Research Fellow in Mitochondrial Medicine

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.

About the project

Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) dysfunction causes a range of devastating human disorders, for which there is currently no effective treatment. The Spinazzola & Holt group has identified potential therapies to:

• Purge cells of deleterious mtDNA molecules (PMID: 34873176; 35478201; 38402076)
• Reverse mtDNA loss (PMID: 26760297 and manuscript submitted).

Building on these advances, the project's main goals are to:

1. 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.
2. Define the metabolic configuration that favours the selection of the functional mtDNAs.
3. Characterise the key molecular features and series of events that lead from mitochondrial dysfunction to organ pathology and disease.

The new knowledge aims to advance to translational medicine studies in human subjects affected by a range of mtDNA disorders.

About you

As a key member of the research team, you will employ targeted and omic approaches to investigate patient-derived materials (fibroblasts and stem cell derived models) and transgenic mice of mitochondrial DNA disorders.

We are looking for a creative and highly motivated scientist with:

• A PhD or MD
• Knowledge of Biochemistry/Molecular Biology
• Experience with stem cell models (required)
• Experience in brain analysis (desirable)

About us and what we offer

Located within the Department of Clinical and Movement Neurosciences is the research group led by Professors Spinazzola and Holt, two leaders in the field of mitochondrial medicine. The group is well-funded and has modern, multidisciplinary facilities for studying cellular and animal disease models. It also maintains numerous collaborative research links across the UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, UCL, the UK, and internationally.

The role is available immediately and is funded by grants awarded to Professors Spinazzola and Holt until 30 April 2027 in the first instance.

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 £39,148 - £41,833 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 some great benefits; 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 .

The application

For a full job description and to apply for this role please visit UCL's online recruitment portal () and search using vacancy reference B02-08934.

In addition to completing the online application, candidates should attach:

• A full CV
• A one-page research statement describing how the candidate meets the criteria for the post and why they are applying for this role
• The names and contact information of three referees.

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