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- Tasks: Lead innovative research on Parkinson's disease and manage a collaborative research group.
- Company: Join the UK Dementia Research Institute, transforming lives through groundbreaking neurodegenerative research.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, funding for your research, and the chance to work at top UK universities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the fight against Parkinson's while fostering an inclusive and supportive research culture.
- Qualifications: PhD or equivalent in a relevant field; proven research experience and leadership skills required.
- Other info: Applications close on 22 September 2025; choose your preferred university for alignment.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 ÂŁ per year.
Closing date for applications: Monday22 September 2025, 5pm BST
In-person interview dates: Wednesday 26 and Thursday 27 November 2025
The UK Dementia Research Institute (UK DRI) is committed to transforming the lives of people affected by neurodegenerative conditions. In partnership with Parkinson\’s UK, we are excited to announce the launch of our new Parkinson’s Research Centre (PRC) in 2025.Led by inaugural Centre Director, Professor Miratul Muqit, FRSE FMedSci, the PRC will adopt a distributed, network structure, with researchers hosted in leading universities across the UK.
We are now seeking to appoint four Group Leaders (principal investigators) who will drive innovative research and contribute to our collaborative and inclusive scientific community.
As a UK DRI Group Leader within the PRC, you will lead an internationally competitive research programme focused on Parkinson’s disease. You will contribute to an integrated, collaborative, interdisciplinary, and open science environment. We welcome applications from researchers in any scientific field relevant to Parkinson’s, aiming to advance our understanding of the mechanisms of Parkinson’s and to enable the rapid translation of these insights into drug development and tangible benefits for people living with the condition. We welcome applicants at any stage of research career from those seeking independence for the first time to established tenured researchers.
Do you have the scientific leadership skills to develop and run a programme of internationally competitive Parkinson’s research?
Are you able to identify, initiate and manage key collaborations to drive progress?
Do you have a commitment to supporting and fostering a positive research culture that is inclusive, nurturing of talent, and promotes open science?
Do you have a commitment to Patient and Public Involvement for dissemination and design of your research?
Do you have a desire to engage with key stakeholders to translate your research into new tests or treatments for Parkinson’s?
We\’re looking for people who have:
- An ability to develop and lead a programme of internationally competitive Parkinson’s research that complements the present research portfolios across the UK DRI and aligns with the vision of the PRC
- An established record of high-quality, impactful research, published in national and international journals and/or other quantifiable research outputs
- An ability to shape, develop, inspire and lead a research group
- A commitment to the involvement of people with Parkinson’s in research
- Excellent communication and networking skills, evidence of successful relationship building, collaboration, and project management
- An ability to attractresearch funding
- Evidence of commitment to nurture and support the development of the next generation of researchers
- A commitment to supporting and fostering a positive research culture that promotes diversity and inclusion, nurturing of talent, and open science
- An understanding and commitment to mission of the UK DRI and the vision of the PRC
- A postgraduate research degree, MD or PhD or equivalent
- For clinical applicants: A relevant registration in accordance with University requirements
Desirable:
- Commitment to engage with stakeholders to translate research into new tests or treatments for Parkinson\’s
The full job pack is available here.
To apply:
The UK DRI’s structure provides that Group Leaders at the PRC are employed by the university at which they are based. The successful Group Leader applicants will be initially funded for five years with a salary and the resources to fund a personal research programme.
As part of the application, please tell us which university you prefer to be aligned with, provide a short justification. You may choose to be based at the one of the following universities: Cardiff University, Imperial College London, King’s College London, UCL, University of Cambridge, University of Edinburgh, or University of Oxford.Each request will be reviewed, and the respective University will be engaged as part of the recruitment process if your application is taken forward.
To apply, please visit the UK DRI careers site, and submit:
- A cover letter outlining your background, your motivation for joining us, and your preferred university choice and justification.
- A research proposal, presenting your five-year research vision and the optimum university host for your research programme. This must be no more than five pages, including references and all material.
- A full curriculum vitae and details of three referees.
- A lay summary of your application. This must use appropriate lay language, avoid technical language, and give a realistic representation of the scientific sections. With advance notice, support can be sought from Parkinson’s UK’s patient and public involvement programme.
No agencies please.
By applying to this role, you understand and agree that your information will be shared within the UK DRI People & Culture team and/or any team members at the UK DRI, host University or Parkinson\’s UK who are part of the hiring process.
The UK DRI embraces diversity, inclusion and accessibility for all of our people. We are committed to building a diverse organisation that represents the communities we serve and ensuring inclusion in everything we do. This means ensuring our recruitment processes are barrier-free and as inclusive as possible to everyone. We will make adjustments for people who have a disability or long-term condition.
We look forward to receiving your application.
For candidates only:if you wish to have aninformal discussion about this opportunity, please contactProf. Miratul Muqit,Parkinson’s Research Centre Director via email:m.muqit@Dundee.ac.uk
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Group Leaders (x4) - Parkinson\'s Research Centre employer: UK Dementia Research Institute
Contact Detail:
UK Dementia Research Institute Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Group Leaders (x4) - Parkinson\'s Research Centre
✨Tip Number 1
Network with current researchers and faculty at the universities you're interested in. Attend seminars or workshops related to Parkinson's research to make connections and learn about ongoing projects that align with your expertise.
✨Tip Number 2
Engage with the Parkinson's community by attending events hosted by Parkinson's UK or similar organisations. This will not only enhance your understanding of patient needs but also demonstrate your commitment to Patient and Public Involvement, which is crucial for this role.
✨Tip Number 3
Familiarise yourself with the latest research trends and breakthroughs in Parkinson's disease. Being well-versed in current literature will help you articulate your vision for a five-year research programme that complements existing portfolios.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss your leadership style and how you plan to foster an inclusive research culture. Think about specific examples from your past experiences that showcase your ability to inspire and develop talent within a research group.
We think you need these skills to ace Group Leaders (x4) - Parkinson\'s Research Centre
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure to thoroughly read the job description for the Group Leaders position at the Parkinson's Research Centre. Understand the key responsibilities and required qualifications to tailor your application effectively.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter should clearly outline your background, motivation for joining the UK DRI, and your preferred university choice with justification. Make it personal and engaging to capture the attention of the hiring committee.
Develop a Strong Research Proposal: Prepare a detailed research proposal that presents your five-year vision for research in Parkinson’s disease. Ensure it aligns with the goals of the PRC and is no more than five pages, including references. Highlight how your work will contribute to the field.
Write a Clear Lay Summary: Create a lay summary of your application that uses accessible language. Avoid technical jargon and ensure it realistically represents your scientific ideas. This is crucial for engaging stakeholders and demonstrating your commitment to public involvement.
How to prepare for a job interview at UK Dementia Research Institute
✨Know Your Research Inside Out
Make sure you have a deep understanding of your proposed research programme. Be prepared to discuss your five-year vision in detail, including how it aligns with the goals of the Parkinson's Research Centre and the UK DRI.
✨Showcase Collaboration Skills
Highlight your experience in building successful collaborations. Be ready to provide examples of how you've initiated and managed partnerships in previous roles, as this is crucial for driving progress in research.
✨Emphasise Inclusivity and Patient Involvement
Demonstrate your commitment to fostering a positive research culture that values diversity and inclusion. Discuss how you plan to involve people with Parkinson’s in your research design and dissemination.
✨Prepare Thoughtful Questions
Have a list of insightful questions ready for your interviewers. This shows your genuine interest in the role and the organisation, and it can help you gauge if the environment aligns with your values and research aspirations.
