Research Fellow (Pallett Lab) Full-time

Research Fellow (Pallett Lab)

A Postdoctoral Research Fellow position is available to support research seeking to understand the metabolic profile of unconventional T-cells in the lab of Dr Laura Pallett. This immunometabolism project will investigate how such T cells adapt and function in patients living with MASLD and explore their potential to contribute to underlying immune-mediated pathology. More broadly, Dr Pallett's group seeks to understand how subsets of long-lived, tissue-resident T cells integrate environmental cues ranging from the physical and mechanical, to the cellular and metabolic, with a particular interest in tissue repair and ongoing cycles of injury and inflammation. The project is funded by an UKRI FLF Award. The post holder will be based in the Institute of Infection, Immunity and Transplantation on the Royal Free campus, in the Pears Building. Work within the Institute aims to translate advances in the understanding of the immune system into improved therapies for patients.

The successful candidate will be expected to perform high-quality research to interrogate the metabolism of peripheral and hepatic unconventional T cells and to establish novel methodologies to further our understanding of how the local milieu of those living with MASLD imprints phenotypic, functional and metabolic adaptations on cells. The candidate will be expected to use established metabolic and immunological assays (including but not limited to Seahorse/SCENITH/nutrient uptake assays and MetFlow), develop novel approaches and to have extensive experience of handling clinical samples. In addition, the candidate will be expected to work with partner labs to interrogate the more generalised adaptations made by local immune cells in the liver – extending beyond T cells. The successful candidate will also be expected to generate, analyse, and present scientific findings from the work undertaken to a broad range of audiences, both internal and external to UCL. The successful candidate will join a thriving research group and will get the opportunity to work directly alongside the PI within a dynamic and collaborative group of multidisciplinary scientists, working on integrated aspects of the immune response in the liver. The position is available from June 2026 for 1 year in the first instance. The position may be extended, dependent on project success, funding, and scientific priorities. The post is ideal for a motivated postdoctoral scientist (or someone who is about to submit their thesis) who enjoys working as part of a multidisciplinary team and is keen to develop fellowship proposals based on ideas developed during this project.

Key Requirements The successful applicant should have a PhD or equivalent (or soon to be awarded) in Biology/Immunology/Biomedical Sciences or a related subject and have significant experience working in a research laboratory. A high level of attention to detail and a proven commitment to scientific excellence are essential. Competency in human immunology and cellular immunology techniques are essential. Furthermore, experience in the field of immunometabolism, unconventional T cell biology and handling human samples are essential. Experience in liver immunology and or obesity research are highly desirable.

Candidates must have a track record of showing important contributions to research, excellent oral and written scientific communications skills, commitment to collaboration in research and to taking a multidisciplinary approach to problem solving. They must be able to manage their own time day-to-day, work independently in a laboratory environment and work to strict deadlines when asked. They must be able to communicate effectively with a wide range of people and keep accurate and detailed written laboratory records.

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.

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 department holds an Athena SWAN Silver award, in recognition of our commitment and demonstrable impact in advancing gender equality.