Research Fellow

Job title:

Research Fellow

Company

University College London

Job description

About usBiosciences is one of the world’s foremost centres for research and teaching in the biological sciences and one of the largest Divisions within UCL, undertaking a significant amount of research and teaching. The Division has a diverse portfolio addressing all areas of biology from protein interactions to cell function, organism development, genetics, population studies and the environment. Computational modelling approaches are frequently used alongside experimental research programmes and much of our research crosses traditional boundaries, including the relationship of biodiversity to the health of the planet. Activity is underpinned by high calibre science technology platforms and state of the art equipment. Educational activity includes a range of undergraduate programmes, an expanding number of Masters Programmes and a substantial number of postgraduate research students.This is an exciting opportunity to join Professor Patricia Salinas lab at the main campus of UCL located at the heart of London.Applications are invited for a postdoctoral position to work on a project aimed at elucidating the function of Wnt signalling in synaptic connectivity under the direction of Professor Patricia Salinas at UCL. The project focuses on the mechanisms that control the levels of Wnt receptors in neurons and at synapses, which is a crucial process that control the formation of neuronal connections. The applicant will use a range of state-of-the-art cell biology and imaging techniques as well as biochemical approaches and gene editing to understand how Wnt receptors are modulated by neuronal activity. The postdoctoral fellow will have access to state-of-the-art imaging facilities in our campus.About the roleThe main purpose of this position is to: * Develop, plan and undertake scientific research under supervision within a specific research project and work as a member of an active research team.

• Design, develop, refine and analyse experiments with the aim to obtain reliable and publishable data.
• Present regular progress reports on the research to members of the research group and to external audiences to disseminate and publicise research findings.
• Prepare, in consultation with supervisor, material for publication in national and international journals and presentations at national and international conferences.
• Carry out occasional undergraduate and postgraduate supervision, demonstrating or teaching duties within the post holder’s area of expertise.

Interview Date(s) are scheduled for: mid-JulyAppointment at Grade 7 is dependent upon having been awarded a PhD; if this is not the case, initial appointment will be at Grade 6B (salary £34,502 – £36,348 per annum) with payment at Grade 7 being backdated to the date of final submission of the PhD Thesis.This appointment is subject to UCL Terms and Conditions of Service for Research and Professional Services Staff. Please visit 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 Dr Patricia Salinas at .If 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 Biosciences staffing at biosciences.staffing@ucl.ac.uk.About youThe Research Fellow will study the cellular and molecular mechanisms that regulate synaptic plasticity in the mammalian nervous system. Specifically, the postholder will investigate the role of neuronal activity on the localization of Frizzled, receptors for Wnt ligands, promoting the assembly of synapses. The postholder, under the direction of Professor Patricia Salinas at UCL, will take a multidisciplinary approach that uses state-of-the-art imaging techniques combined with the latest molecular and biochemical methods combined with optogenetics and electrophysiology. The postholder will have the opportunity to examine how deficient Wnt-Frizzled signalling influences synapse stability in the context of neurodegenerative diseases. The postdoctoral research is expected to generate solid data for scientific publications and to contribute to the research success of the team.You must have a PhD degree in the field of neurobiology, developmental biology, or cell biology. Experience in cellular, molecular and biochemical approaches is also essential.The applicant will:

• Assist the team in the development, planning and delivery of research funded by BBSRC.
• To produce independent and original contributions to the development of the project.
• To developing and conducting the research, you will communicate results as scientific papers and in scientific presentations at local, national, and international conferences.

What we offerAs 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
• 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 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 department holds an Athena SWAN Silver award, in recognition of our commitment to advancing gender equality.You can read more about our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion here:Available documents

Expected salary

£34502 – 36348 per year

Location

North West London

Job date

Thu, 27 Jun 2024 23:06:21 GMT

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