Research Fellow(UK Visa Sponsorship)

Job Description

University College London is recruiting a Research Fellow to join the Division of Medicine within the School of Life & Medical Sciences. This is a fixed-term postdoctoral position focused on immunology research, specifically investigating the mechanisms behind childhood-onset arthritis and associated uveitis.

The role is based in London with a hybrid working model and offers the opportunity to work within a world-leading biomedical research environment supported by strong national and international collaborations.

About the Research Environment

The successful candidate will join the Rosser Group, working under the leadership of Dr Elizabeth Rosser within UCL’s Division of Medicine. The project is funded through the Medical Research Foundation and Moorfields Eye Charity, and forms part of a wider research programme focused on immune system dysfunction in paediatric autoimmune disease.

This work contributes to collaborative networks across UCL and partner institutions including paediatric and ophthalmology research groups.

About the Role

This postdoctoral position focuses on understanding the immunopathogenesis of juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) and its associated ocular complications.

You will work with high-dimensional biological datasets derived from human tissue samples, including joint and ocular material, and integrate these findings into experimental and in vivo models. The goal is to identify immune signatures linked to disease progression, particularly focusing on B cell dysfunction and inflammatory pathways.

The role is ideal for a researcher aiming to develop an independent academic career and will include support for fellowship and grant applications.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and conduct experimental immunology studies related to autoimmune disease
  Analyse complex multi-parameter datasets including flow cytometry and multi-omics data
  Perform laboratory work involving primary human samples and cell culture systems
  Contribute to in vivo modelling experiments to investigate disease mechanisms
  Study interactions between B cells and other immune cell populations
  Maintain accurate and compliant experimental records
  Contribute to publications in peer-reviewed scientific journals
  Present findings at national and international conferences
  Support preparation of grant and fellowship applications
  Collaborate with multidisciplinary academic and clinical teams

Essential Skills & Experience

Academic & Technical Expertise

• PhD (or near completion) in immunology or a closely related biomedical field
  Strong background in autoimmune or inflammatory disease research
  Experience with flow cytometry, primary cell culture, and immunological assays
  Experience working with human biological samples and/or animal models
  Ability to analyse complex biological datasets (e.g. multi-omics, imaging, spectral flow cytometry)

Research & Professional Skills

• Strong experimental design and data interpretation skills
  Excellent scientific writing and communication abilities
  Experience contributing to peer-reviewed publications
  Ability to work independently and develop research ideas
  Collaborative approach to multidisciplinary research

Desirable Attributes

• Experience in B cell immunology or paediatric inflammatory disease
  Interest in translational research and clinical collaboration
  Experience contributing to grant writing or fellowship applications
  Presentation experience at scientific conferences

Salary & Benefits

This position offers a competitive salary of:

£43,981 – £52,586 per annum

Additional benefits include:

• Generous annual leave entitlement (including closure days)
  Defined benefit pension scheme
  Cycle-to-work and season ticket loan schemes
  Relocation and immigration support (eligible roles)
  On-site nursery and gym facilities
  Enhanced parental leave policies
  Employee wellbeing and support programmes

Equality, Diversity & Inclusion

University College London is committed to fostering an inclusive academic environment that values diversity and equal opportunity. Applications are encouraged from underrepresented groups in science and higher education, including women in STEM, ethnic minority researchers, disabled candidates, and LGBTQI+ scientists.

The department also holds an Athena SWAN Silver Award, reflecting its commitment to advancing gender equality in academic medicine.

Visa Sponsorship

This role is eligible for Skilled Worker visa sponsorship under UK immigration rules. International applicants are welcome to apply.

Useful UK Government & Research Links

• UK Skilled Worker Visa Guidance
  Global Talent Visa Route
  UK Research Funding Information
  NHS & Biomedical Research Careers Overview
  Equality, Diversity & Inclusion in UK Higher Education