Research Fellow

What we offer

Appointment as Research Fellow is dependent upon having been awarded a PhD; if this is not the case, initial appointment will be as Research Assistant (salary £40,603 - £43,749 per annum) with appointment as Research Fellow being backdated to the date of final submission of the PhD thesis.

As well as the exciting opportunities this role presents, we also offer great benefits, some of which are below:

• 41 Days holiday (27 days annual leave 8 bank holiday and 6 closure days)
• Additional 5 days' annual leave purchase scheme
• Defined benefit career average revalued earnings pension scheme (CARE)
• Cycle to work scheme and season ticket loan
• Immigration loan
• On-site nursery
• On-site gym
• Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption pay
• Employee assistance programme: Staff Support Service
• Discounted medical insurance

Visit https://www.ucl.ac.uk/work-at-ucl/reward-and-benefits to find out more.

As well as the exciting opportunities this role presents, we also offer some great benefits; visit

This appointment is subject to UCL Terms and Conditions of Service for Research and Professional Services Staff. Please visit https://www.ucl.ac.uk/human-resources/conditions-service-research-teaching-and-professional-services-staff for more information.

About us

The UK Dementia Research Institute (UK DRI) is a globally leading multidisciplinary research institute investigating the spectrum of neurodegenerative disorders causing dementia, driving a step change in our understanding of neurodegeneration, and accelerating the discovery, development and delivery of interventions that will help diagnose, treat, and ultimately prevent dementia.

The UK DRI at UCL is embedded within the UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, an autonomous academic research department and a leading centre for neuroscience research.

About the role

We are seeking a Research Fellow to investigate mechanisms of proteostasis collapse in ageing and neurodegenerative disorders within the Bourdenx Lab. Our research integrates systems biology with spatial and single cell omics and computational approaches to understand why specific neuronal populations selectively degenerate in dementia. You will specifically focus on regulatory mechanisms of diverse forms of autophagy in neuronal systems.

You will use molecular and cell biology techniques, including the generation, maintenance and characterisation of novel iPS cells, their differentiation into neurons and mechanistic studies.

The post is available from 01 November 2026 and is funded by the Medical Research Council to 31 October 2027 in the first instance.

If you need reasonable adjustments or a more accessible format to apply for this job online, or have any queries regarding the application process, please contact the Institute of Neurology HR Team (ion.hradmin@ucl.ac.uk).

For informal enquiries about the role please contact Dr Mathieu Bourdenx (email: m.bourdenx@ucl.ac.uk).

A full job description and person specification for this role can be accessed below. To apply, please upload a current CV, complete the online application form, and use the supporting statement section or upload a cover letter to outline how you meet the essential and desirable criteria for the role. Please do not upload any additional attachments as these will not be considered by the selection panel.

About you

You will have a PhD in molecular or cellular biology or a related discipline and a strong foundation in cell-biology. Experience with iPSC and in genome-editing techniques, with high-content microscopy and image acquisition/processing and in advanced scientific programming for bioinformatics (Python, R) and programming good practises (version control, etc) is essential. Expertise in developing and applying agentic AI systems for biological knowledge extraction and regulatory networks, knowledge of neuroscience, and an understanding of the mission of the UKDRI, an interest in its research work and a commitment to supporting high-quality research is also a requirement.

This role meets the eligibility requirements for a skilled worker certificate of sponsorship or a global talent visa under UK Visas and Immigration legislation. Therefore, UCL welcomes applications from international applicants who require a visa.

Our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

The Institute prides itself on operating in an all-inclusive environment irrespective of personal, physical, or social characteristics. Teamwork is highly valued, individual strengths are recognised and celebrated, and we are committed to advancing the careers of everyone. 12% of Institute staff are actively working on Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) initiatives; visit our EDI website for more information about our initiatives and priorities. The Institute also holds an Athena SWAN Gold award, in recognition of our commitment and demonstrable impact in advancing gender equality.

As London's Global University, we know diversity fosters creativity and innovation, and we want our community to represent the diversity of the world's talent. We are committed to equality of opportunity, to being fair and inclusive, and to being a place where we all belong.

We therefore particularly encourage applications from candidates who are likely to be underrepresented in UCL's workforce; these include people from Black, Asian and ethnic minority backgrounds, disabled people, LGBTQI+ and gender diverse people in all roles, and women in Grade 9 and 10 roles.