Closing date for applications: Thursday 7th May 2026, 5pm BST

In-person interview dates: Tuesday 16th and Wednesday 17 June 2026


The UK Dementia Research Institute (UK DRI) is committed to transforming the lives of people affected by neurodegenerative conditions. We are seeking to appoint two Group Leaders (Principal Investigators) who will drive a visionary programme of experimental and translational research in any area of neuroscience relevant to dementia and neurodegeneration while also contributing to our collaborative and inclusive scientific community. As part of a distributed national MRC institute, these posts will be based at the UK DRI at Cardiff University with the ability to collaborate across sites

As a UK DRI Group Leader, you will lead an internationally competitive research programme. All areas of neuroscience will be considered, but we are keen to receive applications with experimental approaches that use mouse genetics and physiology, organoids, human-to-mouse chimeric models or human tissue. We welcome applications focussing on molecular, cellular or systems neuroscience, including glial biology, neural circuits and neuron-glia and gliovascular interactions. You will contribute to an integrated, collaborative, interdisciplinary, and open science environment. The UK DRI will provide support to enable the rapid translation of the fundamental insights gained into drug development and tangible benefits for people living with neurodegenerative conditions.

Applications are welcome from those seeking independence for the first time, as well as from established tenured researchers from the UK and abroad. The primary criteria for evaluation will be recent research excellence, scientific vision and potential for collaborative research across the UK DRI.

We're looking for people who have:

• A proven ability to develop and lead a programme of internationally competitive molecular, cellular or systems neuroscience research that complements the present research portfolios across the UK DRI

• An established record of recent high-quality, impactful research, published in national and international journals and/or other quantifiable research outputs

• A proven ability to shape, develop, inspire and lead a research group

• A commitment to the involvement of people with neurodegenerative conditions

• Excellent communication and networking skills, evidence of successful relationship building, collaboration, and project management

• A proven ability to attract research funding and engage in laboratory-specific and collaborative research

• Evidence of commitment to nurture and support the development of the next generation of researchers

• A commitment to supporting and fostering a positive research culture that promotes diversity and inclusion, nurturing of talent, and open science

• An understanding and commitment to mission and vision of the UK DRI

• A postgraduate research degree, MD or PhD or equivalent, with relevant postdoctoral experience

• For clinical applicants: A relevant registration in accordance with University requirements

Desirable:

• Outstanding track record in experimental studies of cognitive function or neurodegeneration using mice, organoids, human-to-mouse chimeric models or human tissues

• Expertise in electrophysiological, imaging, transcriptomic or proteomic methods

• Commitment to engage with stakeholders to translate research into new tests or treatments for neurodegenerative conditions

• Experience of teaching at a high level of quality at either undergraduate/postgraduate level commensurate with the academic level applied for

The full job pack is available here. 

To apply:

The UK DRI’s structure provides that Group Leaders are employed by the university at which they are based. The successful Group Leader applicants will be initially funded for seven years from a core UK DRI budget with generous support for salaries, start-up equipment and resources for a new research team to support the programme. We anticipate Reader/Professorial appointments will be under-pinned by a permanent appointment versus a review process for all other appointees (leading to a permanent tenured position after 7 years).

Both Group Leader positions are planned for the UK DRI at Cardiff University.

To apply, please visit the UK DRI careers site, and submit:

• A cover letter outlining your background and your motivation for joining us.

• A research statement summarizing your research accomplishments and presenting your seven-year research vision. This must be no more than five pages, including references and all material (with the text no smaller than Arial 11 point).

• A full curriculum vitae highlighting no more than five of your top papers, a list of all your publications and details of three referees.

• A lay summary of your application (no more than 400 words). This must use appropriate lay language, avoid technical language, and give a realistic representation of the scientific sections.

No agencies please.
By applying to this role, you understand and agree that your information will be shared within the UK DRI People & Culture team and/or any team members at the UK DRI or Cardiff University who are part of the hiring process.

The UK DRI is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. We encourage applications from all backgrounds, including but not limited to, gender, race, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, and age. We believe that a diverse workforce leads to richer ideas and better outcomes for our research community and the people we serve.

We look forward to receiving your application.

For candidates only: if you wish to have an informal discussion about this opportunity, please contact Prof. Baljit S Khakh, UK DRI Centre Director Cardiff University (incoming)  via email:  baljit.khakh@ukdri.ac.uk