Research Fellow

The Department of Neuromuscular Diseases is a hub for clinical and research excellence across the spectrum of spinal cord and neuromuscular diseases. Our group of world-leading clinical, genetic and basic science researchers focus their work on understanding the causes and biological mechanisms leading to neuromuscular disease and translating this knowledge into developing novel therapeutic solutions that are of direct benefit to neurological disorders such as neuromuscular disease, dementia, motor neuron disease, and Alzheimer’s disease.

The LifeArc and MDUK-funded Translational Rare Disease Centre to Treat Mitochondrial Diseases (LAC-TreatMito-UK) was established in September 2024 to deliver a national platform to translate novel treatment strategies and biomarkers into clinical trials. This platform will improve mitochondrial disease diagnosis nation-wide, connecting patient groups, knowledge, and infrastructure to accelerate the clinical translation of new treatments. We are seeking a Research Fellow to work on a project that aims to develop adeno-associated virus (AAV)-delivered gene therapy, and potentially other nucleic acid therapies, for mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) polymerase (POLGγ)-related primary mitochondrial diseases. Recent advances in therapeutic applications of AAV split vectors and expanded nucleic acid therapies have the potential to address POLG mutations associated with mitochondrial myopathies.

You will have a strong interest in developing novel nucleic acid therapy approaches for rare disorders, focusing on developing and validating adeno-associated virus (AAV) split vector strategies and possibly additional approaches. Testing these vectors in vitro, as well as in in vivo models of POLG deficiency, you additionally participate in ongoing lab projects, contribute to publications, and manage and support projects within Professor Pitceathly’s team.

You will also liaise with research support staff, postdoctoral scientists, and students within the group as well as across UCL, and with external collaborators, including researchers at the University of Padua (Professor Carlo Viscomi).

The post is available from 01 July 2025 and is funded by a LifeArc award until 31 August 2029 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).

You will have a PhD with a background in Gene therapy, Neuroscience, Developmental Biology, or a related field. Knowledge of biochemistry/molecular biology, a strong background in mitochondrial biology and primary mitochondrial diseases, and a strong understanding of the principles, methods and challenges of nucleic acid therapy used for rare diseases, including AAV or vector therapies is essential.

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. 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.

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