esearch Fellow in Computational Synthetic Biology(UK visa sponsorship available)
Job Description
About Us
The Division of Biosciences at UCL is one of the world’s leading centers for teaching and research in the biological sciences. With more than 500 staff and over 300 PhD students, we are internationally recognized for cutting-edge, collaborative science.
This post sits within the Fedorec Research Group, a multidisciplinary team at the interface of biology, mathematics, and engineering. The group focuses on synthetic and engineering biology, particularly synthetic microbial communities and their applications in medicine, industry, and the environment.
About the Role
We are seeking a Research Fellow in Computational Synthetic Biology to lead the modelling and computational aspects of a BBSRC-funded project developing robust, modular synthetic microbial communities.
In this role, you will:
Develop and refine mathematical models of microbial interactions to predict engineered community dynamics.
Build and apply computational frameworks for simulation, design, and data integration.
Collaborate closely with experimental researchers to align hypothesis generation and validation.
Disseminate findings via peer-reviewed publications, conferences, workshops, and open-source research software.
The post is funded for 2 years initially, with a possible 1.5-year extension.
If you do not yet hold a PhD, you will be appointed as a Research Assistant (Grade 6B, £39,148 – £41,833 per annum), with promotion to Research Fellow (Grade 7) backdated to the date of PhD thesis submission.
About You
You will bring:
A quantitative background (mathematics, physics, engineering, computer science, etc.).
A PhD (or near completion) and/or postdoctoral experience applying these skills to biological or complex systems (e.g. computational biology, applied mathematics, systems biology, bioengineering).
A strong interest in synthetic biology or microbial ecology.
Evidence of contributing to research software development in any programming language.
Experience in statistical inference or machine learning (e.g. Bayesian modelling, Approximate Bayesian Computation).
At least one first-author publication in a peer-reviewed journal or conference.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.
Ability to work collaboratively in an interdisciplinary team environment.
Experience supervising undergraduate or postgraduate students.
Strong organizational skills, motivation, and independence.
This post is eligible for a Skilled Worker visa or Global Talent visa, and applications from international candidates are welcomed.
What We Offer
UCL offers a competitive benefits package, including:
41 days’ holiday (27 annual leave + 8 bank holidays + 6 closure days)
Option to purchase 5 extra days’ leave
Career average revalued earnings (CARE) pension scheme
Cycle-to-work scheme and season ticket loan
Immigration loan and relocation assistance (for eligible roles)
On-site nursery and gym
Enhanced maternity, paternity, and adoption pay
Staff Support Service (Employee Assistance Programme)
Discounted medical insurance
Full details: UCL Rewards and Benefits
Equality, Diversity & Inclusion
As London’s Global University, UCL values diversity and inclusion as a driver of creativity and innovation.
We particularly welcome applications from groups underrepresented in academia, including:
Black, Asian, and ethnic minority candidates
Disabled people
LGBTQI+ candidates
Women at Grade 9 and 10
The Division of Biosciences holds an Athena SWAN Bronze Award in recognition of its commitment to advancing gender equality.
More about UCL’s EDI work: Equality, Diversity & Inclusion
Applications: Submit your CV, online application, and a supporting statement (or cover letter) explaining how you meet the essential and desirable criteria.
