About usThe Division of Biosciences at UCL is one of the world's foremost centres for research and teaching in the biological sciences. We have an outstanding international reputation and a community of over 500 staff and more than 300 PhD students engaged in cutting edge research and collaboration.Further information can be found on our website https://www.ucl.ac.uk/biosciencesThis is an exciting opportunity to join the Fernandes lab in the Department of Cell and Developmental Biology.Although two cell types make up the brain, most research has focused until now on understanding how neurons regulate their development intrinsically. In addition to neurons, the Fernandes lab focuses on how the other, under-studied cell type, called glia, undergo morphogenesis.About the roleThe main purpose of this position is to support a research project investigating the molecular basis of glial morphogenesis using Drosophila melanogaster as a model system.The successful candidate will assist in the design and execution of experiments, analyse data, and contribute to the writing up of results. They will also help with lab maintenance, including stock management and ordering reagents, and support other team members, including supervising students. This role offers the opportunity to work in a vibrant research environment and develop skills in both experimental and computational biology.
This is an open ended role with an end date of 30 September 2026 in the first instance.
Salary is £38,607 per annum.
Interview date(s): Mid-September 2025.
This appointment is subject to UCL Terms and Conditions of Service for Research and Professional Services Staff. Please visit https://www.ucl.ac.uk/human-resources/conditions-service-research-teaching-and-professional-services-staff for more information.
A job description and person specification can be accessed at the bottom of this page.If you have any queries about the role, please contact Vilaiwan Fernandes at Vilaiwan.fernandes@ucl.ac.ukIf you need reasonable adjustments or a more accessible format to apply for this job online or have any queries about the application process, please contact the HR Administrator.About youYou will hold or be nearing completion of an MSci or equivalent degree in neuroscience (by 1 November 2025) and have a strong desire to pursue a PhD in neuroscience.Essential skills include:
Experience with Drosophila husbandry and genetics
Expertise in glial and astrocyte biology
Experience with confocal microscopy, clonal labelling, and immunohistochemistry
Strong coding ability in R, Python, or Java
Familiarity with machine learning and 3D modelling tools
Demonstrated lab experience and ability to work in a team environment
This is an ideal opportunity for someone seeking hands-on research training in developmental neurobiology and glia, within a highly collaborative and interdisciplinary lab.What we offerThe UCL Ways of Working supports colleagues to be successful and happy at UCL through sharing expectations around how we work – please https://www.ucl.ac.uk/human-resources/policies-advice/ways-working to find out more.As well as the exciting opportunities this role presents, we also offer some 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
Relocation scheme for certain posts
On-Site nursery
On-site gym
Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption pay
Employee assistance programme: Staff Support Service
Discounted medical insurance
Visit https://www.ucl.ac.uk/work-at-ucl/reward-and-benefits to find out more.Our commitment to Equality, Diversity and InclusionAs 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+ people; and for our Grade 9 and 10 roles, women.Our division holds an Athena SWAN Bronze award, in recognition of our commitment to advancing gender equality.You can read more about our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion here: https://www.ucl.ac.uk/equality-diversity-inclusion/Available documents
