Research Fellow Full-time

Research Fellow

The Department of Neurodegenerative Disease is focused on the study of neurodegenerative diseases causing dementia and related disorders. The Department has a strong focus on mechanistic dissection of genetic, molecular cellular and neuropathological processes which underlie neurodegeneration in particular diseases and across the neurodegeneration spectrum.

The Isaacs lab, based in the Department, investigates the molecular mechanisms underlying frontotemporal dementia (FTD) and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). We are particularly interested in the C9orf72 gene, which is a common cause of both FTD and ALS and the CHMP2B gene, which is a rare cause of FTD. We use a multidisciplinary approach including disease modelling in mice, Drosophila, primary neurons and iPS cell-derived neurons.

The post will be based in the Niccoli lab in the UCL Institute of Healthy Ageing. The Niccoli lab is interested in understanding the molecular mechanisms leading to neuronal cell death in neurodegeneration, in particular in Alzheimer's disease and ALS/FTD. We use fruit fly models to understand disease progression.

About the Role

We recently identified a neuroprotective role for polyunsaturated fatty acids in models of FTD and ALS including Drosophila models (Giblin, Cammack et al Nature Neuroscience 2025). This post will further investigate the mechanisms involved using Drosophila models. We are seeking a motivated, organised, and committed postdoctoral Research Fellow who thrives in an interactive, friendly research team. You will work under the direct supervision of the Principal Investigators across the Niccoli and Isaacs laboratories and be expected to work increasingly independently and provide input into the design and execution of experiments.

The post is available from 01 May 2026 and is funded by the UK Dementia Research Institute until 31 March 2028 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). Informal enquiries regarding the role can be addressed to Professor Adrian Isaacs (a.isaacs@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'll have a PhD (or be about to complete) in a relevant discipline such as biomedical research, a good understanding of genetics, and experience in setting up genetic crosses. Experience with molecular biology techniques such as qPCR and an interest in neuroscience and neurodegenerative diseases is also essential for this role. Experience with Drosophila maintenance and genetic crosses and with immunostaining, microscopy, and image analysis is desirable. 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.

What We Offer

Starting salary offered in the range of £45,103 – £49,943 per annum, inclusive of London Allowance. 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. 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.