Research Fellow in Spatial Transcriptomics

Research Fellow in Spatial Transcriptomics Closing Date: 2026-09-20T22:59:59.000Z About us The Department of Clinical and Movement Neurosciences is a world-leading centre for research into human movement and movement disorders. Bringing together clinical and basic neuroscience expertise across the Queen Square and Royal Free campuses, the Department includes the Reta Lila Weston Institute and the Movement Disorders Centre. The Reta Lila Weston Trust Biomarker Research And Innovation in Neurodegeneration (RLWT BRAIN) programme is a unique new research initiative based on the 2500 collection of postmortem brain tissue at the Queen Square Brain Bank (QSBB) at UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, with the fundamental goal of generating detailed datasets of clinical, neuropathological, biomarker and tissue omics (proteome, lipidome, posttranslational modification), and spatial transcriptomic data. About the role The RLWT BRAIN programme brings together detailed clinical, neuropathological, biomarker, tissue omics and spatial transcriptomic data to improve understanding of neurodegenerative diseases, including Parkinson’s disease and other parkinsonian disorders, Alzheimer’s disease and frontotemporal dementia. Working across multiple UCL research groups, the programme will also apply Artificial Intelligence to identify patterns within these complex datasets and support the development of new disease models, biomarkers and treatments. We are looking for a Research Fellow to help coordinate and deliver this exciting, large-scale multidisciplinary research project while also contributing to clinical research. You will support the day-to-day running of the programme and help maintain effective communication and collaboration across the research teams. The role will have a particular focus on spatial transcriptomics and will involve working with frozen and fixed human post-mortem brain tissue, carrying out tissue selection and preparation, spatial transcriptomic experiments, quality control and data analysis. You will work closely with colleagues across the Spatial Transcriptomics, Neuropathology, Clinical, Biomarker and AI teams and contribute to the integration of molecular, pathological and clinical datasets. The post is available immediately and funded by the Reta Lila Weston Trust grant until 30 April 2028 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@ucl.ac.uk ). Informal enquiries regarding the role can be addressed to Dr Zane Jaunmuktane ( z.jaunmuktane@ucl.ac.uk ). A full job description and person specification for this role can be accessed below. To apply, please upload a current CV, complete the online application form, and use the supporting statement section or upload a cover letter to outline how you meet the essential and desirable criteria for the role. Please do not upload any additional attachments as these will not be considered by the selection panel. About you You will have, or be close to completing, a PhD in Neuroscience, Molecular Biology, Genomics, Neuropathology, Bioinformatics or a closely related discipline. You will have experience of working with transcriptomic datasets and relevant molecular profiling techniques. You will be comfortable working in a laboratory environment with human and/or animal tissue and have experience of tissue preparation, quality control and the processing and analysis of complex biological datasets using computational tools such as R or Python. You will be highly organised, proactive and able to manage competing priorities while maintaining accurate records and reproducible workflows. 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. What we offer 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 £39,807- £42,891 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 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 Immigration loan On-site nursery On-site gym Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption pay Employee assistance programme: Staff Support Service Discounted medical insurance Visit https://www.ucl.ac.uk/work-at-ucl/reward-and-benefits to find out more. We will consider applications to work on a part-time, flexible, and job share basis wherever possible. This appointment is subject to UCL Terms and Conditions of Service for Research and Professional Services Staff. Please visit https://www.ucl.ac.uk/human-resources/conditions-service-research-teaching-and-professional-services-staff for more information. Our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion 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; visit our 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.