Research Assistant

Dementia is the greatest health challenge of our century.

To date there is no way to prevent it or even slow its progression, and there is an urgent need to fill the knowledge gap in our basic understanding of the diseases that cause it.

The UK Dementia Research Institute (UK DRI) is the biggest UK initiative driving forward research to fill this gap.

We are a globally leading multidisciplinary research institute of 700 staff investigating the spectrum of neurodegenerative disorders causing dementia, with laboratory-based research groups located at University College London, the University of Cambridge, Cardiff University, Edinburgh University, Imperial College London and King’s College London.

UCL’s strength in combining excellent clinical and basic neuroscience research to advance our understanding of neurodegeneration and identify novel targets and therapeutic approaches for dementia resulted in its selection as the hub of the UK DRI. Research at the  UK DRI at UCL  covers the journey from the person living with dementia to the laboratory and back again - with improved diagnosis and potential therapies put to the test. The groups believe in intervening earlier in disease in order to change the trajectory. 

Applications are invited for a Research Assistant to support the Research Fellow with various experimental procedures, analysis of results and lab organisation, aiming not only to apply the current methods used in the laboratory, but also to improve their efficacy and expand their reach. The post holder will work under the direct supervision of the Research Fellow but be expected to work independently and provide input into the design and execution of experiments on a day-to-day basis.

Candidates must have a BSc or equivalent qualification in a relevant discipline (Neuroscience, Physiology, Biology, Medicine or a related field) and experience with basic rodent handling and injections, cell and tissue culturing (immortalized cell lines and organotypic brain slice cultures), and viral vectors and/or molecular biology (cloning, DNA extractions, PCR, rAAV). IT proficiency at advanced user level (Spreadsheet, Word Processing, Database, Email, Web based applications), and good interpersonal skills with an ability to work co-operatively in a multidisciplinary setting, interact successfully with others, and learn new skills are essential. Excellent oral and written communication skills, flexible attitude towards work, and being proactive in solving problems while maintaining a meticulous, disciplined approach to accuracy and reproducibility are also requirements. Knowledge of neuroscience related themes (anatomy, pathological mechanisms etc.) and experience with immunohistochemistry and confocal microscopy, basic biochemistry (protein isolations, western blotting) are desirable.

The post is available from October 2021 and is funded by a Race Against Dementia ARUK Fellowship for 2.5 years in the first instance. Starting salary on UCL Grade 6B with salary of £31,542 per annum including London Allowance.

If you have any queries regarding the vacancy or the application process, please contact Oksana Shapoval, HR Officer, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology (email: [email protected] ).

You should apply for this post through UCL's online recruitment – www.ucl.ac.uk/hr/jobs where you can download a job description and person specification using ref: 1878047.

Closing date: 30 September 2021

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