Research Fellow – Screening & Pharmacology(UK Visa Sponsorship available)

Job Description

About Us

The ARUK UCL Drug Discovery Institute (DDI) is one of three centres of excellence (alongside Oxford and Cambridge) funded by Alzheimer’s Research UK as part of the Dementia Discovery Alliance (DDA). The institute is focused on translating pioneering academic research into innovative treatments for neurodegenerative diseases.

The UCL DDI is based within the Department of Neuromuscular Diseases and is closely aligned with the UCL Dementia Research Institute. It is part of UCL’s renowned Neuroscience community.

About the Role

We are seeking a motivated Research Fellow to join the Biology Group at the ARUK UCL DDI. You will contribute to our mission of identifying new therapeutic approaches for neurodegenerative diseases by:

Developing and running cutting-edge biological assays

Establishing phenotypic and molecular screening platforms

Supporting small molecule and siRNA library screening

You’ll collaborate with interdisciplinary teams including medicinal chemists, biologists, screening experts, and external partners (e.g. CROs and academic collaborators).

This is a research-focused lab-based position, reporting to a Senior Research Fellow. The role offers an excellent opportunity to work on innovative translational science within a supportive, collaborative drug discovery environment.

Key Responsibilities

Design and optimise in vitro assays (e.g., phenotypic, target-based) for screening purposes

Implement and validate high-content screening platforms

Analyse and interpret experimental data, and contribute to project reports

Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders across multi-disciplinary teams

Maintain accurate lab records and support good laboratory practices

About You

Essential Requirements:

PhD (or equivalent research experience) in a biological discipline

Strong background in molecular and cell biology techniques

Hands-on experience with assay development and screening platforms

Ability to work independently and collaboratively

Strong organisational, problem-solving, and communication skills

Desirable:

Experience in drug discovery, phenotypic screening, or siRNA screening

Familiarity with working in academic-industry collaborative environments

Knowledge of neurodegenerative disease biology

If you have submitted your PhD thesis but not yet been awarded your degree, you may be initially appointed as a Research Assistant (Grade 6, £39,148–£41,833), with promotion to Research Fellow (Grade 7) backdated upon PhD completion.

What We Offer

UCL provides a supportive and flexible work environment with access to excellent benefits:

41 days’ holiday (27 days annual leave + 8 bank holidays + 6 closure days)

Additional annual leave purchase scheme

Career average pension scheme (CARE)

Cycle to work and season ticket loans

On-site nursery and gym

Enhanced family leave pay (maternity, paternity, adoption)

Staff support service and discounted medical insurance

Flexible working arrangements considered, including part-time or job-share optionMore on UCL rewards and benefits →

How to Apply

To apply, you will need to:

Submit a CV and complete the online application form

Include a cover letter or supporting statement outlining how you meet the essential and desirable criteria in the person specification

Please do not include additional attachments, as these will not be reviewed

Equality, Diversity & Inclusion at UCL

UCL is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive working environment. We welcome applications from all backgrounds, and particularly encourage applications from:

Black, Asian and minority ethnic groups

Disabled individuals

LGBTQI+ and gender-diverse communities

Women (for senior-level roles)

The Institute holds an Athena SWAN Silver Award, reflecting our commitment to advancing gender equality in research and academia.