Frank Brake Emerging Leader- internal candidates only(UK Visa Sponsorship)

Job Description

Fellowship Overview

Funded through a generous endowment from the Frank Brake Charitable Trust, this prestigious Emerging Leader Fellowship is hosted by the UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology. It is designed to accelerate the careers of outstanding mid-career researchers who are ready to transition into independent scientific leadership.

The fellowship offers an exceptional package of support, including:

• Three years of full salary funding at Senior Research Fellow (Grade 8) level
• A fully funded three-year PhD studentship (UK home-fee eligible students)
• Dedicated research consumables funding
• This is a rare opportunity to establish and lead an original research programme within one of the world’s leading neuroscience environments.

The Research Opportunity

You will be given the freedom and support to define your own scientific vision, addressing critical questions in neurological disease research. Projects may be fundamental, translational, or technology-driven, provided they involve human data or biological samples.

Relevant approaches include (but are not limited to):

• Human-derived cellular models (e.g. iPSC)
• Fluid or tissue biomarkers
• Post-mortem human tissue
• Neuroimaging or computational analysis of human datasets
• Your proposed project will be used to identify the most appropriate host department within the Institute of Neurology and to assign an academic line manager.
• As part of the award conditions, the Fellow must be based wholly or partially at the Grays Inn Road site once it becomes operational.

Your Role as an Emerging Research Leader

As a Senior Research Fellow, you will:

• Design, lead, and deliver an ambitious, independent research programme
• Supervise a PhD student and contribute to developing early-career researchers
• Build interdisciplinary collaborations across clinical and basic neuroscience
• Contribute to the strategic research growth of the Institute of Neurology
• Uphold the highest standards of research integrity, reproducibility, and governance
• This role is ideal for researchers ready to move beyond postdoctoral independence toward long-term academic leadership.

Eligibility (Essential Criteria)

You must:

• Be a current UCL employee (this is an internal-only competition)
• Hold a PhD in a relevant discipline
• Have postdoctoral research experience with a strong publication record and/or evidence of securing research funding
• Demonstrate experience supervising students and/or research staff
• Present a novel, high-quality research proposal involving human data or samples
• Show excellent communication, collaboration, and problem-solving skills
• Demonstrate commitment to ethical, transparent, and impactful research

Immigration and Right to Work

• Although this is an internal role, the position meets UK immigration eligibility for sponsorship under:
• Skilled Worker visa
• Global Talent visa (research route)
• Right-to-work checks will be conducted in line with UK Home Office guidance

Salary and Benefits

In addition to competitive salary support, UCL offers a comprehensive benefits package, including:

• 41 days’ leave per year (annual leave, bank holidays, and closure days)
• Option to purchase additional annual leave
• Defined benefit CARE pension scheme
• Cycle to Work scheme and season ticket loan
• Immigration loan and relocation support (where applicable)
• On-site nursery and gym facilities
• Enhanced maternity, paternity, and adoption pay
• Employee wellbeing and assistance services

Flexible Working

UCL supports flexible working wherever possible. Applications for part-time, job-share, or flexible arrangements will be considered in line with operational requirements.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

UCL is committed to fostering an inclusive research culture that reflects the diversity of society. Our approach aligns with the Equality Act 2010, ensuring fairness, accessibility, and respect for al

We actively encourage applications from researchers who are underrepresented in academic leadership, including individuals from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds, disabled researchers, LGBTQI+ communities, and women.

How to Apply

Please submit the following through the online application system:

• 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
• Details of supervisory experience
• No additional documents will be reviewed.

For informal discussions, contact Professor Gipi Schiavo or Professor Selina Wray.
For application support or reasonable adjustments, contact the Institute of Neurology HR Team.