Research Fellow

About us

The EGA Institute for Women’s Health is an exciting and dynamic environment, and its mission is to bring together the expertise of clinicians and researchers from a diverse range of disciplines so that they can deliver excellence and innovation in research, clinical practice, education and training in order to make a real and sustainable difference to women's and babies’ health locally, nationally and worldwide.

About the role

Preterm birth (delivery before 37 weeks) is a global health issue lacking effective prevention and treatment. The main purpose of the role is to develop a novel therapeutic for the prevention of preterm birth and the associated adverse neonatal outcomes. The duties and responsibilities of the role include evaluating the efficacy of viral gene therapies in a mouse model of preterm birth induced by ascending vaginal infection and investigating the mechanisms of these treatments in human vaginal and cervical cell lines.

This role is an open-ended contract with an initial funding end date of 31 March 2026 in the first instance.

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.

We will consider applications to work on a part-time, flexible and job s hare basis wherever possible.

This appointment is subject to UCL UCL Terms and Conditions of Service for for Academic Staff Staff. Please visit https://www.ucl.ac.uk/human-resources/policies/2024/aug/conditions-service-academic-staff-0

About you

We are looking for an individual who has experience in women’s health research. Previous experience using mouse models and molecular techniques (qRT-PCR, ELISA) is essential. The postholder must be confident working independently, with a flexible attitude to shift work. Applicants should hold a PhD degree in an area of research relevant to the proposed project.

For the right candidate there will be an opportunity to gain new skills in viral vector production.

Appointment at Grade 7 is dependent upon having been awarded a PhD; if this is not the case, initial appointment will be at Grade 6B spine point with payment at Grade 7 being backdated to the date of final submission of the PhD Thesis.

What we offer

As well as the exciting opportunities this role presents, we also offer great benefits. Please visit https://www.ucl.ac.uk/work-at-ucl/rewards-and-benefits to find out more.

Early application submission is recommended.

The salary range for this role is UCL Grade 7: £37,999 to £46,485 + £5,125 London allowance per annum.

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

Our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

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+ people; and for our Grade 9 and 10 roles, women.

Our department holds an Athena SWAN Gold award, in recognition of our long-term commitment and 'beacon' status in advancing gender equality.

You can read more about our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion here: https://www.ucl.ac.uk/equality-diversity-inclusion/

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