About us
The Alzheimer's Research UK Drug Discovery Institute at University College London (ARUK UDDI) is a member of the Alzheimer's Research UK funded Dementia Discovery Alliance (DDA) - a highly successful trilogy of institutes (alongside Oxford and Cambridge) translating cutting-edge academic innovations into medicines for patients living with neurodegenerative diseases.
The ARUK UCL DDI, organisationally placed within the Department of Neuromuscular Diseases, is integrated into the world-renowned UCL Neuroscience community and closely aligned with the Dementia Research Institute at UCL.
About the role
We are now recruiting a Senior Research Fellow (Grade 8) to join the ARUK UDDI but will also consider candidates interested in being appointed as Research Fellow (Grade 7); please refer to the job description and person specification for detailed information regarding the expectations at each grade level.
Reporting to Head of Chemistry, Professor Matt Cheeseman, within the Medicinal Chemistry group, you will play a key role in the design and optimisation of novel small-molecule lead drug candidates and chemical biology tools to enable drug target validation and the progression of drug discovery programs towards patients. You will be responsible for the delivery of a portfolio of projects. As a member of project teams, you will work collaboratively with the project lead, the biology, screening and chemistry scientists within the ARUK UCL DDI, and established drug discovery experts across UCL and CROs, to develop small-molecule hits into robust lead candidate compounds.
The post is available immediately and funded by Alzheimer's Research UK until 30 April 2026 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 ( ion.hradmin@ucl.ac.uk ).
Informal enquiries regarding the role can be addressed to Professor Matt Cheeseman ( m.cheeseman@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.
About you
You'll have a PhD in chemistry or cheminformatics (or the equivalent level of research experience), detailed knowledge of computational techniques in drug discovery, and detailed knowledge of contemporary medicinal chemistry and drug design. Excellent planning and organisational skills with the ability to work to deadlines, and strong communication, interpersonal, and analytical skills are also essential for this role.
To be appointed a Senior Research Fellow (Grade 8) you will also have experience of leadership and line management, evidenced effectiveness as a coach and mentor to direct reports, and prior postdoctoral experience with an excellent academic record and evidence of creative work.
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
Appointment as Research Fellow is graded as UCL Grade 7 with salary in the range £45,103 - £52,586 per annum including London Allowance.
Appointment as Senior Research Fellow is graded as UCL Grade 8 with salary in the range £54,931 - £64,644 per annum including London Allowance.
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. #J-18808-Ljbffr