UCL
Research Fellow
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The UK Dementia Research Institute (UK DRI)
The UK DRI is a globally leading multidisciplinary research institute of over 900 staff investigating the spectrum of neurodegenerative disorders causing dementia, driving a step change in our understanding of neurodegeneration, and accelerating the discovery, development and delivery of interventions that will help diagnose, treat, and ultimately prevent dementia.
About the Role
Based within the UK DRI, the Hong lab investigates how interactions between neural circuits, glia and the immune system drive synaptic dysfunction and loss in ageing and neurodegenerative disease. We study microglia, border-associated macrophages and astrocytes alongside adaptive immune cells, including T cells and B/plasma cells, in Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases. Our work also examines immune contributions outside the brain, including neuroimmune signalling along the gut-brain axis.
We are seeking an exceptional and ambitious Research Fellow to lead a fast-moving, interdisciplinary project at the interface of neuroimmunology, circuit neuroscience and immune-cell engineering. Building directly on our recent discovery that neuronal hyperactivity drives region- and input-specific, C1q-dependent synapse loss through brain-recruited B cell immunoglobulins (Crowley et al., Science 2026; doi:10.1126/science.adv1219), the project will determine how pathological neural activity generates antigen-specific B cell responses, identify the molecular features recognised by these responses, and use this biology to develop engineered immune-cell approaches that can detect and selectively modulate disease-relevant brain states. The work will move rapidly between mechanistic discovery in mouse models and validation in human tissue and cellular systems.
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This role requires a scientist who combines intellectual ambition and creativity with exceptional hands-on experimental ability, reliability and disciplined execution. You will take ownership of complex, multi-step experiments, troubleshoot decisively and move the programme forward at pace without compromising rigour.
Job Details
- Start Date: 19 October 2026
- Funding: Advanced Research and Invention Agency (ARIA) for 3 years in the first instance.
Application Information
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 at ucl.ac.uk).
For informal enquiries about the role please contact Dr Soyon Hong (soyon.hong at ucl.ac.uk).
For a full job description please visit UCL's online recruitment portal (https://www.ucl.ac.uk/work-at-ucl/search-ucl-jobs) and search using vacancy reference B02-11062. 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.
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Closing date: 23:59, Thursday, 27 August 2026.
Qualifications
You should have a PhD in Neuroscience, Immunology, Neuroimmunology, Molecular or Cell Biology, or a closely related biomedical field, and a strong conceptual knowledge in at least one of neuroimmunology, adaptive immunology or B cell biology, or circuit neuroscience, with the ability to connect mechanisms across disciplines. A demonstrable track record of rigorous, high quality research, and substantial hands-on laboratory experience with deep practical expertise in at least one relevant experimental area with evidence of successfully establishing, optimising or troubleshooting technically demanding methods is essential, as is the ability to take ownership of a complex programme of experiments.
Benefits
As well as the exciting opportunities this role presents, we also offer some great benefits; visit https://www.ucl.ac.uk/work-at-ucl/reward-and-benefits to find out more.
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