About the role
We are seeking a Research Fellow/Senior Research Fellow to join the ARUK DDI. You will play a key role in advancing our drug discovery programmes, with a primary focus on in vitro and in vivo profiling and translational research.
Working closely with project leads and interdisciplinary teams spanning chemistry, pharmacology, and biology, you will collaborate with leading scientific and drug discovery experts within UCL and across external partner organisations. You will design and deliver biological studies across the drug discovery pipeline, from target identification and validation through to compound efficacy and in vitro and in vivo proof-of-concept studies.
You will contribute to the delivery and integration of in vitro and in vivo analytical readouts, including immunohistochemistry, confocal microscopy, Western blotting, Wes-based protein analysis, and RNAscope, alongside fluid and tissue-based biomarker measurements to demonstrate target engagement and pathway modulation. You will work closely with technical teams to incorporate transcriptomic, proteomic, and other omics approaches, ensuring alignment across models and systems, and coordinating high-quality sample generation and downstream analysis to deliver robust, decision-enabling biological insights.
The post is available immediately and funded by ARUK until 30 April 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 ().
Informal enquiries regarding the role can be addressed to Professor David Chambers ().
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 will hold a PhD in neurobiology and experience in cellular and molecular biology techniques, the design and execution of multidimensional in vivo studies to study basic biology, and the design, development, and implementation of assays to answer complex biological questions. Good interpersonal and communication skills, and an understanding of the mission of the ARUK UDDI and an interest in its work are also essential.
Candidates looking to be appointed as Senior Research Fellow (Grade 8) will also need prior postdoctoral drug discovery experience in industry, senior-level in vivo leadership, and expert knowledge in neurobiology/neurodegeneration, and have a proven track record of leading interdisciplinary drug discovery projects and managing external collaborations, including CRO partnerships.
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
Salary offered at Research Fellow/UCL Grade 7 (£45, - £52, per annum including London Allowance) or Senior Research Fellow/UCL Grade 8 (£54, - £64, per annum including London Allowance), dependent on skills and experience.
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, - £41, 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:
1. 41 Days holiday (27 days annual leave 8 bank holiday and 6 closure days)
2. Additional 5 days’ annual leave purchase scheme
3. Defined benefit career average revalued earnings pension scheme (CARE)
4. Cycle to work scheme and season ticket loan
5. Immigration loan
6. On-site nursery
7. On-site gym
8. Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption pay
9. Employee assistance programme: Staff Support Service
10. Discounted medical insurance