At a Glance
- Tasks: Join a dynamic team to explore i-motif DNA structures using advanced techniques.
- Company: UCL School of Pharmacy, a top-ranked institution in pharmaceutical science.
- Benefits: Enjoy 41 days of holiday, pension scheme, and flexible working options.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with excellent career growth and international applicant support.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in groundbreaking research on DNA and therapeutic strategies.
- Qualifications: PhD in relevant fields and a passion for independent research.
The predicted salary is between 47186 - 55099 £ per year.
UCL School of Pharmacy is one of the world’s leading centres of excellence for pharmaceutical science, education and professional engagement, ranked third in the world by QS (2025, Pharmacy and Pharmacology). The Division has a track record in high-quality research across a broad range of drug discovery, pharmacy and patient safety-related areas, and for developing spinout companies that have brought new therapeutic strategies to patients.
This is an exciting opportunity to join Professor Zoë Waller’s research team. You will work in a collaborative and innovative team who are committed to understanding i-motif DNA structure and function.
The main purpose of this position is to use a range of cell biology, molecular biological and biophysical techniques to investigate the effects of ruthenium complexes on i-motif DNA secondary structures. This post will be based in Prof Zoë Waller’s lab at UCL School of Pharmacy. The work forms part of a collaborative Leverhulme-funded grant jointly held with Dr John Fielden (Lancaster). The ideal candidate will actively drive the research project and they will design and conduct experiments under the direction of the PI. They will analyse and present the results, discuss the work with the PI, CoIs and collaborators and be able to communicate the work to both other scientists and the general public. They will be responsible for maintaining accurate records of data and up to date protocols/procedures during the project.
C-rich regions of DNA can form alternative secondary structures called i-motifs, which have not only shown utility as bio-compatible pH-responsive materials in nanotechnology, but also have been shown to exist and act as molecular switches in cells. Although there have been significant advances in this area, we still do not have adequate chemical probes to specifically target these structures. Our prior work showed that Ruthenium complexes can bind and detect i-motif DNA (https://doi.org/10.1021/jacs.0c04789), this Leverhulme-funded project focuses on development and characterisation of further i-motif-specific probes. This position forms part of a larger project and the appointee will work as part of a collaborative team including another research fellow focussed on the synthesis of i-motif binding complexes. We are seeking to appoint a research fellow who will focus on the biophysical and biological testing of the synthesised complexes.
Salary is £47,186 to £55,099 per annum. Contract details: fixed-term from January 2027 for 14 months. Research Fellows - Appointment at Grade 7 is dependent upon having been awarded a PhD. 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.
This role meets the requirements for a Skilled Worker certificate of sponsorship or Global Talent visa under UK Visas and Immigration legislation. UCL welcomes applications from international applicants who require a visa.
Applicants must have a PhD (or equivalent qualification), in cell-biology, biochemistry, molecular biology, chemical biology or a related area and be able to fulfil all essential elements of the person specification. The Research Fellow must be able to execute experiments independently, provide intellectual input and be motivated to drive the project. The Research Fellow will be responsible for the day to day running of the project and support the general running of the laboratory. The precise duties will be agreed in discussion with the Manager/PI.
Closing date: 8th November 2026 at 23:59 GMT (applications may close early if volumes are high, so early submission is recommended). Interviews scheduled for: week commencing 9th November 2026. If you have any queries about the role, please contact Prof. Zoë Waller (z.waller@ucl.ac.uk). Queries about the process, accessibility, or reasonable adjustments: contact the Faculty HR Team on fls.hr@ucl.ac.uk.
The UCL Ways of Working supports colleagues to be successful and happy at UCL through sharing expectations around how we work. As well as the exciting opportunities this role presents, we also offer some great benefits:
- 41 Days holiday (27 days annual leave, 8 bank holidays and 6 closure days)
- Additional 5 days’ annual leave purchase scheme
- Defined benefit career average revalued earnings pension scheme (CARE)
- Cycle to work scheme, season ticket loan, and immigration loan
- Relocation support for eligible posts
- On-Site nursery and 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. 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.
Research Fellow in Nucleic Acids in London employer: UNIVERSITY COLLEGE LONDON
UCL's Information Services Division (ISD) is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment that fosters innovation and collaboration among over 50,000 staff and students. With a commitment to employee growth, ISD provides extensive benefits including 41 days of holiday, a defined benefit pension scheme, and opportunities for professional development in cutting-edge technology areas. Located in the heart of London, UCL promotes a diverse and inclusive culture, making it an ideal place for those looking to make a meaningful impact in higher education.
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