Research Fellow in Autophagy and Proteostasis
Investigate mechanisms of proteostasis collapse and autophagy in ageing and neurodegenerative disorders.
Best for:Best for molecular and cellular biologists with strong expertise in iPSC culture, microscopy, and bioinformatics.
Overview
The UK Dementia Research Institute (UK DRI) at UCL is seeking a Research Fellow to join the Bourdenx Lab and investigate mechanisms of proteostasis collapse in ageing and neurodegenerative disorders. The successful candidate will integrate systems biology with spatial and single-cell omics, focusing specifically on regulatory mechanisms of diverse forms of autophagy in neuronal systems. Responsibilities include generating and characterising novel iPS cells, differentiating them into neurons, and conducting advanced mechanistic studies. This position offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge dementia research within a globally leading multidisciplinary institute.
What you'll do
- Investigate regulatory mechanisms of diverse forms of autophagy in neuronal systems
- Generate, maintain, and characterise novel induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells
- Differentiate iPS cells into neurons for downstream mechanistic studies
- Apply molecular and cell biology techniques to explore proteostasis collapse in neurodegeneration
- Perform high-content microscopy and image acquisition and processing
- Utilise advanced scientific programming in Python and R for bioinformatics analysis
- Develop and apply computational approaches, including agentic AI systems for biological knowledge extraction
Requirements
Degree required: PhD in molecular or cellular biology or a related discipline
Language: English
Instruction: English
- Strong foundation in cell biology and molecular biology techniques
- Experience with iPSC generation, maintenance, and differentiation
- Experience with genome-editing techniques
- Proficiency in high-content microscopy and image acquisition and processing
- Advanced scientific programming skills in Python and R for bioinformatics
- Adherence to programming best practices such as version control
- Eligible for a skilled worker certificate of sponsorship or global talent visa under UK immigration legislation
Funding & terms
How to apply
Deadline: 2026-10-30
Interested candidates should visit UCL's online recruitment portal and search for vacancy reference B02-11414. Applicants must complete the online application form, upload a current CV, and include a cover letter or supporting statement outlining how they meet the essential and desirable criteria.
- CV
- Cover letter
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