"Research Assistant"

The Division of Biosciences at UCL is one of the world's foremost centres for research and teaching in the biological sciences. We have an outstanding international reputation and a community of over 500 staff and more than 300 PhD students engaged in cutting edge research and collaboration.

Further information can be found on our website https://www.ucl.ac.uk/biosciences

This is an exciting opportunity to join the Fernandes lab in the Department of Cell and Developmental Biology.

Although two cell types make up the brain, most research has focused until now on understanding how neurons regulate their development intrinsically. In addition to neurons, the Fernandes lab focuses on how the other, under-studied cell type, called glia, undergo morphogenesis.

The main purpose of this position is to support a research project investigating the molecular basis of glial morphogenesis using Drosophila melanogaster as a model system.

The successful candidate will assist in the design and execution of experiments, analyse data, and contribute to the writing up of results. They will also help with lab maintenance, including stock management and ordering reagents, and support other team members, including supervising students. This role offers the opportunity to work in a vibrant research environment and develop skills in both experimental and computational biology.

This is an open ended role with an end date of 30 September 2026 in the first instance. Salary is £38,607 per annum. Interview date(s): Mid-September 2025. 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-staff for more information.

A job description and person specification can be accessed at the bottom of this page.

You will hold or be nearing completion of an MSci or equivalent degree in neuroscience (by 1 November 2025) and have a strong desire to pursue a PhD in neuroscience.

Essential skills include:

• Experience with Drosophila husbandry and genetics
• Expertise in glial and astrocyte biology
• Experience with confocal microscopy, clonal labelling, and immunohistochemistry
• Strong coding ability in R, Python, or Java
• Familiarity with machine learning and 3D modelling tools
• Demonstrated lab experience and ability to work in a team environment

This is an ideal opportunity for someone seeking hands-on research training in developmental neurobiology and glia, within a highly collaborative and interdisciplinary lab.

The UCL Ways of Working supports colleagues to be successful and happy at UCL through sharing expectations around how we work – please https://www.ucl.ac.uk/human-resources/policies-advice/ways-working to find out more.

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