Job Description

Ref Number

B02-08991

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

Yes

Closing Date

17-Jul-2025

About us

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The Research Department of Neurodegenerative Disease and UK Dementia Research Institute (UK DRI) at UCL are recognised as internationally leading in the study of a range of neurodegenerative diseases leading to dementia and neuroinflammation. The Departments have a strong focus on mechanistic dissection of genetic, molecular, cellular and neuropathological processes which span across the neurodegeneration spectrum.



The laboratory of Doctor Dervis Salih, based in the Departments, is dedicated to investigating the interplay between the immune system and cognitive function in the ageing brain focusing on neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's disease. We study genetic variation in the human population and their effects on neurodegenerative diseases using techniques such as GWAS, transcriptomics, and epigenetics.

About the role

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We are recruiting a Research Fellow to contribute a leading role to a project to investigate the mechanisms underlying the function of interferon-responsive microglia and the cellular niche of these cells in neurodegenerative disease.



You will use human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) differentiated to microglia, and spatial transcriptomics alongside cell biology, molecular biology, biochemistry, microscopy, genomics and bioinformatics techniques to dissect the mode of action of interferon-responsive cells and their niche in dementia.



You'll be responsible for planning, executing, and reporting on experiments and contributing to the formulation and submission of research publications as well as management and direction of this challenging project as opportunities allow.



The post is available from 01 September 2025 and funded by a grant from the University College London Friends and Alumni Association, Inc. (UCLFAA) until 30 April 2026 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).



Informal enquiries regarding the role can be addressed to Dr Dervis Salih (dervis.salih@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 or a related biological science discipline, coupled with knowledge of iPSC microglia, neuronal cultures, and/or primary cells. Experience with siRNA/CRISPR, cell biology and biochemistry, microscopy, and transcriptomics 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.