Research Fellow/Senior Research Fellow(UK Sponsorship)

Job Description

About the Research Environment

The Alzheimer’s Research UK Drug Discovery Institute at UCL (ARUK UDDI), part of University College London, is dedicated to transforming early-stage scientific discoveries into therapies for neurodegenerative diseases.

As a key member of the Dementia Discovery Alliance, the institute collaborates with leading centres in Oxford and Cambridge to accelerate the development of treatments for conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease.

Positioned within the UCL Institute of Neurology, the institute benefits from:

• A strong translational research ecosystem
  Integration of biology, chemistry, and pharmacology expertise
  Access to advanced laboratory technologies and analytical platforms

About the Role

This role offers an opportunity to contribute directly to innovative drug discovery programmes. As a Research Fellow or Senior Research Fellow, you will lead and support biological research across the drug development pipeline.

Your work will involve:

• Designing and delivering in vitro and in vivo studies
  Supporting target identification, validation, and proof-of-concept research
  Generating and interpreting biological data to guide decision-making
  Collaborating across multidisciplinary teams and external partners

You will also contribute to integrating a wide range of experimental approaches, including:

• Immunohistochemistry and confocal microscopy
  Protein analysis (e.g. Western blotting and automated systems)
  RNA-based assays and biomarker studies
  Multi-omics approaches such as transcriptomics and proteomics

This is a highly collaborative position with strong links to both academic and industry-facing research environments.

Candidate Profile

Essential Requirements

• A PhD in neurobiology or a closely related field
  Experience in cellular and molecular biology techniques
  Expertise in designing and conducting in vivo studies
  Ability to develop and implement assays addressing complex biological questions
  Strong communication and teamwork skills

Additional Requirements (Senior Level)

Applicants for the Senior Research Fellow position should also demonstrate:

• Postdoctoral or industry experience in drug discovery
  Leadership in in vivo research programmes
  Advanced expertise in neurodegeneration research
  Proven ability to manage collaborative projects, including external partnerships (e.g. CROs)

Career Development

This role provides an excellent platform to:

• Contribute to translational research with real-world therapeutic impact
  Work alongside leading experts in neuroscience and drug discovery
  Develop leadership and project management skills
  Gain exposure to multidisciplinary and industry-linked research

Salary & Benefits

Salary will be offered based on experience:

• Research Fellow (Grade 7): £45,103 – £52,586
  Senior Research Fellow (Grade 8): £54,931 – £64,644
  Research Assistant (if PhD pending): £39,148 – £41,833

UCL offers a comprehensive benefits package, including:

• 41 days annual leave (inclusive of bank holidays and closure days)
  Option to purchase additional leave
  Defined benefit pension scheme (CARE)
  Travel support schemes and cycle-to-work programme
  Immigration loan assistance
  On-site childcare and fitness facilities
  Enhanced family leave policies
  Staff wellbeing and support services

Visa Sponsorship

This role qualifies for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker visa and may also be eligible under the Global Talent visa route. Applications from international candidates are encouraged.

Application Process

To apply, please submit:

• A current CV
  A supporting statement or cover letter demonstrating how you meet the role criteria

For informal discussions: Professor David Chambers

Equality, Diversity & Inclusion

The institute is committed to fostering a supportive and inclusive workplace where all individuals can thrive.

• Athena SWAN Gold Award holder
  Active engagement in equality, diversity, and inclusion initiatives
  Strong commitment to fair recruitment and career development

Applications are particularly welcomed from individuals who are underrepresented in academic research environments.

Why Join This Role?

This is an opportunity to be part of a mission-driven research institute focused on tackling one of the most urgent challenges in global health. You will contribute to meaningful scientific progress while developing your career in a collaborative and forward-thinking environment.