Research Fellow(UK Visa Sponsorship Available)

Job Description

About Us

The UK Dementia Research Institute (UK DRI) is the UK’s largest national initiative dedicated to understanding the biological mechanisms that drive dementia and developing potential therapies.

Based within the UK DRI at UCL, the Bartels Lab focuses on the biochemical nature of α-synuclein and its role in Parkinson’s disease. The group investigates synuclein multimers and lipidomics in collaboration with the National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery and the Queen Square Brain Bank.

The laboratory aims to uncover how changes in α-synuclein structure and function contribute to neurodegeneration and to identify molecular pathways that could be targeted for therapeutic intervention.

About the Role

We are seeking a Research Fellow to join a project exploring the gut–brain axis in Parkinson’s disease, with a particular focus on neuro-immune interactions in the central (CNS) and enteric (ENS) nervous systems.

Key responsibilities include:

• Isolation of proteins from human and murine tissue.
• FACS sorting to analyse cell population dynamics.
• Performing in vitro aggregation assays.
• Conducting immunohistochemistry (IHC) and working with single-cell and spatial transcriptomics data.
• The position will commence on 1 May 2026 and is funded for one year initially by the UK DRI at UCL.

About You

Essential Criteria:

• A PhD, MD, or equivalent research experience in Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, or a related discipline.
• Experience with murine models of synucleinopathy.
• Expertise in one or more of the following areas:
• Neurodegeneration or synucleinopathies
• Biochemical analysis (e.g., detergent extraction, Western blotting)
• Neuro-immune interactions
• Immunohistochemistry (IHC)
• Strong communication, interpersonal, and organisational skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative research team.

Appointment Note:
If you have not yet been awarded your PhD, initial appointment will be made at Research Assistant Grade 6B (£39,148–£41,833 per annum), with promotion to Research Fellow (Grade 7) backdated to the date of your PhD submission.

Visa Information

This position meets eligibility for both the Skilled Worker visa and the Global Talent visa under UK Visas and Immigration regulations.
More information:

UCL welcomes international applicants who require visa sponsorship.

What We Offer

• UCL provides a wide range of benefits, including:
• 41 days of annual leave (27 days annual leave, 8 bank holidays, 6 closure days)
• Option to purchase up to 5 additional leave days
• Defined benefit CARE pension scheme
• Cycle to Work and season ticket loan schemes
• Immigration loan support
• Access to on-site nursery and gym
• Enhanced parental pay (maternity, paternity, adoption)
• Employee Assistance Programme and wellbeing services
• Discounted medical insurance
• UCL supports part-time, flexible, and job share working arrangements wherever possible.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

The UK DRI at UCL is committed to creating an inclusive, collaborative, and equitable working environment. Individual strengths are valued, and teamwork and professional growth are actively supported.

The Institute holds an Athena SWAN Silver Award, recognising its commitment and measurable impact in advancing gender equality. Approximately 12% of our staff are actively engaged in Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) initiatives.

As London’s Global University, UCL embraces diversity as a driver of innovation and excellence. We particularly welcome applications from underrepresented groups, including individuals from Black, Asian, and minority ethnic backgrounds, disabled people, LGBTQI+ and gender diverse individuals, and women in senior roles (Grades 9 and 10).