Research Fellow Full-time NEW

Research Fellow

We are seeking a Research Fellow to join an exciting research project investigating the role of DEAF1 in neurodevelopment. Working with Dr Gabriel Aughey in the Jepson laboratory and in collaboration with Dr Jenna Carpenter, you will contribute to research aimed at informing the development of a potential gene therapy for a severe neurodevelopmental disorder caused by mutations in the DEAF1 gene.

Using Drosophila as a model system, you will help generate and characterise new disease models and investigate the cell types and developmental windows in which restoring DEAF1 function may be beneficial. You will contribute to genetic and behavioural experiments, as well as transcriptomic studies and data analysis, to improve our understanding of how DEAF1 disruption affects the development and function of the nervous system.

The role offers an excellent opportunity to gain experience in a range of genetic, molecular and behavioural approaches while working as part of a collaborative project that brings together Drosophila and human cell models.

The role is available from 01 October 2026 and funded by for one year 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.

Informal enquiries regarding the role can be addressed to Dr Gabriel Aughey.

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.

You will have a PhD in Neuroscience, Genetics or a related field, with experience in Drosophila husbandry, maintenance, genetics, and behavioural assays. You will also have experience of molecular biology techniques and confocal and/or live imaging methods.

Knowledge of neuroscience and neurological disease research, alongside experience of collaborative and interdisciplinary working, is essential, as are strong organisational, communication, literacy and numeracy skills and the ability to prioritise competing demands and work effectively as part of a research team.

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 £39,807 – £42,891 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

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.

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.