Research Fellow in Neurovascular Dementia Research(UK Visa Sponsorship)

Job Description

About the Research Environment

Dementia represents one of the most urgent and complex health challenges of the 21st century. Despite decades of research, effective strategies to prevent or slow disease progression remain limited, highlighting the need for fundamental advances in our understanding of disease mechanisms.

The UK Dementia Research Institute (UK DRI) is the UK’s largest coordinated investment in dementia research, bringing together interdisciplinary expertise to address these critical knowledge gaps. At UCL, the UK DRI is closely integrated with the BHF–UK DRI Centre for Vascular Dementia Research, creating a unique environment for research at the intersection of neuroscience, vascular biology, and metabolism.

The Hall Laboratory

This role is based in the Hall Lab, led by Professor Catherine Hall, which investigates how the balance between the brain’s energy supply and energy demand shapes neural activity and cognitive function. The lab focuses particularly on how disruption to cerebral blood flow and vascular health contributes to the development and progression of vascular dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.

By combining experimental neuroscience with vascular and metabolic approaches, the group aims to uncover early mechanisms that link vascular dysfunction to cognitive decline.

The Role

We are seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral Research Fellow to join the Hall Lab and contribute to an ambitious programme exploring how changes in the brain’s vasculature alter neural function during dementia risk, early disease stages, and mild energetic stress.

The successful candidate will investigate:

• How neurovascular coupling is altered in models of dementia
• Mechanisms driving blood vessel damage and dysfunction in the ageing and diseased brain
• How subtle disruptions to cerebral energy supply influence neuronal activity and cognition
• The role integrates physiological, molecular, and biochemical approaches to dissect neurovascular mechanisms in experimental models of Alzheimer’s disease and vascular dementia.
• This position is funded by the British Heart Foundation and the UK Dementia Research Institute for two years in the first instance.

Key Responsibilities

Research and Experimental Design

• Design and conduct hypothesis-driven experiments addressing neurovascular dysfunction in dementia.
• Apply advanced physiological, molecular, and biochemical techniques to study brain–vascular interactions.
• Analyse and interpret complex datasets using robust statistical approaches.
• Contribute to the development of new experimental methods and analytical pipelines.

Collaboration and Communication

• Work collaboratively within the Hall Lab and across the UK DRI research community.
• Present findings at lab meetings, seminars, and scientific conferences.
• Contribute to peer-reviewed publications and research reports.
• Support a positive, inclusive, and collaborative laboratory culture.

About You

You will be an independent and creative researcher with:

• A PhD in neuroscience, life sciences, or a closely related discipline.
• Demonstrated ability to develop original research ideas and experimental strategies.
• Strong quantitative and statistical analysis skills.
• Specialist technical expertise in one or more methods relevant to neurovascular or dementia research.
• A clear interest in the mission and research priorities of the UK Dementia Research Institute.
• Excellent organisational, interpersonal, and communication skills.

Applicants who have submitted but not yet been awarded their PhD may be appointed initially as Research Assistant, with automatic promotion and salary backdating upon PhD completion.

What We Offer

UCL provides a highly supportive research environment and a comprehensive benefits package, including:

• 41 days of leave per year (annual leave, bank holidays, and closure days)
• Defined benefit career-average pension scheme (CARE)
• Additional annual leave purchase option
• Immigration loan and visa support (where applicable)
• Cycle-to-work scheme and season ticket loans
• On-site nursery, gym, and wellbeing services
• Enhanced maternity, paternity, and adoption pay
• Employee assistance and staff support programmes

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

The Institute of Neurology is committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment where all staff are supported to thrive. Teamwork, respect, and recognition of individual strengths are central to our culture. The Institute holds an Athena SWAN Silver Award, reflecting its sustained commitment to advancing gender equality.

UCL strongly encourages applications from individuals who are underrepresented in academic research, including people from Black, Asian and ethnic minority backgrounds, disabled people, LGBTQI+ and gender-diverse communities, and women in senior roles.

Application Process

To apply, please submit:

• A current CV
• A completed online application form
• A supporting statement or cover letter addressing the essential and desirable criteria
• Please do not upload additional documents, as these will not be considered by the selection panel.

Relevant UK Government Context and Guidance

This role aligns with UK priorities in dementia research, cardiovascular health, and biomedical innovation. Applicants may find the following UK government resources useful:

Life Sciences Vision: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/life-sciences-vision

UK Research and Development Roadmap: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/uk-research-and-development-roadmap

Skilled Worker and Global Talent visas: https://www.gov.uk/skilled-worker-visa

Visa and Employment Information

This role meets the eligibility requirements for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker and Global Talent visa routes. Appointments are subject to UCL Terms and Conditions of Service for Research and Professional Services Staff.