Vacancies

About us

The UK Dementia Research Institute (UK DRI) is the biggest UK initiative supporting research to fill the major knowledge gap in our basic understanding of the diseases that cause dementia.

Research from UK DRI at UCL covers the journey from the patient to the laboratory and back to the patient with improved diagnosis, biomarkers and candidate therapies put to the test.

The Hong Laboratory, based in the UK DRI at UCL, investigates glia-immune mechanisms of synapse loss in age-related neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. We study how the brain’s immune system (microglia and border-associated macrophages) interacts with glia (astrocytes) to influence neuronal synapses, as well as peripheral immune contributions such as gut-brain signaling. Our interdisciplinary work uses cutting-edge techniques including single-cell and spatial transcriptomics, proteomics, super-resolution microscopy, in vivo tracking, mouse models, and human patient tissues and iPS-derived cells.

About the role

We are seeking a motivated Research Fellow to join the Hong Lab, focusing on neuroimmune interactions along the gut–brain axis in Parkinson’s disease. You will lead a project exploring how gut-resident macrophages and T cells contribute to synucleinopathy, building on recent discoveries from the lab (De Schepper et al., Nature 2026; ; https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-025-09984-y). The role involves designing and executing experiments using in vivo models, advanced imaging, omics, and cell-based approaches, as well as analysing and disseminating data.

The role is available from 01 April 2026 and funded by a Wellcome Trust Discovery Award until 31 March 2027 in the first instance.

We are looking for a collaborative, independent, and ambitious researcher with a PhD in Neuroimmunology, Neuroscience, or Immunology, and a strong track record of publications, presentations, and research skills.

You will have demonstrated ability to design, execute, and analyse complex experiments, and to contribute to interdisciplinary projects. You are proactive, resourceful, and able to work both independently and as part of a team, with excellent communication and interpersonal skills. A commitment to high-quality research, mentoring students, and contributing to the wider scientific community is essential.

As our Science Communications Manager, you will play a defining role - bringing our science to life, supercharging our community, and demonstrating the real-world impact of our work. You’ll sit at the intersection of science storytelling and digital innovation, shaping how groundbreaking research is understood, shared and discovered globally.

In this role you will:

• Lead the development and delivery of high-impact science communications that elevate the UK DRI’s profile nationally and internationally
• Own and evolve our digital ecosystem - website, SEO, analytics and emerging AI discoverability - ensuring our science is visible, authoritative and future-ready
• Translate complex neuroscience and dementia research into compelling, accessible content for diverse audiences - from world-leading researchers from different fields to people living with dementia, policymakers and the public
• Drive the creation of standout, multi-format content including articles, case studies, reports, newsletters, video, social media and digital campaigns that showcase the impact of our science, initiatives and partners
• Partner closely with researchers, senior leadership and collaborators to identify powerful stories, shape narratives and align communications with key scientific milestones
• Build and nurture relationships across the research ecosystem, working collaboratively with academic, industry and funding partners
• Use data and insight to continuously optimise content performance, reach and engagement
• Act as an ambassador for the Institute - championing our mission and strengthening our national and global community

About You

You are a confident and creative science communicator who thrives on turning complexity into clarity and impact. You’re as comfortable shaping narratives as you are creating hands-on content, and you bring a strong digital reach mindset to everything you do.

• Proven experience in science communications, with a strong portfolio of engaging, high-quality content
• Exceptional writing, editing and storytelling skills, with the ability to adapt tone and style for different audiences and platforms
• Strong digital expertise, including web design, content, SEO, analytics and social media, with an eye on emerging trends including AI-driven discoverability
• Ability to quickly understand and translate complex scientific concepts into clear, compelling narratives
• A proactive, self-starting mindset with the drive to spot opportunities and make things happen
• Excellent stakeholder management skills, with experience working collaboratively across scientific, academic or policy environments
• Highly organised, with the ability to manage multiple projects and deliver to tight deadlines
• A genuine passion for science communication and a commitment to improving lives through research

About the Project
The British Heart Foundation and UK Dementia Research Institute are funding a 4-year PhD programme across the Universities of Edinburgh, Oxford, Leicester and University College London, focused on Vascular Contributions to Dementia and Neurodegeneration.
The programme will recruit 5 students per year, with the first intake in September 2026. Stipends and fees will be paid at the BHF rate, and additional research funds and travel costs will be available to host laboratories.

Programme:
Students will spend the first year rotating across laboratories to gain training in a broad range of research techniques, before selecting a full research project and supervisor for the subsequent three years. Available projects span the full spectrum of research into vascular dementia and neurodegeneration. Potential supervisors and projects are listed below.

How to apply:
Applicants should have, or expect to obtain, at least an upper second-class degree in any area of Biological or Physical Sciences. Non-UK applicants may apply and, if successful, will receive the normal BHF stipend, but may be required to cover the international fees.
To apply, please send a CV and a statement (maximum 2 pages) outlining your interest in the programme, and arrange for two referees to submit references to: neurophd@ucl.ac.uk
Please note that applicants are responsible for ensuring referees submit their references.
Please also specify in your application which university you would prefer to attend.
Shortlisted applicants will be invited to an online interview shortly after the deadline. The PhD programme will commence in September 2026.

For further information:
Please contact one of the following university leads:
David Attwell, UCL, d.attwell@ucl.ac.uk
Jatinder Minhas, Leicester, jm591@leicester.ac.uk
Axel Montagne, Edinburgh, axel.montagne@ed.ac.uk
Sana Suri, Oxford, sana.suri@psych.ox.ac.uk