Research Fellow (Microglia and immunity in Alzheimer’s Disease)

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 De Strooper/Arancibia Lab focuses on understanding the fundamental mechanisms that underlie neurodegenerative disease, with a particular interest in the cellular phase of Alzheimer’s disease, the neuro-immune axis and single cell genomics.

Bart De Strooper’s lab is divided between Leuven, Belgium and the Francis Crick institute in London, embedded in both vibrant research communities with extensive access to state-of-the-art support, infrastructure, and collaborations.

We are looking for a postdoctoral Research Fellow interested in the cell biology of microglia in Alzheimer’s Disease to join the lab and work on a project focusing on understanding the effect of gene alterations on the microglia responses in Alzheimer’s disease. We are particularly interested in the endosomal-phagocytosis and antigen presentation roles of microglia in the context of amyloid pathology and how microglia dysfunction affects neuronal cells and the role of the SORL1 gene herein.

You will work at the interface between computational teams (based at both the Francis Crick Institute and VIB, Leuven) and wet lab groups. The role offers the opportunity to further develop yourself as an expert in the field of neurodegenerative diseases. This is an excellent opportunity to work on high impact, state-of-the-art projects in a stimulating and social international research environment, undertaking world-class science under the guidance of a leader in Alzheimer’s biology.

The post is available immediately and funded by the UK DRI for three years or until 31 July 2027, 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 at ucl.ac.uk).

For a full job description and to apply for this role please visit UCL’s online recruitment portal (https://www.ucl.ac.uk/work-at-ucl/search-ucl-jobs) and search using vacancy reference B02-07103.

You’ll hold a PhD degree in cell biology, immunology, neuroscience, or a related area, and have extensive knowledge of molecular biology, cell biology, neurodegenerative disease, or related subjects. Experience with cell culture and cell biology, including a good understanding of the endo-lysosomal pathways and/or antigen presentation, is essential, as are good interpersonal skills, the ability to work in a diverse group including computational and experimental neurobiologists, and the ability to organise your own work without extensive supervision.

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 £37,332 - £39,980 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 some great benefits; visit https://www.ucl.ac.uk/work-at-ucl/reward-and-benefits to find out more.

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. 12% of Institute staff are actively working on EDI initiatives; visit https://www.ucl.ac.uk/ion/equality-diversity-inclusion for more information about what we’re doing.

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