Research Assistant

About us

The Dementia Research Centre (DRC) is based in the Department of Neurodegenerative Disease, which is recognised as one of foremost international centres for the study of dementia and other neurodegenerative disease. Our work focuses on identifying and understanding the disease processes that cause dementia, the factors that influence these disease processes, and how best to support people with dementia and their families.

About the role

We have an exciting opportunity for a Research Assistant to join our team to perform assays and other biomarker analyses within the Genetic FTD Initiative (GENFI) study and for associated clinical trials in FTD, particularly in relation to cellular dysfunctions such as neuroinflammation. You will also help with the processing, management, and storage of data and samples collected for these studies.

You will be based at the DRC and the UK Dementia Research Institute (UK DRI) Fluid Biomarker Laboratory in the Queen Square House Laboratory. We collaborate with centres working on neurodegeneration nationally and internationally.

The role is available immediately and is funded from a grant from the Neurogenetic Therapies Programme at UCL until 31 May 2024 in the first instance.

This role is eligible for hybrid working with a minimum of 60-80% on site.

If you have any queries regarding the application process, please contact the Institute of Neurology HR Team (ion.hradmin@ucl.ac.uk).

Informal enquiries regarding the role can be addressed to Professor Jonathan Rohrer (j.rohrer@ucl.ac.uk).

About you

You will have an honours degree (min 2:1) in Neuroscience or related discipline and will have experience with database management and of performing laboratory assays such as ELISAs. In addition to strong problem solving skills, you will be meticulous and accurate in all aspects of work.

This role meets the eligibility requirements for a skilled worker certificate of sponsorship or a global talent visa under UK Visas and Immigration legislation. Therefore, UCL welcomes applications from international applicants who require a visa.

What we offer

The role is offered with a starting salary of £34,502 to £36,348 per annum including London Allowance, on UCL Grade 6B.

As well as the exciting opportunities this role presents, we also offer great benefits, some of which are below:

• 41 Days holiday (27 days annual leave 8 bank holiday and 6 closure days)
• Additional 5 days’ annual leave purchase scheme
• Defined benefit career average revalued earnings pension scheme (CARE)
• Cycle to work scheme and season ticket loan
• Immigration loan
• Relocation scheme for certain posts
• On-Site nursery
• On-site gym
• Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption pay
• Employee assistance programme: Staff Support Service
• Discounted medical insurance

Visit https://www.ucl.ac.uk/work-at-ucl/reward-and-benefits to find out more.

Our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

The Institute prides itself on operating in an all-inclusive environment irrespective of personal, physical, or social characteristics. Teamwork is highly valued, individual strengths are recognised and celebrated, and we are committed to advancing the careers of everyone. 12% of Institute staff are actively working on Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) initiatives; visit our EDI website for more information about our initiatives and priorities. The Institute also holds an Athena SWAN Silver award, in recognition of our commitment and demonstrable impact in advancing gender equality.

As London’s Global University, we know diversity fosters creativity and innovation, and we want our community to represent the diversity of the world’s talent. We are committed to equality of opportunity, to being fair and inclusive, and to being a place where we all belong.

We therefore particularly encourage applications from candidates who are likely to be underrepresented in UCL’s workforce; these include people from Black, Asian and ethnic minority backgrounds, disabled people, LGBTQI+ and gender diverse people in all roles, and women in Grade 9 and 10 roles.