Research Fellow in Algal Biomineralisation and Excitability

About us

The Division of Biosciences at UCL is one of the world's foremost centres for research and teaching in the biological sciences. We have an outstanding international reputation and a community of over 500 staff and more than 300 PhD students engaged in cutting edge research and collaboration.

Further information can be found on our website https://www.ucl.ac.uk/biosciences

This is an exciting opportunity to join the McClelland lab, which studies how marine algae build mineral structures and how electrical signalling at the cell membrane shapes their physiology.

You will join a small, interdisciplinary team that combines algal cell biology with electrophysiology, advanced imaging, structural biology, geochemistry and mathematical modelling. Ideas and methods move freely between disciplines.

About the role

You will investigate biomineralisation and electrical excitability in marine algae, applying specialist expertise in one of three areas: electrophysiology (patch clamp and sharp electrode), fluorescence lifetime imaging (FLIM), or cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM). You will design and carry out experiments, analyse and publish results, and present your work within the group and at conferences. Alongside the core project, you will be encouraged to develop your own research ideas. You will get extensive support to apply for independent fellowship or grant funding, including mentoring and feedback on applications.

• Salary: £ 46,261 – £ 54,019 per annum, Grade 7. Depending on experience.

• This is a fixed-term post until 30 th September 2027, for up to 12 months depending on the start date.

• Appointment at Grade 7 is dependent upon PhD award. If not yet awarded, initial appointment will be at Grade 6B, with backdating to Grade 7 upon submission of PhD thesis.

Visa sponsorship

• This role meets the requirements for a Skilled Worker certificate of sponsorship or Global Talent visa under UK Visas and Immigration legislation. UCL welcomes applications from international applicants who require a visa.

• For guidance on eligibility, see Gov.uk Skilled Worker Visa guidance

Flexible working and conditions

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

UCL Terms and Conditions of Service

• Research and Professional Services Staff

About you

You will hold a PhD (or have submitted your thesis) in a relevant discipline, with extensive hands-on experience of algal biology, including culturing algae and manipulating them in experiments. You will also have extensive demonstrable expertise in at least one of:

• electrophysiology, including patch clamp and sharp-electrode recording;
• fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy (FLIM);
• cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM).

You will have a publication record appropriate to your career stage. You will be able to work independently while contributing to a collaborative, interdisciplinary team, and you will communicate your work clearly to specialist and non-specialist audiences. Experience with calcifying or silicifying marine algae, quantitative data analysis or programming (e.g. Python, MATLAB), or writing funding applications would be an advantage.

Key Applicant Information Closing date: 25/10/26 at 23:59 GMT (applications may close early if volumes are high, so early submission is recommended).

Interviews scheduled for: TBC

Job description and person specification available at the bottom of the advert.

Queries about the role: contact Dr Harry McClelland [h.mcclelland@ucl.ac.uk]. Please use the Subject line: PDRA enquiry-xxxxx (replacing xxxxx with your name).

Queries about the process, accessibility, or reasonable adjustments: contact the Faculty HR Team on fls.hr@ucl.ac.uk

What we offer

As well as the exciting opportunities this role presents, we also offer some great benefits:

As well as exciting opportunities, UCL offers a range of great benefits. Find out more: UCL Rewards and Benefits .

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We particularly encourage applications from candidates underrepresented in UCL’s workforce, including those from Black, Asian and ethnic minority backgrounds, disabled people, and – for Grade 9 and 10 roles – women.”

Read more: UCL Equality, Diversity and Inclusion .

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You can read more about our commitment to Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion here: UCL Equality, Diversity and Inclusion .