Frank Brake Emerging Leader- internal candidates only(UK Visa Sponsorship)
Job Description
Fellowship Overview
Thanks to the generous support of the Frank Brake Charitable Trust, UCL is offering an outstanding opportunity for an emerging research leader to establish an independent, high-impact research programme within the Queen Square Institute of Neurology.
The Frank Brake Emerging Leader Fellowship provides a strong platform for talented researchers ready to step into research leadership. The award includes:
- Three years of full salary support at Senior Research Fellow (Grade 8) level
- A fully funded three-year PhD studentship (home students only)
- Dedicated consumables and research support funding
The Fellowship is designed to give you the freedom, resources, and intellectual space to pursue ambitious ideas that address fundamental and translational challenges in neurological disease.
Research Environment
You will join a world-leading neuroscience community committed to improving understanding, diagnosis, and treatment of neurological disorders. The Institute offers access to:
- State-of-the-art research facilities
- Rich clinical partnerships and patient cohorts
- Unique human datasets and biological samples
- A collaborative, interdisciplinary culture spanning basic science, translational research, and clinical application
- The Fellow will be expected to be based, wholly or partly, at the Grays Inn Road site once it becomes operational.
The Role
As a Senior Research Fellow, you will design and lead an original research programme that demonstrates scientific excellence and long-term potential. The Fellowship supports independence while embedding you within a supportive research ecosystem that values collaboration, integrity, and innovation.
Research proposals may focus on any area of neurological disease involving human data or samples. This could include (but is not limited to):
- Induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) models
- Fluid or molecular biomarkers
- Post-mortem human tissue
- Neuroimaging and multimodal datasets
Your research proposal will inform the most appropriate host department within the Institute of Neurology and identify an academic line manager aligned with your expertise.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop and deliver a high-quality, independent research programme with translational or clinical relevance.
- Supervise a funded PhD student and contribute to the development of early-career researchers.
- Publish research outputs in leading peer-reviewed journals and contribute to future funding strategies.
- Engage actively with interdisciplinary collaborators across UCL and external partners.
- Uphold the highest standards of research integrity, reproducibility, and ethical practice.
- Contribute positively to the academic life, culture, and strategic growth of the Institute.
About You
You will be a motivated and creative researcher with a clear vision for your future research direction. You will bring:
- A PhD in a relevant discipline.
- Postdoctoral research experience with a strong publication record and/or evidence of securing research funding.
- A novel and compelling research proposal involving human data or samples in neurological disease.
- Experience supervising students and/or research staff.
- Excellent interpersonal, communication, and problem-solving skills.
- A commitment to impactful, ethical, and reproducible research.
Application Process
- Eligible UCL staff should apply via the online application system by 4 February 2026.
- Please upload only the following documents (additional attachments will not be considered):
- A two-page research vision for the Fellowship
- A 500-word summary of the proposed PhD project
- A two-page CV, including your top five publications and details of supervisory experience
Visa Information
This role meets the eligibility requirements for Skilled Worker and Global Talent visa routes. UCL welcomes applications from eligible internal staff who require visa sponsorship.
Equality, Diversity & Inclusion
The Institute of Neurology is committed to creating a genuinely inclusive research environment where difference is valued and individual strengths are recognised. The Institute holds an Athena SWAN Silver Award and actively supports staff-led EDI initiatives.
UCL particularly encourages applications from individuals who are underrepresented in the higher education and research workforce, including people from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds, disabled people, LGBTQI+ and gender-diverse people, and women at senior grades.
Pay, Benefits & Flexibility
UCL offers a comprehensive benefits package, including:
- 41 days’ leave (27 annual leave, 8 bank holidays, 6 closure days)
- Defined-benefit CARE pension scheme
- Family-friendly and flexible working policies
- Cycle-to-work scheme, season-ticket loan, and immigration loan
- On-site nursery and gym facilities
- Employee assistance and wellbeing support
- Part-time and flexible working requests will be considered where feasible.
Useful External Guidance (UK Government & Public Bodies)
Research integrity guidance (UKRIO)
Data protection in research (UK GDPR)
UKRI principles of good research practice
