About usDementia is the greatest health challenge of our century.To date there is no way to prevent it or even slow its progression, and there is an urgent need to fill the knowledge gap in our basic understanding of these diseases.The (UK DRI) is the biggest UK initiative supporting research to fill this gap.Research in the Hall Lab, based in the UK DRI at UCL and the BHF-UK DRI Centre for Vascular Dementia Research, aims to untangle if and how the balance between the brain’s energy supply and demand shapes its activity, and especially how changes in this balance promote the emergence of vascular and Alzheimer’s dementia.About the roleWe are now recruiting a postdoctoral researcher to join the Hall Lab at UCL and work on an exciting project defining how the brain is affected by mismatches in its energy supply. You will study how vascular and neuronal function changes in mouse brains when the blood or oxygen supply to the brain is restricted. The project will combine two photon microscopy of calcium signals, vascular flow, and inflammatory changes alongside molecular and biochemical approaches to dissect mechanisms producing neurovascular changes.The role is available from 01 October 2025 and funded by the British Heart Foundation/UK DRI for one year in the first instance.The post is offered part-time at 18.25 hours per week (0.50 Full Time Equivalent).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 ( ).Informal enquiries regarding the role can be addressed to Professor Catherine Hall ( ).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 youYou’ll have a PhD in neuroscience, engineering, computer science, maths, physics, or a related field, and in-depth experience of in vivo 2-photon imaging of neurons and blood vessels. Experience with rodent surgery and of working with live, awake-behaving mice is essential, as are excellent problem-solving, organisational, data analysis, and communication skills.This role does not meet the eligibility requirements for a Skilled Worker Visa certificate of sponsorship under UK Visas and Immigration legislation. Therefore UCL will not be able to sponsor individuals who require right to work in the UK to carry out this role.What we offerStarting salary offered at £22,551.50 (i.e., 50% of £45,103) per annum, inclusive of London Allowance.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 £19,574 - £20,916.50 per annum, i.e., 50% of £39,148 - £41,833 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 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 for more information.Our commitment to Equality, Diversity and InclusionThe 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 for more information about our initiatives and priorities. The Institute also holds an , 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.Available documents
