Research Fellow - Salinas lab

Biosciences 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 Prof Patricia C. Salinas lab at the Research Department of Cell and Developmental Biology.

Prof Salinas leads an active research team in the main campus of UCL at the heart of London. Our main aim is to elucidate novel mechanisms that control the formation and stability of neuronal connections in the vertebrate nervous system in particular emphasis on the mouse as a model organism. We use a combination of in vitro and in vivo analyses of neuronal circuits using cell biology, molecular biology, transcriptomic and proteomic analyses combined with electrophysiology and behavioural studies to assess changes in synaptic connectivity and learning and memory.

The main purpose of this position is to elucidate novel cellular and molecular mechanisms by which Wnt signalling regulates synaptic plasticity and how dysfunction of this pathway is affected in Alzheimer’s disease. The postdoctoral researcher will work independently but with the team to study neuronal connectivity.

Appointment at Grade 7 is dependent upon having been awarded a PhD; if this is not the case, initial appointment will be at research assistant Grade 6B (Salary £34,502- £36,348 per annum, including London Allowance) with payment at Grade 7 being backdated to the date of final submission of the PhD thesis (including corrections).

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 Prof Patricia C. Salinas at p.salinas@ucl.ac.uk.

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.

You must have a PhD degree and proven knowledge of neurobiology and synaptic connectivity. Experience in conducting scientific research with integrity and in the use of animals (mice) is also essential.

As 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
Immigration 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 https://www.ucl.ac.uk/work-at-ucl/reward-and-benefits to find out more.

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+ people; and for our Grade 9 and 10 roles, women.


Our department holds an Athena SWAN Bronze award, in recognition of our commitment to advancing gender equality.

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