Research Fellow - Institute of Ophthalmology

The Institute of Ophthalmology is committed to a multi-disciplinary research portfolio that furthers an understanding of the eye and visual system linked with clinical investigations targeted to specific problems in the prevention and treatment of eye disease.

The combination of the Institute’s research resource with the resources of Moorfields Eye Hospital, which has the largest ophthalmic patient population in the Western World, opens the way for advances at the forefront of vision research and provides an unparalleled setting for research and training in ophthalmology.

Salary: UCL Grade 7 spine point 29 (£39,508 per annum, inclusive of London Allowance)

Duration: 12 months, in the first instance

Inherited retinal diseases are the commonest cause of blindness amongst working age adults in the UK. They affect 1 in 2000 people worldwide and are caused by faults in our genetic code or DNA found in over 260 identified genes. One such gene is called CRB1, which provides instructions for making a protein that plays an essential role in the development of the light sensitive layer at the back of our eye (the retina) and in parts of our brain. When mutations exist in the CRB1 gene, individuals can develop different patterns of sight loss.

Working in close collaboration with Professor Mariya Moosajee, the Post Doctoral Fellow will use a range of techniques to facilitate the group’s work, including: stem cell culture, generation of iPSC colonies and differentiation into target retinal cells, histology, electron and confocal microscopy, molecular biology such as western blots, and immunocytochemistry. Additional skills may be required for testing in vivo models, and necessary training will be provided where necessary.

Candidates with a PhD (essential), experience in the aforementioned techniques, and who are bright, independent and highly motivated, but willing and able to work effectively as part of a collaborative team are encouraged to apply.

Due to the nature of the role, an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check is required for this post. Any offer of employment will be subject to a DBS check

The candidate must be a good communicator, both in lay and scientific terms, with strong writing skills. The candidate should be organised, hardworking and enjoy writing.

Application Process

If you have any queries regarding the vacancy please contact Professor Mariya Moosajee (m.moosajee@ucl.ac.uk) . If you have any queries regarding the application process please email: ioo.hr@ucl.ac.uk.

A job description and person specification can be accessed at the bottom of this page.

To apply for the vacancy please click on the 'Apply Now' button below.

Please ensure you attach your CV and highest academic qualification. In addition, please ensure you provide a personal statement outlining how you meet the criteria to support your application.

Working with some of the greatest intellects in the world, UCL also offers a generous pension scheme and holiday allowance, plus closure and bank holidays as well as enhanced parental pay and more.

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 Silver award, in recognition of our commitment and demonstrable impact in advancing gender equality.