Senior Research Fellow (part-time)

The UK Dementia Research Institute (UK DRI) is the biggest UK initiative supporting research to fill the major knowledge gap in our basic understanding of the diseases that cause dementia. Research from UK DRI at UCL covers the journey from the patient to the laboratory and back to the patient with improved diagnosis, biomarkers and candidate therapies put to the test. Led by Professor Karen Duff, UK DRI Centre Director, the team will address the key unanswered mechanistic questions that link genetic and life course factors to dysfunction in molecular pathways, in cells and in neural systems during the progression of the dementias. This work will be enhanced by clinical resource to link lab work to the clinic.

About the role: We are seeking an experienced, highly independent researcher to lead advanced investigations into synaptic dysfunction in Alzheimer’s disease and FTD‑tau. You will apply state‑of‑the‑art approaches to dissect tau‑related synaptic and glial mechanisms using human post‑mortem tissue and mouse models. Core methodologies include expansion microscopy, multiplex immunohistochemistry, high‑resolution confocal imaging, AI‑assisted 3D image analysis, synaptosome preparations, mass spectrometry, and development of next‑generation synaptic and glial biomarkers using SIMOA and NULISA platforms. The post is offered part-time at 18.25 hours per week (0.50 Full Time Equivalent). The post is available immediately and funded by the UK DRI Ltd and the Cure Alzheimer’s Fund for one year in the first instance.

About you: You will have a PhD in Neuroscience, prior postdoctoral experience, and a track record of impactful publications and securing external grant funding. Expertise in tau-related synaptic degeneration and/or glial-synapse mechanisms and experience of managing or supervising staff/students is essential, along with a proficiency in expansion microscopy, multiplex IHC and A-I driven image analysis and molecular/cellular neurobiology of early-stage dementias. Experience developing synaptic and glial biomarkers, with human post mortem tissue and mouse models, clinical insight into AD, DLB and FTD phenotypes, and exceptional precision in quantitative neuropathology and biomarker workflows are also essential requirements.

This role does not meet the eligibility requirements for a skilled worker certificate of sponsorship or a global talent visa under UK Visas and Immigration legislation.

What we offer: Starting salary offered in the range £27,456.50 - £29,785.50 per annum (i.e., 50% of £54,931 - £59,571 per annum), inclusive of London Allowance. We will consider applications to work on a part-time, flexible, and job share basis wherever possible.

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. 12% of Institute staff are actively working on EDI initiatives; 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.