Research Fellow Full-time

Research Fellow

We are seeking an exceptional and ambitious Research Fellow to lead a fast-moving, interdisciplinary project at the interface of neuroimmunology, circuit neuroscience and immune-cell engineering. Building directly on our recent discovery that neuronal hyperactivity drives region- and input-specific, C1q-dependent synapse loss through brain-recruited B cell immunoglobulins (Crowley et al., Science 2026; doi:10.1126/science.adv1219), the project will determine how pathological neural activity generates antigen-specific B cell responses, identify the molecular features recognised by these responses, and use this biology to develop engineered immune-cell approaches that can detect and selectively modulate disease-relevant brain states. The work will move rapidly between mechanistic discovery in mouse models and validation in human tissue and cellular systems.

This role requires a scientist who combines intellectual ambition and creativity with exceptional hands-on experimental ability, reliability and disciplined execution. You will take ownership of complex, multi-step experiments, troubleshoot decisively and move the programme forward at pace without compromising rigour.

The post is available from 19 October 2026 and funded by the Advanced Research and Invention Agency (ARIA) for 3 years in the first instance.

You should have a PhD in Neuroscience, Immunology, Neuroimmunology, Molecular or Cell Biology, or a closely related biomedical field, and a strong conceptual knowledge in at least one of neuroimmunology, adaptive immunology or B cell biology, with the ability to connect mechanisms across disciplines. A demonstrable track record of rigorous, high quality research, and substantial hands-on laboratory experience with deep practical expertise in at least one relevant experimental area with evidence of successfully establishing, optimising or troubleshooting technically demanding methods is essential, as is the ability to take ownership of a complex programme of experiments.

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.