Research Fellow Full-time

Research Fellow

Within the Department of Neurodegenerative Disease and UK Dementia Research Institute at UCL, the laboratory of Doctor Salih is dedicated to investigating the interplay between the immune system and cognitive function in the ageing brain focusing on neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's disease. We study genetic variations in the human population and their effects on neurodegenerative diseases using techniques such as GWAS, transcriptomics, and epigenetics. Our interdisciplinary approach integrates molecular biology, biochemistry, cell biology, and advanced genomic methods to advance our understanding and treatment of dementia and age-related disorders. Our team is committed to translating our research findings into practical applications. By integrating GWAS data with transcriptomic (bulk, single-cell, long-read and spatial), proteomic and epigenetic analyses from human and model systems, we identify new risk genes and pathways involved in dementia and ageing. Through our efforts, we strive to develop new therapeutic approaches and diagnostic tools.

We are recruiting a Research Fellow to contribute a leading role to a project to identify the genetic, epigenetic, and cellular mechanisms by which oligodendrocytes and GWAS variants coordinate ageing and neurodegeneration by cross-talk with neurons and microglia. You will analyse newly generated H3K27ac datasets (ChIP-seq and CUT&Tag) and integrate them with new single-nucleus multiome data, and existing transcriptome data (bulk, single-cell, long-read and spatial), GWAS data, proteomics, and data from induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs)-oligodendrocytes and other iPSC cultures using a wide range of bioinformatics approaches to dissect the mode of action by which epigenetic and genetic factors coordinate oligodendrocytic funtion and cell type cross-talk in ageing, resilience and disease.

This specific role is supported by a larger UK DRI Key Question Stage II grant and is jointly supervised by Dr Dervis Salih and Dr Sarah Marzi (KCL). You will be based at UCL for one year, then will spend two years at King's College London to lead the bioinformatic analysis and data integration between collaborators. You will be responsible for planning, execution and report of bioinformatics experiments and contribution to the formulation and submission of research publications as well as management and direction of this challenging project as opportunities allow.

The overarching goal of the project is to understand how epigenetic and genetic factors come together to control oligodendrocyte function via transcriptome, proteome and cell-type cross-talk to impact ageing, neurodegeneration and resilience.

The post is available immediately and is funded by the UK Dementia Research Institute Ltd for 12 months at UCL. After completing 12 months at UCL, the post will then move to King's College London for a further 24 months.

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 Dr Dervis Salih (dervis.salih@ucl.ac.uk).

You'll have a PhD (or be close to completion) in Neuroscience, Cell Biology, Immunology, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, or a related discipline, coupled with knowledge of epigenetics and transcriptomics analyses, multiomics and/or data integration, and cellular, molecular, or biochemical mechanisms of neurodegenerative diseases and aging. Demonstrable experience in performing high-quality research, of working in a laboratory in an interdisciplinary research environment, and the demonstrable ability to execute a programme of experiments through the design and improvement phase to data curation and publication 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.

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.

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.