About the role

We are now recruiting a Research Fellow to join Professors Spinazzola and Holt’s research group to investigate the mechanism of action of compounds that could serve as treatments for mitochondrial diseases.

Specifically, the fellow will investigate compounds to

Purge cells of deleterious mtDNA molecules (PMID: ; ; ). Reverse mtDNA loss (PMID: and manuscript submitted).

The project’s main goals are to:

Determine the effects of small molecules on the cell types and tissues most affected in mitochondrial DNA disorders. Define the metabolic configuration that favours the selection of the functional mtDNAs. Characterise the key molecular features and series of events that lead from mitochondrial dysfunction to organ pathology and disease.

You will join a dedicated team of scientists and as a key member of the research team, and you will employ targeted and omic approaches to investigate patient-derived materials (fibroblasts and stem cell derived models) and transgenic mice of mitochondrial DNA disorders. The new knowledge will advance the projects towards translational medicine studies in human subjects affected by a range of mtDNA disorders.

The role is available from 03 March and is funded by grants awarded to Professors Spinazzola and Holt until 31 January 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 ().

Informal enquiries regarding the role can be addressed to Professors Spinazzola () or Holt ().

A full job description and person specification for this role can be accessed below.

About you

You will hold a PhD or MD with a background in Neuroscience, Developmental Biology, Molecular Biology, or a related field. Expertise in Biochemistry/Molecular Biology, a strong background in nutrient metabolism regulation and metabolome-proteome analysis, and experience with stem cell-derived models are required. Experience in brain analysis is 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 offer

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 £38, - £41, 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