Research Fellow

About us

The Division of Biosciences at UCL is one of the world's foremost centres for research and teaching in the biological sciences. We have an outstanding international reputation and a community of over 500 staff and more than 300 PhD students engaged in cutting edge research and collaboration.

Further information can be found on our website Biosciences

This is an exciting opportunity to join the Amoyel lab in the Department of Cell and Developmental Biology at UCL on a Wellcome Trust-funded project.

The lab studies how local and systemic environmental inputs influence reproduction. We use a variety of approaches, from genetics and imaging, RNA sequencing and metabolomics, to mathematical modelling. We use the Drosophila testis as a model system, exploiting the many tools available in flies, as well as developing new tools when needed. Our research aims to bridge scales to understand how cell behaviour is coordinated both at the local level and with organismal physiology and how this is underpinned by changes in cell biology.

The lab aims to be an inclusive and supportive environment; all applicants are welcome and informal enquiries are encouraged.

About the role

The post holder will investigate how diet impacts on male fertility in Drosophila. They will join a team within the lab studying systemic physiology and its regulation by diet, and in turn, how stem cells in the gonad respond to these changes. Initially, they will contribute to ongoing work in which we seek to identify inter-organ signals that regulate the response of testis stem cells to nutrient levels. Over time, the successful candidate would be expected to develop independent lines of research and original contributions within this broad topic.

This role is an open-ended contract with a funding end date of 28/02/2028 in the first instance.

Appointment at Grade 7 is dependent upon having been awarded a PhD; if this is not the case, initial appointment will be at Grade 6B (salary £38,357 - £41,005 per annum) with payment at Grade 7 being backdated to the date of final submission of the PhD Thesis.

This appointment is subject to UCL Terms and Conditions of Service for Research and Professional Services Staff. Please visit Conditions service research teaching and professional services staff for more information.

Successful candidates will be expected to adhere to the Wellcome Trust’s policies on the Responsible Conduct of Research (Responsible conduct research), as well as other Wellcome Trust policies (Policies grant conditions), including promoting a positive research environment and a commitment to continuing personal development.

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 Marc Amoyel at marc.amoyel@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 the HR Administrator.

About you

You will be expected to lead a research project, through designing and conducting experiments in consultation with the supervisor. You will be able to work independently and as part of a team, to present your work to colleagues and to a wider audience, and to critically evaluate your work and the scientific literature.

You must have a PhD in a relevant field (eg developmental or stem cell biology, cell biology or metabolism), or be working towards obtaining one. You should have a track record in producing high quality research, and be in a position to apply for research fellowships. Experience with Drosophila work is desirable but not essential, but you should have experience of biochemical or ‘omics techniques and a good understanding of metabolic pathways and their influence on cell behaviour.

What we offer

The UCL Ways of Working supports colleagues to be successful and happy at UCL through sharing expectations around how we work – please Ways working to find out more.

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 Reward and benefits to find out more.

Our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

As London’s Global University, we know that diversity and inclusion are fundamental drivers of creativity, innovation, and excellence, 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, thrive, and reach our full potential. 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; and for our Grade 9 and 10 roles, women’.

Our department holds an Athena SWAN Silver award, in recognition of our commitment to advancing gender equality. You can read more about our commitment to Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion here: Equality diversity inclusion.