Director of the Queen Square Institute of Neurology (IoN)

Location: London.

UCL is a world leading, global university with a community of more than 51,000 students from 150 countries and over 18,000 staff which pursues academic excellence, breaks boundaries, and makes a positive impact on real world problems. We are consistently ranked among the top ten universities in the world and are one of only a handful of institutions rated as having the strongest academic reputation. We are ambitious for change and are committed to taking ever bolder and more impactful interventions towards becoming a more diverse, equitable and inclusive university. UCL has recently outlined its approach to transformational change to ensure a sustainable future against a background of financial, sector and geopolitical challenges currently facing higher education today, the full detail of which can be found in UCL Strategic Plan 2022-2027.

Part of the world‑renowned Faculty of Brain Sciences, the Institute of Neurology (IoN) is one of the world’s foremost centres for neuroscience research, education, and clinical translation. Home to one of the world’s largest basic and clinical neuroscience communities, the Institute brings together internationally renowned scientists and clinicians working at the cutting edge of discovery science and clinical translation. UCL is ranked first in the UK for research power in neuroscience, with more than 90% of our research rated as world‑leading or internationally excellent in the Research Excellence Framework (REF 2021). Guided by its Strategic Plan 2022-2027, the IoN is driving breakthroughs that are turning discovery into diagnostics and treatments for people living with neurological and brain diseases. With over 780 staff, an annual turnover of £110 million, and over 670 active research projects worth £356 million, the Institute is a global powerhouse of translational neuroscience.

We are now seeking to appoint an outstanding Director to provide strategic and academic leadership to one of UCL’s largest and most prestigious institutes. Reporting to the Dean of the Faculty of Brain Sciences, you will be a member of the Faculty Leadership Team and a key contributor to both the faculty and UCL’s wider strategic ambitions. You will further shape and deliver IoN’s vision to remain a global leader in translational neuroscience – advancing discovery science, driving clinical innovation, and improving outcomes for patients worldwide.

This is an exciting time to join us as the Institute enters a transformative moment with the opening of a state‑of‑the‑art Centre of Excellence for Neuroscience at 256 Grays Inn Road. With advanced laboratories, shared technology platforms, an MRI suite, and collaborative spaces, this landmark facility will accelerate discovery, enable experimental medicine, and strengthen partnerships with industry, funders, and the wider community.

Responsibilities

• You will provide strategic and academic leadership to the Institute.
• You will shape and deliver IoN’s vision to remain a global leader in translational neuroscience.
• You will work in close partnership with the NHS, industry, and international collaborators to champion interdisciplinary collaboration.
• You will ensure academic and financial sustainability and foster a culture of inclusion, innovation, and excellence.
• You will play a pivotal role in shaping this next phase, deepening academic and clinical integration, driving cross‑disciplinary research, and extending the Institute’s global influence in neuroscience and neuro‑degenerative disease.

Qualifications

• Outstanding international profile in translational neuroscience.
• A compelling strategic vision for the IoN’s future.
• A proven record of leadership across research, education, and partnership.
• Experience in driving innovation, inclusion, and translational impact.

Further information

Full details on the role duties, responsibilities and experience requirements are available in the UCL IoN Director - Full Role Profile. The UCL Academic Manual defines the framework, governance, and expectations for academic leadership roles such as Heads of Department.

How to apply

UCL is supported in this appointment by the executive search firm Veredus. For further details including the Candidate Brochure and details on how to apply, please visit Veredus/Opportunities. To book a confidential discussion about the role, please contact our advising Consultants: James Griffin on james.griffin2@veredus.co.uk or Veronika Dergal on veronika.dergal@veredus.co.uk. Applications should consist of a CV accompanied by a covering letter addressing the criteria in the person specification and motivation for applying. The deadline for receipt of applications is 9am on Thursday, 8th January 2026. The final interviews will take place on 6th March 2026.

Accessibility Statement

We are committed to ensuring that anyone can access our application processes. Should you require access to this document in an alternative format, wish to apply in a different format, or need any other reasonable adjustments made for you (including at interview), please contact us on education@veredus.co.uk.

We are committed to equality of opportunity, to being fair and inclusive, and to being a place where we all belong. We particularly encourage applications from candidates underrepresented in UCL’s workforce, including those from Black, Asian and ethnic minority backgrounds, disabled people, and – for Grade 9 and 10 roles – women.