Job Description

Ref Number

B02-09432

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

On site

Available for Secondment

No

Closing Date

28-Sep-2025

About us

------------


We are one of the world's leading research centres for the study of prions and their wider relevance to neurodegenerative disease with a growing research activity in Alzheimer's disease (www.prion.ucl.ac.uk).



The Institute is highly multidisciplinary with close integration of structural and molecular biology, genetics, cellular and animal models, small molecule and immuno-therapeutics and clinical research.



MRC and UCL have jointly invested 30 million in provision of a dedicated new building in central London for the Institute supporting the vision to expand research in protein misfolding and aggregation in neurodegenerative disease.

About the role

------------------


We are seeking to recruit to a Research Fellow position at UCL Grade 7. Following an initial training period you will undertake research to investigate the dynamics of prion replication and structural evolution on a single molecule level through fluorescence imaging, fluorescence spectroscopy electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy.



The post is available immediately on a fixed term contract until 31st March 2028.



Appointment at Grade 7 is dependent upon having been awarded a PhD; if this is not the case, initial appointment will be at Grade 6B.



This is an onsite role. 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.



A job description and person specification can be accessed at the bottom of this page.


This role meets the eligibility requirements for a skilled worker certificate of sponsorship under UK Visas and Immigration legislation. Therefore, UCL welcomes applications from international applicants who require a visa.

About you

-------------


A background in imaging and protein biochemistry and biophysics is essential.



Experience in protein structural biology would be desirable.



Excellent verbal and written communication skills are required to communicate research findings in peer reviewed journals and scientific presentations.



Experience of working in microbiological containment level 3 facilities would be an advantage.



The post-holder will work closely with existing staff at UCL but must have the ability to work independently.



Work will be conducted using dedicated microscopes and instruments at the Prion Unit.



Ad hoc overnight visits to collaborating laboratories within the UK may be occasionally required.



The UCL Ways of Working supports colleagues to be successful and happy at UCL through sharing expectations around how we work - please visit ucl.ac.uk/ways-of-working to find out more.



In the event we get a high number of applications, we may close the advert early before the published closing date. As a minimum we will keep all adverts open for 2 weeks.

What we offer

-----------------


As well as the exciting opportunities this role presents, we also offer some 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 Relocation scheme for certain posts UCL campus on-site nursery UCL campus 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.

Our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

-------------------------------------------------------


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+ people; and for our Grade 9 and 10 roles, women.

Athena Swan Status Statement

Our department holds an Athena SWAN Bronze award, in recognition of our commitment to advancing gender equality.