Principal Research Fellow

Ref Number

B

Professional Expertise

Research and Research Support

Department

School of Life & Medical Sciences (B02)

Location

London

Working Pattern

Full time

Salary

See advert text

Contract Type

Fixed-term

Working Type

Hybrid

Available for Secondment

No

Closing Date

08-Dec-2025

The mission of the Research Department of Epilepsy (DoE) 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 Sisodiya group focuses on understanding complex epilepsies from a multimodal approach, focusing on clinical phenotyping, genomics, imaging and other approaches, with a view to translational impact. The group also works on climate change impacts on neurological disorders, especially epilepsy.

We are seeking a Principal Research Fellow to lead work on the genomics of epilepsy within a wider programme of translational research, including genomics and climate change, under the supervision of Professor Sanjay Sisodiya.

You will oversee a team of analysts and provide strategic bioinformatics support across multidisciplinary projects. The role involves analysing clinical and genomic data from well-characterised epilepsy cohorts, with a focus on clinical application, in collaboration with national and international partners including Genomics England, UK Biobank, Epi25, and ENIGMA-Epilepsy.

The role is available immediately and is funded by Epilepsy Society until 31 May 2028 in the first instance with the possibility of extension.

This role is eligible for hybrid working with a minimum of 60% of time on site.

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 ).

Informal enquiries regarding the role can be addressed to Professor Sanjay Sisodiya ).

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 will hold a PhD in Genetics, Bioinformatics, Biostatistics, Computer Science, or a closely related discipline, with a strong track record in computational genomics and next-generation sequencing analysis. You will have extensive experience in bioinformatics research, demonstrated through high-impact publications, successful grant funding, and leadership of junior analysts or computational staff.

Expertise in Linux environments, scripting/programming (e.g., Bash, Python, R), and genomic analysis pipelines is essential, along with hands-on experience working with large datasets and public repositories such as Genomics England, UK Biobank, and gnomAD.

You will be a collaborative and effective leader, with a strong problem-solving mindset, excellent interpersonal skills, and a demonstrable ability to work across multidisciplinary teams. A meticulous approach to data integration, commitment to high research standards, and willingness to continue learning are key to success in this role.

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.

Starting salary offered in the range £68,284 - £74,166 per annum inclusive of London Allowance.

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 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 for more information.

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.