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
Key details
- Location: UK DRI at UCL
- Salary: £43,374 £51,860
- Lab: Dr Dervis Salih