the project.



The post is available from 01 October 2025 and funded by Parkinson's UK for one year in the first instance, with possibility of further extension.



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).



Informal enquiries regarding the role can be addressed to Professor Henry Houlden (h.houlden@ucl.ac.uk) and Dr Francesca Magrinelli (f.magrinelli@ucl.ac.uk).



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

About you

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You'll have a PhD in Neuroscience, Biology, or a related area, and experience in neurobiology research and in reprogramming and differentiating neurons from patient-derived induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). Experience in tissue culture, DNA, RNA, immunoblotting and immunostaining, and in microscopy and image analysis, along with excellent interpersonal, communication, 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.

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.