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About us

The UK Dementia Research Institute (UK DRI) is the biggest UK initiative supporting research to fill the major knowledge gap in our basic understanding of the diseases that cause dementia.

Research from UK DRI at UCL covers the journey from the patient to the laboratory and back to the patient with improved diagnosis, biomarkers and candidate therapies put to the test.

The Hong Laboratory, based in the UK DRI at UCL, investigates glia-immune mechanisms of synapse loss in age-related neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. We study how the brain’s immune system (microglia and border-associated macrophages) interacts with glia (astrocytes) to influence neuronal synapses, as well as peripheral immune contributions such as gut-brain signaling. Our interdisciplinary work uses cutting-edge techniques including single-cell and spatial transcriptomics, proteomics, super-resolution microscopy, in vivo tracking, mouse models, and human patient tissues and iPS-derived cells.

About the role

We are seeking a motivated Research Fellow to join the Hong Lab, focusing on neuroimmune interactions along the gut–brain axis in Parkinson’s disease. You will lead a project exploring how gut-resident macrophages and T cells contribute to synucleinopathy, building on recent discoveries from the lab (De Schepper et al., Nature 2026; ; https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-025-09984-y). The role involves designing and executing experiments using in vivo models, advanced imaging, omics, and cell-based approaches, as well as analysing and disseminating data.

The role is available from 01 April 2026 and funded by a Wellcome Trust Discovery Award until 31 March 2027 in the first instance.

We are looking for a collaborative, independent, and ambitious researcher with a PhD in Neuroimmunology, Neuroscience, or Immunology, and a strong track record of publications, presentations, and research skills.

You will have demonstrated ability to design, execute, and analyse complex experiments, and to contribute to interdisciplinary projects. You are proactive, resourceful, and able to work both independently and as part of a team, with excellent communication and interpersonal skills. A commitment to high-quality research, mentoring students, and contributing to the wider scientific community is essential.

About the Project
The British Heart Foundation and UK Dementia Research Institute are funding a 4-year PhD programme across the Universities of Edinburgh, Oxford, Leicester and University College London, focused on Vascular Contributions to Dementia and Neurodegeneration.
The programme will recruit 5 students per year, with the first intake in September 2026. Stipends and fees will be paid at the BHF rate, and additional research funds and travel costs will be available to host laboratories.

Programme:
Students will spend the first year rotating across laboratories to gain training in a broad range of research techniques, before selecting a full research project and supervisor for the subsequent three years. Available projects span the full spectrum of research into vascular dementia and neurodegeneration. Potential supervisors and projects are listed below.

How to apply:
Applicants should have, or expect to obtain, at least an upper second-class degree in any area of Biological or Physical Sciences. Non-UK applicants may apply and, if successful, will receive the normal BHF stipend, but may be required to cover the international fees.
To apply, please send a CV and a statement (maximum 2 pages) outlining your interest in the programme, and arrange for two referees to submit references to: neurophd@ucl.ac.uk
Please note that applicants are responsible for ensuring referees submit their references.
Please also specify in your application which university you would prefer to attend.
Shortlisted applicants will be invited to an online interview shortly after the deadline. The PhD programme will commence in September 2026.

For further information:
Please contact one of the following university leads:
David Attwell, UCL, d.attwell@ucl.ac.uk
Jatinder Minhas, Leicester, jm591@leicester.ac.uk
Axel Montagne, Edinburgh, axel.montagne@ed.ac.uk
Sana Suri, Oxford, sana.suri@psych.ox.ac.uk