Research Fellow

The 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.

Based within the department, the Experimental Epilepsy Group conducts research spanning the fundamental mechanisms of vesicle fusion and synaptic transmission, ion channel biology, experimental models of epilepsy, neural circuit function, neurological diseases modelled in rodents and flies, and advanced therapies for epilepsy and related disorders.

Professor Kirill Volynski’s group investigates the molecular mechanisms underlying neurotransmitter release, using quantitative imaging and computational approaches to study presynaptic function in health and disease.

We are seeking a Research Fellow to join Professor Kirill Volynski’s laboratory and contribute to an interdisciplinary research programme investigating the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying neurodevelopmental disorders caused by mutations in synaptic vesicle release machinery genes, known as SNAREopathies.

You will investigate the functional consequences of disease-linked variants using advanced electrophysiological and optical approaches, including quantitative fluorescence imaging of neurotransmitter release at individual synapses. The research will draw on complementary expertise in synaptic physiology, molecular biology, biophysics and structural biology.

The role involves collaboration with Professor Dimitri Kullmann at UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology and Dr Shyam Krishnakumar at Yale University, providing an opportunity to work across complementary research environments and contribute to research that will advance understanding of SNAREopathies and inform potential therapeutic and gene therapy approaches.

The post is available from 01 November 2026 and is funded by an MRC grant awarded to Professor Volynski for one year 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 ( [email protected] ).

We expect to hold interviews on Thursday, 22nd October.

A full job description and person specification for this role can be accessed below. To apply, please upload a current CV, complete the online application form, and use the supporting statement section or upload a cover letter to outline how you meet the essential and desirable criteria for the role. Please do not upload any additional attachments as these will not be considered by the selection panel.

You’ll have a PhD in a relevant discipline within neuroscience or biophysics (or be close to obtaining) and a track record of experimental laboratory research. Experience of quantitative optical microscopy and/or patch-clamp electrophysiology, molecular biology, and working with neuronal 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.

The 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 EDI website for more information about our initiatives and priorities. The Institute also holds an Athena SWAN Silver award , 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.

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. 12% of Institute staff are actively working on EDI initiatives; visit https://www.ucl.ac.uk/ion/equality-diversity-inclusion for more information about what we’re doing. 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.