Research Fellow in Cognitive Neuroscience

The UK Dementia Research Institute (UK DRI) is the biggest UK initiative supporting research to fill the major knowledge gap in our basic understanding of the diseases that cause dementia.

The UK DRI Animal Models Programme has developed a tailored phenotyping pipeline for models of dementia-causing diseases at the MRC Harwell Mary Lyon Centre (MLC). The phenotyping pipeline runs alongside National Mouse Genetic Network (https://nmgn.mrc.ukri.org) phenotyping pipelines at the MLC.

The UK DRI phenotyping pipeline analyses dementia-associated behavioural and cognitive changes in mouse models of dementia-causing diseases; using a combination of classical task-based, touch-screen and in-cage testing. Animals are also tested for confounding sensory (hearing, sight), motor and metabolism (blood biochemistry, fat accumulation) deficits to ensure behavioural outcomes are correctly interpreted. Linked transcriptomic, biochemical and histological studies of tissue and biofluid samples from these mice are undertaken in collaboration with other UK DRI platforms and groups, to provide insight into the causal mechanisms for behavioural and cognitive alterations.

You will oversee and develop a novel and robust pipeline for the quantification of mouse behaviour and cognition for the assessment of mouse models of dementia-causing diseases, at the MLC. You will work with Dr Wiseman and the wider Institute to integrate this data with other research outputs at the UK DRI to provide ground-breaking insight into neurodegenerative mechanisms.

You will also have the opportunity to develop new analytical tools to identify and classify changes in rodent behavior, using DeepLabCut and AI clustering methods in collaboration with UK DRI colleagues. Work will focus on novel knockin mouse models of aspects of frontotemporal dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.

The post is available immediately and funded by the UK DRI for 22 months 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 Dr Frances Wiseman (f.wiseman@ucl.ac.uk).

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

You will have a PhD in Neuroscience and experience of the experimental design of mouse studies and the delivery of such studies under UK law. Experience in statistical analysis of experimental datasets using R or SPSS is essential, as is an understanding of and interest in the mission of the UK DRI and excellent communication, interpersonal, and time management skills.

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.

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 £35,702 - £37,548 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.

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. Please visit https://www.ucl.ac.uk/human-resources/conditions-service-research-teaching-and-professional-services-staff for more information.

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.