Job Description

Ref Number

B02-09716

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

03-Dec-2025

About us

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The mission of the Research Department of Epilepsy is to transform the lives of people living with epilepsy for the better by identifying, understanding, and correcting or preventing the underlying mechanisms leading to the epilepsies and associated comorbidities in each individual person. Our vision is to build upon the excellence and breadth of our research, seamlessly integrating basic and clinical science.



Research within the Experimental Epilepsy Group, which sits within the Research Department of Epilepsy, spans across fundamental mechanisms of vesicle fusion and synaptic transmission, ion channel biology, experimental models of epilepsy, the function of neural circuits, neurological diseases modelled in rodents and flies, and genetic therapies development.

About the role

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We are now recruiting a Research Fellow to join the Group to work on a project funded by Servier, which is a global pharmaceutical company based in France governed by a foundation. You will use electrophysiology and molecular biology in human organoid models of neurodevelopmental diseases to test advanced genetic therapies. It will be supervised by Professor Gabriele Lignani and is in collaboration with Dr Amy McTague at UCL Institute of Child Health/Great Ormond Street Hospital.



The post is available from 05 January 2026 and funded until 30 November 2027 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 Professor Gabriele Lignani (g.lignani@ucl.ac.uk).



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.

About you

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You will have a PhD (or equivalent) in Neuroscience or a related discipline, coupled with experience of iPSC-derived organoids or neurons as therapeutic models, electrophysiological measures of iPSC-derived organoids or neurons, histology or advanced molecular biology methods, and neurological disease modelling or testing therapies in these model. Advanced IT proficiency including electrophysiological and imaging data processing and experience with statistical analysis programs, and excellent communication, interpersonal, 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 39,148 - 41,833 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.