research fellow London, England
Job description
About us
The Department of Clinical and Movement Neurosciences is a world-leading group that brings together expertise across the clinical and basic science spectrum of the physiology and pathology of human movement and movement disorders. The Department incorporates groups from the Queen Square and Royal Free campuses of the Institute and includes the Reta Lila Weston Institute and the Movement Disorders Centre.
About the role
Professors Spinazzola and Holt are internationally renowned for their seminal discoveries in mitochondrial biology and medicine. Early in their careers they identified the first pathological mutations in human mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) and the first nuclear gene causing mtDNA instability and disease. Since then, they have solved the genetic basis of many monogenic disorders and characterized the mechanism of mitochondrial DNA replication. In recent years, they have leveraged their knowledge of the fundamental molecular basis of mitochondrial disorders to identify potential therapies for these currently incurable diseases. Some of these treatments have been validated using in vitro and in vivo models of human mtDNA disorders and are advancing to the clinic.
This is an outstanding opportunity to join a team working on cutting-edge projects of both fundamental biological significance and translational importance involving the study of patient-derived material (fibroblasts, stem cells and tissues) and transgenic mice of mitochondrial DNA disorders to i) determine the effects on small molecules and nucleotide on the cell types and tissues most affected in mitochondrial disorders; and ii) elucidate the key elements that regulate mitochondrial DNA metabolism. The new knowledge will advance the projects towards translational medicine studies in human subjects.
The post is available immediately and is funded by grants awarded to Profs Spinazzola and Holt to 31 August 2026 in the first instance.
If you have any queries regarding the application process, please contact ION HR Team ([email protected]).
Informal enquiries regarding the role can be addressed to Profs Spinazzola & Holt ([email protected]; [email protected]).
A full job description and person specification for this role can be accessed below.
About you
You will have a PhD in Neuroscience, Developmental Biology, Molecular Biology, or a related discipline and have knowledge of biochemistry/cell and tissue biology and physiopathology. You will be expected to think creatively and critically, have strong problem-solving skills and prioritise work in response to deadlines. You will evaluate scientific information and data, develop statistical analysis and drafts of scientific manuscripts, abstracts, posters, and oral presentations for national and international meetings. This will require an ability to critically interpret data and synthesize complex ideas and express these aspects clearly in written and oral form.
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 dependent upon having been awarded a PhD; if this is not the case, initial appointment will be as Research Assistant (salary £35,702 - £37,548 per annum) with appointment as Research Fellow being backdated to the date of final submission of the PhD thesis.
If the PhD has not yet been granted, the final accepted version of the thesis must have been submitted to the degree-granting university by the start date in post.
As well as the exciting opportunities this role presents, we offer a competitive salary and 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.
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.
