Join us

We offer an exciting opportunity to work independently on a high impact, state-of-the-art project in a cutting-edge research laboratory at the UK Dementia Research Institute at UCL. We are seeking an exceptional individual to lead a innovative research programme aimed at understanding - and ultimately reversing - neuronal and circuit dysfunction in Alzheimer’s disease. The focus will be on linking early, cell-type-specific molecular alterations to large-scaleneural circuit impairments in mouse models, and on testing gene-therapeutic approaches to restore normal function. 

The project will utilise advanced techniques such as in vivo two-photon calcium imaging and/or Neuropixels electrophysiology to record neuronal activity across large populations of cells. A variety of experimental and analytical approaches will be applied to interrogate the mechanisms of dysfunction and evaluate novel therapeutic interventions.

The post is available from 01 July 2025 and funded by the UK DRI until 30 April 2027 in the first instance.

The Research Departments of Neurodegenerative Disease and the UK Dementia Research at UCL are internationally recognised leaders in the study of a wide range of neurodegenerative diseases, including those leading to dementia and neuroinflammation. We have a strong focus on mechanistic dissection of genetic, molecular cellular and neuropathological processes which underlie across the neurodegeneration spectrum.

The laboratory of Dr Salih is dedicated to investigating the interplay between the immune system and cognitive function in the ageing brain focusing on neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's disease. We study genetic variation in the human population and their effects on neurodegenerative diseases using techniques such as GWAS, transcriptomics, and epigenetics. Our interdisciplinary approach integrates molecular biology, biochemistry, cell biology, and advanced genomic methods to advance our understanding and treatment of dementia and age-related disorders.

About the role

We are seeking a Research Fellow to join a dynamic team that employs cutting-edge models - including iPSC-based cell biology, screening, biochemistry, genomics, imaging, and bioinformatics - to uncover new mechanistic insights into genes with variants associated with ageing and neurological function.

The overarching goal of the project is to systematically characterise the glial-specific functions of newly identified longevity-associated genes recently published by the Salih lab (https://doi.org/10.1093/brain/awae339) - in models of ageing and Alzheimer’s disease-associated toxicity, and thus to identify which of these genes are most promising for future therapeutic targeting in neurodegenerative diseases.

You will be responsible for planning, execution and report of experiments and contribution to the formulation and submission of research publications as well as management and direction of this challenging project as opportunities allow.

The post is available from 01 August 2025 and is funded by a grant from the Medical Research Council to 31 July 2028 in the first instance.

Other positions

Astrocyte ageing & Bioinformatics (Fiona Kee, ENU) - 24 June - link

Drosophila models of neurodegeneration (Nathan Woodling, University of Glasgow) - 25th June - link

About the role

We are seeking a Senior Research Technician to join our laboratory as part of an ongoing research initiative focused on understanding the interactions between neurons and glia in Alzheimer’s disease.

You will be part of a team whose primary research goal is to elucidate the cellular responses that contribute to the development of Alzheimer’s disease. As the main point of contact between the Crick’s Biological Research Facility and the lab’s research staff, you will coordinate closely with team members to establish and manage study plans involving animal models.

This role offers the opportunity to work in a dynamic, international research environment, contributing to world-class science under the leadership of a renowned expert in Alzheimer’s biology.

The post is available from August 2025 and is funded by the UK DRI for two years in the first instance.

About you

You’ll have a Personal Licence, with experience in maintaining transgenic mouse lines and using animal-based project tracking software (e.g., MCMS, PyRAT, or equivalent), as well as experience with basic rodent handling and administration.

Experience of working in a research laboratory environment and a proven ability to communicate and collaborate professionally and effectively with a wide range of individuals is also essential for this role.

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.

We are seeking a Research Technician to contribute to a project involving the analysis of human post-mortem brain tissue and various cell culture models, including iPSC-derived and primary human neurons, as well as structural in vitro assays using recombinant protein. Both native brain tissue and in vitro models will be used to study α-synuclein fibrils across different synucleinopathies.

In vitro aggregation assays, electron microscopy, circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy, and fluorescence correlation spectroscopy (FCS) will be employed to elucidate context-dependent protein folding. You will provide support with histopathology techniques, biochemical analyses such as crosslinking and Western blotting, cell culture, and protein expression and purification.

You will have an Honours degree (minimum 2:1) or equivalent in Biophysics, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology or a related discipline, and experience with iPSC culture and neuronal differentiation.

A background and knowledge in one or more of the following is essential: Neurodegeneration, synucleinopathies, biochemical analysis, such as detergent extraction and Western Blot, cell culture experience, IHC.

Experience of working with Biophysics, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Histology assays is also a requirement, as is an understanding of the mission of the UK DRI, an interest in its research work and a commitment to supporting high quality research.

About the role

We are looking for a motivated postdoctoral researcher to join our team investigating how Alzheimer’s disease (AD) risk genes influence microglial function in disease. The project focuses on the antigen-presenting role of microglia in amyloid pathology and the immunological impact of MHC-II–mediated responses in the brain.

You will use a wide range of techniques, including our unique human microglia xenograft model (PMID: 31659342, 38539015), and work closely with both computational and experimental teams at the Francis Crick Institute and VIB, Leuven.

This is a unique opportunity to contribute to high-impact research in a world-class, collaborative environment.

About you

You’ll have a PhD in Immunology, Neuroscience, or a related field, with experience with macrophage and/or microglia biology and knowledge of molecular biology, cell biology, immunology, or related disciplines, as well as proficiency in cell culture and cell biology techniques, with a strong understanding of immunology and/or antigen presentation.

Experience with animal experiments, particularly in handling and working with mice is also essential for this role.