Research Fellow (Microglia and immunity in Alzheimer’s Disease) UCL

Vacancy Reference Number

B02-07103

Closing Date

12 Jul 2024

Salary

£42,099–£50,585

Address

UK DRI at UCL, Queen Square- Hybrid

Duration

The post is available immediately and funded by the UK DRI for three years or until 31 July 2027, whichever is earlier, in the first instance.

About the Job

Dementia 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 the diseases that cause it.

The UK Dementia Research Institute (UK DRI) is the biggest UK initiative supporting research to fill the major knowledge gap in our basic understanding of the diseases that cause dementia.

The De Strooper/Arancibia Lab focuses on understanding the fundamental mechanisms that underlie neurodegenerative disease, with a particular interest in the cellular phase of Alzheimer’s disease, the neuro-immune axis and single cell genomics.

Bart De Strooper’s lab is divided between Leuven, Belgium and the Francis Crick institute in London, embedded in both vibrant research communities with extensive access to state-of-the-art support, infrastructure, and collaborations.

We are looking for a postdoctoral Research Fellow interested in the cell biology of microglia in Alzheimer’s Disease to join the lab and work on a project focusing on understanding the effect of gene alterations on the microglia responses in Alzheimer’s disease. We are particularly interested in the endosomal-phagocytosis and antigen presentation roles of microglia in the context of amyloid pathology and how microglia dysfunction affects neuronal cells and the role of the SORL1 gene herein.

You will work at the interface between computational teams (based at both the Francis Crick Institute and VIB, Leuven) and wet lab groups. The role offers the opportunity to further develop yourself as an expert in the field of neurodegenerative diseases. This is an excellent opportunity to work on high impact, state-of-the-art projects in a stimulating and social international research environment, undertaking world-class science under the guidance of a leader in Alzheimer’s biology.

Essential Criteria

You’ll hold a PhD degree in cell biology, immunology, neuroscience, or a related area, and have extensive knowledge of molecular biology, cell biology, neurodegenerative disease, or related subjects. Experience with cell culture and cell biology, including a good understanding of the endo-lysosomal pathways and/or antigen presentation, is essential, as are good interpersonal skills, the ability to work in a diverse group including computational and experimental neurobiologists, and the ability to organise your own work without extensive supervision.

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.

Contact Information

To apply visit here.

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@ucl.ac.uk)