Research Fellow

UCL - UK Dementia Research Institute (UK DRI)

About us

The UK Dementia Research Institute (UK DRI) is a globally leading multidisciplinary research institute of over 900 staff investigating the spectrum of neurodegenerative disorders causing dementia, driving a step change in our understanding of neurodegeneration, and accelerating the discovery, development and delivery of interventions that will help diagnose, treat, and ultimately prevent dementia.

The Bourdenx Lab at the UK DRI, led by Dr Mathieu Bourdenx, focuses on how age-related loss of cellular fitness in the brain drives neurodegeneration. Using cutting-edge spatial biology and single-cell approaches, the lab maps vulnerability and resilience in ageing brains. By combining molecular cell biology with computational tools - including AI-driven hypothesis generation - we aim to uncover novel mechanisms and therapeutic targets for Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias.

About the role

We are seeking a Research Fellow to investigate the mechanisms underlying neuronal vulnerability to proteostasis collapse in ageing and neurodegenerative disorders. Our research integrates spatial and single-cell omics with computational approaches to understand why specific neuronal populations selectively degenerate in dementia.

This project will focus on dissecting how protein homeostasis networks are altered during ageing. Using our established spatial omics pipelines, the successful candidate will map the molecular signatures of proteostasis loss and identify early markers of proteostatic failure.

The role combines wet-lab spatial biology with computational approaches. You will work across models and scales, ranging from iPSC-derived neurons to mouse models and human post-mortem tissue.

The post is available immediately and is funded by the Medical Research Council until 31 March 2027 in the first instance.

For a full job description please visit UCL’s online recruitment portal (https://www.ucl.ac.uk/work-at-ucl/search-ucl-jobs) and search using vacancy reference B02-10144. To apply, please upload a current CV, complete the online application form, and use the supporting statement section or upload a cover letter to outline how you meet the essential and desirable criteria for the role. Please do not upload any additional attachments as these will not be considered by the selection panel.

About you

You will hold, or be close to completing, a PhD in a relevant discipline such as Neuroscience, Physiology, Biology, Medicine, or a related field. You will have experience in histology (including perfusion, cryostat sectioning, immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence, and in situ hybridisation), microscopy, image acquisition, and molecular biology techniques such as RNA extraction and AAV vector design. You will also have strong skills in scientific programming for bioinformatics or spatial biology, including Python and/or R, and good programming practices such as version control.

You will have a solid foundation in cell biology and knowledge of neuroscience-related themes, including anatomy and pathological mechanisms. You will be resourceful, proactive, and able to work independently while maintaining accuracy and reproducibility. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, along with the ability to work collaboratively in a multidisciplinary environment, are essential.

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 £39,148 - £41,833 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; visit https://www.ucl.ac.uk/work-at-ucl/reward-and-benefits to find out more.

Customer advert reference: B02-10144