Research Fellow (Data Scientist) Full-time

Research Fellow (Data Scientist)

We are seeking a Research Fellow and Data Scientist to join the Duff Lab and play a key role in our mission to understand and ultimately treat major neurodegenerative diseases through advanced data-driven research.

You will work with large, complex datasets to perform analyses, including data handling, curation, quality control, and benchmarking, and help interpret pathway-level differences between samples, including through the use of agentic AI pipelines (e.g., Kosmos). Data are central to the mission of the Duff Lab and the UK DRI, and you will play an important role in advancing research into neurodegenerative disease.

The role is available immediately and funded by the UK DRI at UCL 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 at ion.hradmin@ucl.ac.uk. Informal enquiries regarding the role can be addressed to Samantha Henry at s.henry@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.

You will hold a PhD in Data Science, Bioinformatics, Computer Science, or a related field and proficiency in Python, R, and/or Bash. Experience applying AI and machine learning approaches, particularly feature selection methods for omics datasets, is essential, as is strong knowledge of bioinformatics, genomics, transcriptomics, and proteomics.

An excellent understanding of advanced statistical approaches and the ability to work with high-performance and cloud computing platforms, including developing analysis workflows for large datasets (e.g., Nextflow), are also required 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.

Starting salary offered in the range £45,103 – £46,261 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 Silver 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.