Research Fellow in Calcium signalling Full-time NEW

Research Fellow in Calcium Signalling

The main purpose of this position is to perform cutting-edge research using molecular, biochemical, cellular and in vivo approaches coupled with computational methods to better understand signalling through lysosomal two-pore channels. The project builds on the recent identification of small molecule agonists that switch the ion selectivity of these channels form a calcium permeable to a more sodium-selective state.

This is a collaborative project with the Lambie Lab (UCL) and the Biggin lab (Oxford).

See the following references for background:

Yuan et al Segregated cation flux by TPC2 biases Ca(2+) signaling through lysosomes, Nature communications 13(1) (2022) 4481.

Saito, et al Convergent activation of Ca(2+) permeability in two-pore channel 2 through distinct molecular routes Science signaling 16(799) (2023) eadg0661.

Yuan et al Two-pore channel-2 and inositol trisphosphate receptors coordinate Ca(2+) signals between lysosomes and the endoplasmic reticulum, Cell Reports 43(1) (2024) 113628.

Zaki et al Plasticity of the selectivity filter is essential for permeation in lysosomal TPC2 channels, Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America 121(32) (2024) e2320153121.

Gregori et al Lysosomal TPC2 channels disrupt Ca2+ entry and dopaminergic function in models of LRRK2-Parkinson's disease, The Journal of cell biology 224(6) (2025).

This role is an open-ended contract with a funding end date of 3 years upon appointment in the first instance.

Research Fellows – 'Appointment at Grade 7 is dependent upon having been awarded a PhD; if this is not the case, initial appointment will be at Grade 6B (salary £38,357 – £41,005 per annum) with payment at Grade 7 being backdated to the date of final submission of the PhD Thesis.'

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.

If you have any queries about the role, please contact Sandip Patel at patel.s@ucl.ac.uk.

If you need reasonable adjustments or a more accessible format to apply for this job online or have any queries about the application process, please contact the HR Administrator.

About You

• You must have a PhD.
• You must have experience in relevant molecular cell biology techniques.
• You must be able to collaborate effectively.
• Knowledge of model organisms and computational methods would be an advantage.
• You will assist the team in the development, planning and delivery of research funded by the BBSRC.
• You will be expected to produce independent and original contributions to the development of the project.
• You will be expected to help identify further funding opportunities.
• In addition to developing and conducting the research, you will communicate results as scientific papers and in scientific presentations at local, national, and international conferences.

What We Offer

The UCL Ways of Working supports colleagues to be successful and happy at UCL through sharing expectations around how we work – please https://www.ucl.ac.uk/human-resources/policies-advice/ways-working to find out more.

As well as the exciting opportunities this role presents, we also offer some 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
• Relocation scheme for certain posts
• 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.

Our Commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

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+ people; and for our Grade 9 and 10 roles, women.

Our division holds an Athena SWAN Bronze award, in recognition of our commitment to advancing gender equality.

You can read more about our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion here: https://www.ucl.ac.uk/equality-diversity-inclusion/

Available Documents

• download: NJ14-283v2 Research Fellow Grade 7 Generic Template August 2021 TO BE AMENDED BY RECRUITING MANAGER ONLY Dec 2025.docx