Group Leader Research Fellowship (UK Visa Sponsorship)

Job Description

About the Department

The Research Department of Neuroscience, Physiology & Pharmacology (NPP) is home to internationally recognised research that spans molecular pharmacology, systems neuroscience, cardiovascular neurophysiology, neural circuits, and computational approaches to brain function. Researchers benefit from access to state-of-the-art science and technology platforms, as well as strong collaborations with leading partners such as:

• The Francis Crick Institute
• The Sainsbury Wellcome Centre for Neural Circuits and Behaviour
• The UK Dementia Research Institute

NPP contributes to UCL’s longstanding excellence in teaching and research. UCL ranks 9th globally (QS World University Rankings 2024) and placed 2nd in the UK for research power in the Research Excellence Framework 2021. Our neuroscience programmes consistently achieve top European rankings.

Role Summary

We are inviting applications from researchers seeking institutional sponsorship to apply for external, career-defining fellowships. The successful applicants will be supported to establish an independent research group within NPP.

Applicants may target schemes such as:

• Wellcome Trust Career Development Award
• MRC Career Development Award
• Cancer Research UK Career Development Fellowship
• ERC Starting Grant
• Royal Society University Research Fellowship
• Royal Society Dorothy Hodgkin Fellowship
• EPSRC Open Fellowship
• Other comparable early-career independent awards
• Sponsorship decisions will be made following departmental review, a presentation seminar, and discussions with faculty.

Key Dates & Contract Information

• Deadline for applications: 5 January 2026
• Salary: Dependent on experience and fellowship conditions
• Length of contract: Determined by the duration of the awarded fellowship

Application Requirements

• Submit the following documents via the online application portal (page limits must be observed):
• Curriculum Vitae (max 3 pages) – include contact details for at least two referees.
• Fellowship proposal outline (max 2 pages) – including research aims and vision.

Cover letter (max 2 pages) – outlining:

• The fellowship scheme(s) you intend to apply to
• Your proposed timeline
• How your work aligns with NPP’s scientific priorities and collaborative environment
• No additional documents will be considered during shortlisting.

About You

We are looking for ambitious researchers who aim to tackle fundamental questions in neuroscience, physiology, or pharmacology. Candidates should demonstrate:

• A track record of innovative or emerging research directions
• Expertise in approaches relevant to NPP’s scientific breadth
• A willingness to contribute to UCL teaching and mentoring
• A vision for developing an independent and sustainable research programme
• Shortlisted candidates will deliver a departmental seminar and meet academics, students, and existing fellows. You must also:
• Confirm eligibility for the relevant fellowship schemes
• Provide evidence of right to work in the UK before taking up the position
• Interviews may be held in person or online.

What We Offer

• NPP provides robust support to help new group leaders establish themselves, including:
• Guidance during fellowship preparation, application, and interviews
• Academic mentorship and career development programmes
• Membership in the Biosciences Fellowship Network
• Opportunities to supervise MSc and PhD students
• Access to additional internal funding mechanisms
• Support for growing a research team and integrating into departmental activities
• Many former fellows have progressed into permanent academic roles within NPP.

Equality, Diversity & Inclusion

UCL is strongly committed to creating an inclusive, fair, and supportive environment. We encourage applications from individuals who are currently underrepresented in academic research—including Black, Asian, and ethnic minority researchers; disabled candidates; LGBTQI+ people; and for senior grades, women.