Principal Research Fellow(UK Visa Sponsorship)

Job Description

About the Department

The UCL Research Department of Epilepsy (DoE) is dedicated to improving the lives of people affected by epilepsy by investigating its underlying mechanisms, associated comorbidities, and translational solutions. Our research integrates basic, clinical, and computational science to accelerate discovery and patient impact.

The Sisodiya Group specializes in complex epilepsy research, focusing on multimodal approaches such as clinical phenotyping, genomics, imaging, and environmental factors, including climate change. The group collaborates with national and international partners to translate research findings into clinical applications.

Role Overview

The Principal Research Fellow will lead genomics-focused research on epilepsy, contributing to a multi-disciplinary translational research program. You will:

• Lead and manage a team of bioinformatics analysts, providing strategic oversight of data analysis pipelines.
• Analyse clinical and genomic datasets from well-characterized epilepsy cohorts, integrating data for translational applications.
• Collaborate with international partners, including Genomics England, UK Biobank, Epi25, and ENIGMA-Epilepsy, to generate high-impact research outputs.
• Contribute to strategic planning, grant proposals, and dissemination of findings to academic, clinical, and policy audiences.
• Ensure rigorous adherence to data governance, ethics, and reproducibility standards.

Candidate Profile

Qualifications: PhD in Genetics, Bioinformatics, Biostatistics, Computer Science, or related discipline.

Experience:

• Proven expertise in computational genomics, next-generation sequencing (NGS) data, and bioinformatics pipelines.
• Experience managing teams of analysts and supervising junior computational staff.
• Strong track record of publications and grant success.
• Familiarity with large-scale genomic databases such as gnomAD, UK Biobank, and Genomics England.

Technical Skills:

• Proficiency in Linux environments, scripting/programming (Python, R, Bash), and bioinformatics workflow management.
• Competence in integrating multi-dimensional clinical and genomic datasets.

Soft Skills:

• Collaborative leadership, strong interpersonal skills, and problem-solving mindset.
• Commitment to high-quality research and continuous professional development.
• For data protection guidance: Information Commissioner’s Office – Data Protection

Eligibility & Visa

This role is eligible for Skilled Worker Visa or Global Talent Visa sponsorship. UCL welcomes international applicants meeting UK Visas and Immigration criteria.

Benefits

• 41 days leave (27 days + 8 bank holidays + 6 closure days) plus optional 5-day purchase. Public Sector Holiday Guidance
• Defined Benefit Pension Scheme (CARE). Public Sector Pension Scheme
• Cycle-to-work and season ticket loan schemes
• On-site nursery and gym
• Enhanced maternity, paternity, and adoption pay
• Immigration and relocation support
• Employee Assistance Programme and discounted medical insurance

Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion

• UCL is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion, fostering innovation and fairness. Applications are particularly encouraged from:
• Ethnic minority backgrounds
• Disabled individuals
• LGBTQI+ and gender diverse candidates
• Women in senior research roles
• The Institute holds an Athena SWAN Silver award, recognizing advancement in gender equality: Athena SWAN Charter

Application Process

• Submit CV and cover letter demonstrating how you meet essential criteria.
• Address both technical and leadership competencies in your supporting statement.