Research Technician

About us

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.

About the role

RLBP1 is a gene that encodes cellular retinaldehyde binding protein 1 (CRALBP), a 36-kD protein involved in the visual cycle. When the gene is not functional due to genetic changes, it results in a retinal degeneration. Patients experience a prolonged dark adaptation, reduced light sensitivity and progressive loss of vision. Mutations in this gene are known to cause differing phenotypes including retinitis pigmentosa (RP), retinitis punctata albescens, Bothnia-type dystrophy, Newfoundland rod-cone dystrophy, and fundus albipunctatus. RLBP1 is a rare inherited retinal disorder (IRD) with fewer than 200 cases appearing in published research. There is no therapeutic intervention that can slow disease progression or restore sight.

We are looking to appoint a Research Technician to join the Moosajee Laboratory investigating the development of non-viral approaches, using mRNA and non-viral gene therapy, as potential treatment options for RLBP1-retinopathy. The Research Technician will provide technical support on day-to-day laboratory duties such as maintaining cell cultures, prepare stocks and reagents, ensure safety protocols are accurate and up-to-date, maintain equipment, routine molecular biology and maintenance of databases.

Additional duties include performing retina histology (e.g. sectioning, immunohistochemistry, in situ hybridization). The post holder is also expected to learn new techniques / skills on the job.

DBS

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.

About you

The candidate must be a good communicator, both in lay and scientific terms, with strong writing skills. They must be competent with literature searches, have background understanding of genetic eye disease, ideally having seen patients clinically and being aware of their management and needs. The candidate should be organised, hardworking and enjoy writing.

What we offer

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.