Research Fellow(UK Visa Sponsorship)

Job Description

Introduction

Dementia remains one of the most urgent public health challenges of the 21st century. Despite ongoing global effort, effective strategies for prevention or slowing disease progression still lag behind clinical need. The UK Dementia Research Institute (UK DRI)  the largest national initiative dedicated to dementia science – is committed to accelerating discovery in this field.

The Hall Lab, situated within the UK DRI at UCL and aligned with the British Heart Foundation–funded Centre for Vascular Dementia Research, investigates how the brain’s energy balance influences neural activity, and how disruptions in blood flow and vascular health contribute to both vascular and Alzheimer’s dementia.

About the Role

We are looking for an enthusiastic and skilled Postdoctoral Research Fellow to join the Hall Lab and contribute to projects examining how impaired blood vessels impact brain function. Your work will focus on uncovering the molecular and physiological mechanisms that drive neurovascular dysfunction during early-stage dementia, dementia risk states, and altered energy supply to the brain.

This position will involve a blend of physiological recording, molecular assays, and biochemical approaches to map how vascular changes lead to cognitive decline.

The post begins 1 February 2026, with funding provided for two years in the first instance by the British Heart Foundation and the UK DRI.

What You’ll Contribute

We are seeking candidates with:

• A PhD in neuroscience, life sciences, or a closely related discipline (or near completion).
• The ability to develop hypotheses, design experiments, and innovate methodologically.
• Strong statistical analysis skills and experience with techniques relevant to neurovascular research.
• Excellent communication abilities and a collaborative mindset.
• You will take an active role in designing experiments, analysing datasets, disseminating scientific findings, and contributing to the positive, inclusive research culture of the UK DRI.

This post is eligible for sponsorship under UK Visas and Immigration regulations, allowing applications from international researchers. For reference:

Salary & Appointment

• Research Fellow: £45,103 – £48,679 (including London Allowance)
• If the PhD has not yet been awarded at the time of appointment, the successful candidate will join initially as a Research Assistant (£39,148 – £41,833). Promotion to Research Fellow will be backdated to the thesis submission date.

Our Benefits

UCL offers a generous and supportive package, including:

• 41 days of paid leave (including bank holidays and closure days)
• Additional leave purchase scheme
• CARE pension scheme
• Cycle-to-work scheme and season ticket loan
• On-site childcare and fitness facilities
• Enhanced parental leave
• Staff assistance and wellbeing services
• This position is governed by UCL’s Terms and Conditions for Research and Professional Services Staff:

Our Commitment to Inclusion

The Institute champions an inclusive, respectful, and collaborative working environment. More than 12% of staff contribute directly to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion initiatives, supported by our Athena SWAN Silver Award.

UCL believes that diversity drives innovation, and we welcome applications from groups underrepresented in academia, including but not limited to:

• Black, Asian and minority ethnic researchers
• Disabled applicants
• LGBTQI+ and gender-diverse colleagues
• Women, particularly in senior grades