At a Glance
- Tasks: Support the DESTINY project by automating evidence synthesis for climate and health improvements.
- Company: UCL Institute of Education, a leading centre for social research in the UK.
- Benefits: 41 days holiday, pension scheme, on-site gym, and employee support services.
- Other info: Join a dynamic environment with excellent career growth and a commitment to diversity.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on pressing social challenges while working with diverse teams.
- Qualifications: Experience in programming and evidence synthesis; strong problem-solving skills.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 45000 £ per year.
Founded in 1902, UCL Institute of Education has been shaping policy and helping government, organisations and individuals navigate a changing society for the last 120 years. We embrace collaboration and excellence to create a future that is inclusive and just and have been ranked number one for education every year since 2014 in the QS World University Rankings by Subject.
The Social Research Institute, formerly the Department of Social Science, in the UCL Institute of Education, is one of the leading centres for social research in the UK. It is home to seven internationally renowned research units:
- Centre for Longitudinal Studies
- Centre for Time Use Research
- CLOSER (Cohort & Longitudinal Studies Enhancement Resources)
- EPPI (Evidence for Policy & Practice Information) Centre
- Quantitative Social Science
- Social Science Research Unit
- Thomas Coram Research Unit
Our strategy is to exploit and promote our key characteristics:
- All our centres are multidisciplinary, with staff drawn variously from sociology, social policy, demography, economics, psychology, anthropology and social statistics.
- We are working across centres/units to promote cross-methodological, problem-solving interdisciplinary research on particular themes where we have outstanding scholarship and critical mass, e.g. gender, families, work, inequalities, migration, bio-social interactions.
- We are tackling major social challenges, e.g. on how societies support family wellbeing, gender equality and economic prosperity.
- We have a central role in sociological studies at UCL, with staff working on empirically and theoretically rich research.
- Our work is increasingly transgressing the boundaries of academic social science, taking us into life sciences (health, social epidemiology, biosocial research), natural sciences (information science, environmental science) and the humanities (peacebuilding, creative arts).
- Our staff actively engage with public priorities in policy and practice (as seen in our many Impact Case Studies) and with networks for knowledge exchange.
- We are active in the collection and curation of data as a public resource and in the development of research methods as well as in substantive research.
- We have a globally central position in longitudinal research, time use research, and systematic reviews.
More than 180 academic, research, teaching, technical and professional service staff work in the department. In addition to the seven research centres, it is home to three undergraduate degrees, three master’s programmes and a thriving doctoral community.
About the role
We are seeking to appoint a Research Fellow to support our work in automating evidence synthesis in Digital Evidence Synthesis Tool Innovation Yielding (DESTINY) project improvements in climate and health, though you may work across other EPPI Centre projects too. This work may involve actively programming some of the tools, or interacting with users, translating their requirements and undertaking evaluations. This post is funded on a full‑time basis with an anticipated start date of 01 August 2026 until 30 September 2030.
About you
Your application form should address all person specification points and clearly demonstrate how your skills and experience meet each of the criteria. It is important that the criteria are clearly numbered and that you provide a response to each one.
What we offer
As well as the exciting opportunities this role presents, we also offer some great benefits:
- 41 Days holiday: 27 days annual leave, 8 bank holiday and 6 closure days (pro rata for part time staff)
- Additional 5 days’ annual leave purchase scheme (pro-rata for part-time staff)
- 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
Our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
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+ people; and for our Grade 9 and 10 roles, women. Our faculty holds an Athena SWAN Silver award in recognition of our commitment to advancing gender equality.
Research Fellow DESTINY project in London employer: UK Dementia Research Institute
At the UCL Institute for Materials Discovery, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that fosters a collaborative and innovative work culture. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through ample networking opportunities with leading experts in academia and industry, as well as our generous benefits package, including 41 days of holiday and a defined benefit pension scheme. Join us in our mission to advance materials research and make a meaningful impact in the field of biosensing technology, all while enjoying the vibrant atmosphere of London.
Contact Details:
UK Dementia Research Institute Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Research Fellow DESTINY project in London
✨Get Involved in Research Communities
Dive headfirst into the scientific research world by joining relevant communities and forums. Engage in discussions, share your insights, and even attend conferences or seminars in your field. This not only boosts your visibility but can also lead to potential job opportunities—don't forget to connect with like-minded folks!
✨Show Off Your Research Projects
Have you worked on any cool research projects? Make it easy for potential employers to see your work by creating a portfolio or a personal website. This way, when you apply for roles like the one at UK Dementia Research Institute, you can point them to your projects and publications, showcasing your expertise directly.
✨Utilise Professional Networks
Networking is key in scientific research. Join professional bodies or organisations related to your field. They often have job boards and resources tailored for job seekers. Make connections with professionals who may know about openings or can give you tips on landing a full-time position.
✨Keep Your Eyes on Openings & Apply Directly
Don’t just rely on job boards! Keep an eye on the careers section of the websites of companies like UK Dementia Research Institute. Apply directly through their website because sometimes they post jobs there before anywhere else. Plus, it shows your proactive approach!
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Research Experience:When applying for a full-time role in scientific research, make sure to emphasise your research experience prominently in your CV. Share specific projects you’ve worked on, the methodologies you used, and any significant findings. If you’ve published papers or presented at conferences, definitely include that too – it shows you’re on it in the academic world!
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Research Area:Your cover letter should reflect your passion for the specific area of research at UK Dementia Research Institute. Mention relevant experiences that align with the organisation’s goals or projects. This shows that you’ve done your homework and are genuinely interested in the position – plus, it helps us see how you’d fit into the team dynamics.
Showcase Your Data Analysis Skills:In scientific research, data analysis skills are a big deal! Make sure to detail any relevant analytical tools or software you’re familiar with, like R, Python, or statistical packages. Employers are keen to know you can handle the data-heavy elements of the role, so add specific examples where you’ve used these skills effectively.
Discuss Your Future Research Goals:In your motivation section, it’s a great idea to talk about your future research goals and how they align with the work being done at UK Dementia Research Institute. This shows that you’re not just looking for any job, but rather a chance to contribute meaningfully to the field. We love to see applicants who are forward-thinking and enthusiastic about their research journey!
How to prepare for a job interview at UK Dementia Research Institute
✨Showcase Your Research Skills
In scientific research, it’s crucial to demonstrate your ability to design and conduct experiments. Come armed with examples of past projects where you've developed hypotheses, collected data, and analysed results. Be ready to discuss any specific methodologies or tools you’ve used, like PCR techniques or statistical software.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect some technical questions specific to your field. Make sure you're up to speed with recent advancements in scientific research related to the role at UK Dementia Research Institute. Brush up on concepts relevant to their projects and be prepared to discuss how you would approach a specific research problem or challenge they might face.
✨Know Your Publications
If you've authored or co-authored any papers, be prepared to discuss them! Highlighting your contributions to published research can really set you apart. It shows not only your expertise but also your ability to communicate complex ideas clearly, which is key in scientific research roles.
✨Exhibit Your Team Spirit
In full-time roles, collaboration is often at the heart of scientific research. Prepare examples that show how you've successfully worked in teams, dealt with conflicts, or contributed to group projects. We want to know how you can work effectively with the team at UK Dementia Research Institute to drive research projects forward.
