About us
The mission of the Department of Clinical and Experimental Epilepsy (DCEE) 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.
Based within the department, the Sisodiya group focuses on understanding complex epilepsies using a multimodal approach, including clinical phenotyping, genomics, imaging, and other methodologies, with an emphasis on translational impact.
About the role
We have an exciting opportunity for an enthusiastic and motivated postdoctoral Computational Biologist to contribute to multimodal data integration as part of a translational genomics programme within the group led by Professor Sanjay Sisodiya.
You will join an established team of bioinformaticians and clinicians with a strong track record of innovation and high-impact research in epilepsy genomics. You will apply statistical expertise to design and implement methods for the integration and analysis of data sets from research projects investigating the genetics of epilepsies.
You will be responsible for a range of research activities, amongst which will be working closely with the bioinformaticians in the team on genomic, clinical and other data in epilepsy, and close collaboration in research projects aiming for clinical application across the group, and through collaborative external projects, such as with Genomics England Ltd (100,000 Genomes project) and other national and international initiatives.
The post is based at Queen Square and the renowned Chalfont Centre for Epilepsy in Buckinghamshire, which houses translational research facilities and onsite laboratories.
The role is available from 01 September 2025 and funded by the Epilepsy Society until 31 May 2028 in the first instance.
This role is eligible for hybrid working with between 40-60% 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 ([email protected]).
Informal enquiries regarding the role can be addressed to Professor Professor Sanjay Sisodiya ([email protected]).
A full job description and person specification for this role can be accessed below.
About you
You will have a PhD in Computational Biology, Applied Mathematics, Statistics, Biostatistics, Epidemiology, Bioinformatics, Computer Science, Neurological Genetics or a closely related discipline.
Excellent oral and written communication skills, strong problem-solving abilities, an interest in research and a commitment to supporting high quality research and a very high level of consideration for patients and research subjects is key for this role.
Expert knowledge and experience working in a Linux server environment and experience in computational genomics is also essential, as is experience in scripting and/or programming using languages such as Bash, C, C++, or Python.
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 £38,607 - £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.
