Research Fellow

Job title:

Research Fellow

Company:

University College London

Job description

About usThe mission of the Department of Clinical and Experimental Epilepsy is to transform the lives of people living with epilepsy for the better by identifying, understanding, and correcting or preventing the underlying mechanisms leading to the epilepsies and associated comorbidities in each individual person. Our vision is to build upon the excellence and breadth of our research, seamlessly integrating basic and clinical science.Professor Kirill Volynski’s research focuses on understanding how the presynaptic release machinery decodes calcium signals and translates them into complex patterns of neurotransmitter release. His group employs quantitative imaging and computational modelling to study the relationship between calcium entry and vesicular exocytosis. They also probe the function of presynaptic ion channels in individual small presynaptic terminals, examining both healthy conditions and disorders caused by alterations in neurotransmission.About the roleWe are now recruiting a Research Fellow to work in the field of synaptic neurotransmitter release and neurodevelopmental disorders. This collaborative research opportunity involves working with the laboratories of Professors Kirill Volynski and Dimitri Kullmann at the Department of Clinical and Experimental Epilepsy and Dr Shyam Krishnakumar at Yale University’s Department of Neurology & Nanobiology, leveraging the existing expertise at QS IoN in synaptic physiology and neurological disease, and at Yale University in synaptic biochemistry and structural biology.The project focuses on dissecting the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying neurodevelopmental disorders caused by mutations in synaptic vesicle release machinery genes, known as SNAREopathies. This work aims to provide crucial insights into the pathophysiological mechanisms of SNAREopathies and to develop gene therapy treatment approaches. You will use electrophysiological and optical methods to conduct a systematic functional analysis of disease-linked variants, including fast fluorescence imaging of quantal neurotransmitter release at the level of single synapses.The post is available from 01 October 2024 and is funded by an MRC grant awarded to Professor Volynski for two years in the first instance.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 ( ).A full job description and person specification for this role can be accessed below.About youYou’ll have a PhD in a relevant discipline within neuroscience or biophysics (or be close to obtaining one) and a track record of experimental laboratory research. Experience of quantitative optical microscopy and/or patch-clamp electrophysiology, molecular biology, and working with cell cultures is essential. Knowledge of scientific computer programming and a strong publication record are desirable.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.What we offerAppointment 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 £37,332 – £39,980 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.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

Expected salary

£37332 – 39980 per year

Location

North West London

Job date

Fri, 09 Aug 2024 02:13:53 GMT

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