Brain Research UK Miriam Marks Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Neurodegenerative Diseases Full-time

Brain Research UK Miriam Marks Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Neurodegenerative Diseases

The UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology (ION) in Queen Square was established in 1950, merged with UCL in 1997, and is a key component of the Faculty of Brain Sciences (FBS) at UCL. The Institute has eight academic research Departments, which encompass clinical and basic research within each theme. In parallel, there are currently six Divisions representing clinical professional affiliations.

Our mission is to translate neuroscience discovery research into treatments for patients with neurological diseases.

Brain Research UK is a leading dedicated funder of neurological research and has supported research at the Institute since the 1970s. The Charity is custodian of The Miriam Marks Fund, which was established by the family of Mrs Miriam Marks, following her death from Alzheimer's disease in 1971. The purpose of the Fund is to advance research in brain degeneration within the Institute; the Fund has supported a range of research posts and projects since its inception, and the funds are now being channelled into these Brain Research UK Miriam Marks Fellowships.

About the Role

We welcome applications from both clinical and non-clinical postdoctoral scientists interested in developing their own research programme, in partnership with your sponsor, focused on elucidating molecular and biological mechanisms underlying neurodegenerative diseases to complement and advance current research. It is envisaged this will be a preclinical laboratory-based programme of research to deeply understand molecular mechanisms altered in neurodegenerative pathologies.

You should identify a suitable sponsor Principal Investigator based in either Clinical and Movement Neurosciences, Neurodegenerative Disease, or Neuromuscular Diseases within the Institute, and discuss your research proposal and any other requirements in advance of applying; you will report to your sponsor for the duration of the fellowship.

The Fellowship provides £20K per annum for consumables, and you will be strongly encouraged to collaborate widely across the Institute and UCL. For clinicians there will be scope to undertake clinical duties as part of the post, to be negotiated on an individual basis, in which case an appropriate Honorary Clinical Contract will be sought from the relevant NHS Trust, for which a DBS check will be required.

The role is available immediately and funded by the Miriam Marks Fund for three years; you would be expected to apply for external personal funding support for continuation beyond this initial period.

In addition to completing the online application form please include in your application:

• Your CV with full publication list.
• Your motivation for application (200 words).
• A research proposal up to 4 A4 pages including:
  • Title
  • Background
  • Aims
  • Experimental plans
  • Timelines
  • Essential references
• Statement confirming support from the relevant Principal Investigator/ Line Manager (Sponsor) and / or Head of IoN Research Department.

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).

Applicants are encouraged to initially discuss projects with Professor Michael G Hanna, Institute Director (please contact Navaeeda Naeem, PA to the Director: n.naeem@ucl.ac.uk).

About You

You will hold a medical qualification or a PhD in a relevant field and have an innovative research programme proposal focused on elucidating molecular and biological mechanisms underlying neurodegenerative diseases to complement and advance current research. The proven ability and commitment to carry out high quality original research, experience of relevant research-based approaches and methodologies to the understanding of neurodegenerative disease and/or neurological disorders, and the ability to form strong and productive collaborations is also essential for this role.

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.

Interviews are expected to take place on 08 June 2026.

What We Offer

Starting salary for non-clinical appointees is on UCL Grade 7, dependent on achievements, qualifications and experience; starting salary for clinical appointees will be on the CL7, RDPS, or StR pay scale as appropriate, dependent on NHS contract and/or stage of clinical training.

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.

We will consider applications to work on a part-time, flexible, and job share basis wherever possible.

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.

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.