Research Fellow

About us

UCL is one of the world's top universities based in the heart of London. It is a modern, outward-looking institution. UCL's staff and former students have included 30 Nobel prizewinners. It is a truly international community: more than one-third of our student body – more than 51,000 strong – come from 150 countries and over one-third of staff are from outside the UK.

About the role

You will join the mechanobiology and biophysics laboratory which investigates the molecular mechanisms underlying positioning of chromosomes and mitotic spindles in dividing cells: https://profiles.ucl.ac.uk/70849 ; https://www.crick.ac.uk/research/labs/maxim-molodtsov . The aim of this project is to measure mechanical forces that position chromosomes and microtubules of the spindle in 3D space in dividing cells. You will become part of interdisciplinary team that develops methods to manipulate spindles and measure forces generated by specific molecules in living cells.

This position is funded for 15 months in the first instance.

Candidates will need to upload a CV (including a list of publications), and the contact information for two references. A cover letter should be included using the “Statement in Support of your Application” section of the online form.

Informal enquiries regarding the vacancy can be made to: or

About you

The successful applicant will have a PhD in biophysics, biochemistry, molecular, cellular biology, or a related field. Candidates should have experience working with human cell lines (maintaining cell lines, transfection, etc.).

Biochemistry (protein expression, purification, modification), as well as basic fluorescent microscopy skills (e.g. TIRF/confocal microscopy) are desirable.

Candidates should have excellent written and verbal communication and experience in data analysis, interpretation, and presentation of results.

Appointment at Grade 7 is dependent upon having been awarded a PhD; if this is not the case, initial appointment will be a Research Assistant Grade 6B (salary £37,332 - £39,980 per annum, inclusive of London Allowance) with payment at Grade 7 being backdated to the date of final submission of the PhD thesis.

What we offer

As well as the exciting opportunities this role presents, we also offer great benefits. Please visit https://www.ucl.ac.uk/work-at-ucl/rewards-and-benefits to find out more.

Our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

At 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. You can read more about our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion here: https://www.ucl.ac.uk/equality-diversity-inclusion/