Research Fellow

About us

The Bourdenx Lab at the UK DRI, led by Dr Mathieu Bourdenx, focuses on how age-related loss of cellular fitness in the brain drives neurodegeneration. Using cutting-edge spatial biology and single-cell approaches, the lab maps vulnerability and resilience in ageing brains. By combining molecular cell biology with computational tools - including AI-driven hypothesis generation - we aim to uncover novel mechanisms and therapeutic targets for Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias.

About the role

We are seeking a Research Fellow to investigate the mechanisms underlying neuronal vulnerability to proteostasis collapse in ageing and neurodegenerative disorders. Our research integrates spatial and single-cell omics with computational approaches to understand why specific neuronal populations selectively degenerate in dementia.

This project will focus on dissecting how protein homeostasis networks are altered during ageing. Using our established spatial omics pipelines, the successful candidate will map the molecular signatures of proteostasis loss and identify early markers of proteostatic failure.

The role combines wet-lab spatial biology with computational approaches. You will work across models and scales, ranging from iPSC-derived neurons to mouse models and human post-mortem tissue.

The post is available immediately and is funded by the Medical Research Council until 31 March 2027 in the first instance.

About you

You will hold, or be close to completing, a PhD in a relevant discipline such as Neuroscience, Physiology, Biology, Medicine, or a related field. You will have experience in histology (including perfusion, cryostat sectioning, immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence, and in situ hybridisation), microscopy, image acquisition, and molecular biology techniques such as RNA extraction and AAV vector design. You will also have strong skills in scientific programming for bioinformatics or spatial biology, including Python and/or R, and good programming practices such as version control.

You will have a solid foundation in cell biology and knowledge of neuroscience-related themes, including anatomy and pathological mechanisms. You will be resourceful, proactive, and able to work independently while maintaining accuracy and reproducibility. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, along with the ability to work collaboratively in a multidisciplinary environment, are essential.

Key details

• Location UK DRI at UCL
• Salary: £43,981-£52,586 per annum
• Lab: Dr Mathieu Bourdenx