About us

Epilepsy is one of several research groups working in the department of Neuropathology in the Institute of Neurology, others including CNS tumours, neuromuscular diseases, and neurodegenerative research.

We work closely with the neuropathology NHS laboratory, staff, and its core facilities, and have dedicated office and laboratory space/research benches including access to multiplex immunostaining, slide scanning, and a dedicated image analyst. We have access to core facilities at UCL. Our group also works closely with clinical and research teams in the epilepsy and other departments at IoN, particularly for genetics, neuroimaging, and neuropsychology.

About the role

This is a postdoctoral research position working on a project investigating ‘epilepsy and neurodegeneration: disease mechanisms and early detection’ funded by Wellcome, which started in 2021. It includes longitudinal imaging (Including Tau-PET imaging), CSF and neuropsychometric studies of patients in the epilepsy surgical programme at the National Hospital.

Neuropathology methods executed will include (i) standard quantitative immunohistochemistry, double-labelling with a broad antibody panels, and automated methods for unbiased high throughput image analysis, (ii) gene and protein expression studies using multiplex technologies, such as NanoString and GeoMX, to explore dominant and novel molecular degenerative pathways, (iii) gene/protein of interests from multiplex studies will be analysed using bioinformatics, and validated using immunohistochemistry or situ hybridisation (RNAscope).

We will consider applications from candidates wishing to work part-time (four days a week/80% FTE); please indicate in your application if this is your preference.

The post is available from March 2023 and is funded by Wellcome for two and a half years, or until 31 March 2026, whichever is earlier, in the first instance.

If you need reasonable adjustments or a more accessible format to apply for this job online, or have any queries regarding the application process, please contact the Institute of Neurology HR Team (ion.hradmin@ucl.ac.uk).

Informal enquiries regarding the role can be addressed to Professor Mari Thom (m.thom@ucl.ac.uk).

A full job description and person specification for this role can be accessed below.

About you

You’ll have a PhD in neuroscience coupled with experience of working with tissue samples and familiarity with tissue based (spatial) transcriptomics or RNA expression and bioinformatics analysis. Experience with basic neuro-histology techniques and microscopy, coupled with excellent communication, interpersonal, and problem-solving skills is also essential.

This role meets the eligibility requirements for a skilled worker certificate of sponsorship or a global talent visa under UK Visas and Immigration legislation. Therefore, UCL welcomes applications from international applicants who require a visa.

What we offer

Appointment as Research Fellow is dependent upon having been awarded a PhD; if this is not the case, initial appointment will be as Research Assistant (salary £34,502 - £36,348 per annum) with appointment as Research Fellow being backdated to the date of final submission of the PhD thesis.

As well as the exciting opportunities this role presents, we also offer great benefits, some of which are below:

• 41 Days holiday (27 days annual leave 8 bank holiday and 6 closure days)
• Additional 5 days’ annual leave purchase scheme
• 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

Visit https://www.ucl.ac.uk/work-at-ucl/reward-and-benefits to find out more.

This appointment is subject to UCL Terms and Conditions of Service for Research and Professional Services Staff. Please visit https://www.ucl.ac.uk/human-resources/conditions-service-research-teaching-and-professional-services-stafffor more information.

Our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

The Institute prides itself on operating in an all-inclusive environment irrespective of personal, physical, or social characteristics. Teamwork is highly valued, individual strengths are recognised and celebrated, and we are committed to advancing the careers of everyone. 12% of Institute staff are actively working on Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) initiatives; visit our EDI website for more information about our initiatives and priorities. The Institute also holds an Athena SWAN Silver award, in recognition of our commitment and demonstrable impact in advancing gender equality.

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+ and gender diverse people in all roles, and women in Grade 9 and 10 roles.