Job Description

Ref Number

B02-09729

Professional Expertise

Research and Research Support

Department

School of Life & Medical Sciences (B02)

Location

London

Working Pattern

Full time

Salary

See advert text

Contract Type

Fixed-term

Working Type

On site

Available for Secondment

No

Closing Date

04-Jan-2026

About us

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Dementia is the greatest health challenge of our century.



To date there is no way to prevent it or even slow its progression, and there is an urgent need to fill the knowledge gap in our basic understanding of these diseases.



The UK Dementia Research Institute (UK DRI) is the biggest UK initiative supporting research to fill this gap.



Research in the Hall Lab, based in the UK DRI at UCL and the BHF-UK DRI Centre for Vascular Dementia Research, aims to untangle if and how the balance between the brain's energy supply and demand shapes its activity, and especially how changes in this balance promote the emergence of vascular and Alzheimer's dementia.

About the role

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We are now recruiting a postdoctoral researcher to join the Hall Lab at UCL and work on an exciting projects defining how brain function is affected by a dysfunctional vasculature, and how blood vessels become damaged during dementia. You will interrogate the mechanisms underlying changes in neurovascular function change in the brain during dementia risk, early dementia, and during mild disruptions to the brain's energy supply. Projects will use physiological, molecular and biochemical approaches to dissect mechanisms producing neurovascular changes observed in models of Alzheimer's disease and vascular dementia.



The role is available from 01 February 2026 and funded by the British Heart Foundation/UK DRI for two years 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 Catherine Hall (catherine.hall@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'll have a PhD in neuroscience, life sciences, or a related field, and the ability to develop new ideas and methods, generate research hypotheses, and design experiments to test these. A strong background in statistical analysis and specialist technical expertise in one or more of the experimental methods relevant for the project is essential, as is an understanding of and interest in the research work of the UK DRI, and excellent organisational, interpersonal, and communication skills.



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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Starting salary offered at 45,103 - 48,679 per annum, inclusive of London Allowance.



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.