Research Fellow Full-time NEW

Research Fellow

You will design and test novel molecular tools for controllable modulation of neuronal function. The project is funded by a grant from the Gatsby Initiative in Brain Development and Psychiatry, and will complement a programme of research aimed at improving the understanding and treatment of epilepsy and related disorders.

The post is available from September 2026 for two years or until 30 September 2028, whichever is earlier, in the first instance.

You will have a PhD in neuropharmacology (or a related discipline) coupled with expertise in medicinal chemistry, protein engineering, synthetic biology, and directed evolution. You'll also have expertise in BRET/FRET assays, chemogenetics, optogenetics, and/or electrophysiology, with structure-activity and AI-assisted molecular modelling, viral capsid engineering, and non-viral vectors.

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.

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 £39,148 – £41,833 per annum) with appointment as Research Fellow being backdated to the date of final submission of the PhD thesis.

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.

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. 12% of Institute staff are actively working on EDI initiatives; 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.