Senior Research Fellow; Cellular Myologist

Senior Research Fellow (Cellular Myologist)

The Department of Neurodegenerative Disease is internationally recognised for research into the mechanisms underlying neurodegenerative diseases and dementia, spanning genetic, molecular, cellular and neuropathological processes.

Based within the department, the Genetic Therapy Accelerator Centre (GTAC) brings together laboratory and clinical expertise in neuromuscular and neurological disorders, with a focus on developing novel RNA and AAV-based therapies. The Centre fosters cross-institutional collaborations and supports researchers through access to specialist expertise, cellular models, UCL facilities and industry partners.

We are seeking a highly motivated Senior Research Fellow (Cellular Myologist) to join the GTAC Laboratory under the direction of Professor Francesco Muntoni, working across the UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology and UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health.

You will develop and lead your own research programme in neuromuscular biology, working across GTAC and the Dubowitz Neuromuscular Centre (DNC). You will independently design and conduct research, contribute to collaborative projects, secure research funding and present findings at seminars and conferences.

You will also contribute specialist expertise to multidisciplinary projects across neuroscience, support the day-to-day running of the Centre and supervise students and research staff.

The role is available from 01 September 2026 and is funded until 01 December 2029 in the first instance.

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

You will have a PhD in a relevant discipline and significant postdoctoral experience in cell and molecular biology, with expertise in neuromuscular translational research and skeletal muscle biology, and strong experience in the effective management of research team. Specialist knowledge of relevant research methodologies, including in vivo and in vitro models, gene expression manipulation (e.g. siRNA, CRISPRi/a, splicing modulation, AAV and lentiviral vectors) and cell-based assays (e.g. fluorescent reporters and immunocytochemistry), is essential.

Experience with animal models and/or genetic therapies, including AAV, RNA or cell therapy, is also required.

You will be able to manage independent experimental research effectively, write grant applications to support your research programme, work flexibly under pressure, meet deadlines and maintain excellent attention to detail.

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.

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
• On-site gym
• Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption pay
• Employee assistance programme:
  Staff Support Service

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

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; visitour EDI website for more information about our initiatives and priorities.

The Institute also holds an Athena SWAN Gold 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.

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