Research Fellow in Mitochondrial Medicine
UCL AI Centre
London,
England,
United Kingdom
Research and Science
Skilled Worker
Job posted on June 19, 2025
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Job Description:
Ref Number B02-08934 Professional Expertise Research and Research Support Department School of Life & Medical Sciences (B02) Location London Working Pattern Full time Salary £43,374 £51,860 Contract Type Fixed-term Working Type On site Available for Secondment No Closing Date 16-Jul-2025
About Us
The Department of Clinical and Movement Neurosciences is a world-leading group that brings together expertise across the clinical and basic science spectrum of the physiology and pathology of rare and acquired neurodegenerative disorders.
Located within the Department is the research group led by Professors Spinazzola and Holt, two leaders in the field of mitochondrial medicine. Early in their careers, they identified the first pathological mutations in human mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) as well as the first nuclear gene associated with mtDNA instability and disease. Since then, the group has leveraged their knowledge of the fundamental molecular basis of mitochondrial disorders to identify potential therapies for these currently incurable diseases, which now they are testing in in vitro and in vivo models of human mtDNA disorders.
About The Role
We are now recruiting a Research Fellow to join Professors Spinazzola and Holt’s research group to investigate the mechanism of action of compounds that could serve as treatments for mitochondrial diseases.
Specifically, the fellows will investigate compounds that purge cells of deleterious mtDNA molecules (PMID: 34873176; 35478201; 38402076).
The Project’s Main Goals Are To
You will join a dedicated team of scientists and as a key member of the research team, you will employ targeted and omic approaches to investigate patient-derived materials (stem cell derived models) and transgenic mice of mitochondrial DNA disorders. The new knowledge will advance the projects towards translational medicine studies in human subjects affected by a range of mtDNA disorders.
The role is available immediately and is funded by grants awarded to Professors Spinazzola and Holt until 30 April 2027 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 (ion.hradmin@ucl.ac.uk).
Informal enquiries regarding the role can be addressed to Professors Spinazzola (a.spinazzola@ucl.ac.uk) or Holt (i.holt@ucl.ac.uk).
A full job description and person specification for this role can be accessed below.
In addition to completing the online application, candidates should attach:
About You
You will hold a PhD or MD with a background in Neuroscience, Developmental Biology, Molecular Biology, or a related field. Expertise in Biochemistry/Molecular Biology and stem cell-derived models is required.
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.
What we offer
Appointment as Research Fellow is dependent upon having been awarded a PhD; if this is not the case, initial appointment will be as Research Assistant (salary £38,3607 - £ 41,255 per annum) with appointment as Research Fellow being backdated to the date of final submission of the PhD thesis.
As well as the exciting opportunities this role presents, we also offer great benefits, some of which are below:
Visit https://www.ucl.ac.uk/work-at-ucl/reward-and-benefits to find out more.
We will consider applications to work on a part-time, flexible, and job share basis wherever possible.
This appointment is subject to UCL Terms and Conditions of Service for Research and Professional Services Staff. Please visit https://www.ucl.ac.uk/human-resources/conditions-service-research-teaching-and-professional-services-staff for more information.
Our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
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.
Available documents
Attached documents are available under links. Clicking a document link will initialize its download.
APPLY NOW
About Us
The Department of Clinical and Movement Neurosciences is a world-leading group that brings together expertise across the clinical and basic science spectrum of the physiology and pathology of rare and acquired neurodegenerative disorders.
Located within the Department is the research group led by Professors Spinazzola and Holt, two leaders in the field of mitochondrial medicine. Early in their careers, they identified the first pathological mutations in human mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) as well as the first nuclear gene associated with mtDNA instability and disease. Since then, the group has leveraged their knowledge of the fundamental molecular basis of mitochondrial disorders to identify potential therapies for these currently incurable diseases, which now they are testing in in vitro and in vivo models of human mtDNA disorders.
About The Role
We are now recruiting a Research Fellow to join Professors Spinazzola and Holt’s research group to investigate the mechanism of action of compounds that could serve as treatments for mitochondrial diseases.
Specifically, the fellows will investigate compounds that purge cells of deleterious mtDNA molecules (PMID: 34873176; 35478201; 38402076).
The Project’s Main Goals Are To
- Determine the effects of small molecules on the cell types and tissues most affected in mitochondrial DNA disorders, with particular emphasis on neurons and cardiomyocytes.
- Define the metabolic configuration that favours the selection of the functional mtDNAs.
- Characterise the key molecular features and series of events that lead from mitochondrial dysfunction to organ pathology and disease.
You will join a dedicated team of scientists and as a key member of the research team, you will employ targeted and omic approaches to investigate patient-derived materials (stem cell derived models) and transgenic mice of mitochondrial DNA disorders. The new knowledge will advance the projects towards translational medicine studies in human subjects affected by a range of mtDNA disorders.
The role is available immediately and is funded by grants awarded to Professors Spinazzola and Holt until 30 April 2027 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 (ion.hradmin@ucl.ac.uk).
Informal enquiries regarding the role can be addressed to Professors Spinazzola (a.spinazzola@ucl.ac.uk) or Holt (i.holt@ucl.ac.uk).
A full job description and person specification for this role can be accessed below.
In addition to completing the online application, candidates should attach:
- A full CV;
- A 1-page research statement describing how the candidate matches the criteria for the post and why the candidate’s is applying for this role;
- Names and contact information of three reference people.
About You
You will hold a PhD or MD with a background in Neuroscience, Developmental Biology, Molecular Biology, or a related field. Expertise in Biochemistry/Molecular Biology and stem cell-derived models is required.
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.
What we offer
Appointment as Research Fellow is dependent upon having been awarded a PhD; if this is not the case, initial appointment will be as Research Assistant (salary £38,3607 - £ 41,255 per annum) with appointment as Research Fellow being backdated to the date of final submission of the PhD thesis.
As well as the exciting opportunities this role presents, we also offer 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
- 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.
We will consider applications to work on a part-time, flexible, and job share basis wherever possible.
This appointment is subject to UCL Terms and Conditions of Service for Research and Professional Services Staff. Please visit https://www.ucl.ac.uk/human-resources/conditions-service-research-teaching-and-professional-services-staff for more information.
Our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
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.
Available documents
Attached documents are available under links. Clicking a document link will initialize its download.
- download: UCL Guidance for Candidates.pdf
- download: 2025-05-Research Fellow (Spinazzola, CMN)-Job Description & Person Specification.pdf