Research Technician

About us

The Research Department of Neurodegenerative Disease is focused on the study of neurodegenerative diseases causing dementia and related disorders. We focus on mechanistic dissection of genetic, molecular, cellular and neuropathological processes which underlie neurodegeneration in particular diseases and across the neurodegeneration spectrum. A related touchstone of our research is to identify pathophysiological mechanisms and markers that link molecular pathology to clinical phenotypes of neurodegenerative disease.

The Isaacs Lab, based in the Department, investigates the molecular mechanisms underlying frontotemporal dementia (FTD) and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The lab is particularly interested in the C9orf72 gene, which is a common cause of both FTD and ALS, and the CHMP2B gene, which is a rare cause of FTD.

About the role

The Isaacs Lab is developing new gene therapy approaches for FTD/ALS and we are looking for a Research Technician to work on pathological analysis and biomarker development for a treatment being tested in mouse models of FTD/ALS.

The role is available immediately and funded by Eli Lilly until 30 June 2025 in the first instance.

If you need reasonable adjustments or a more accessible format to apply for this job online, or 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 Adrian Isaacs (a.isaacs@ucl.ac.uk).

A full job description and person specification for this role can be accessed below.

About you

You will have a BSc in a relevant discipline (e.g., biomedical research), as well as experience with mouse handling, mouse brain and spinal cord dissection, cryostat, microtome sectioning, qPCR, and western blotting. Experience with immunostaining, widefield and confocal microscopy, image analysis, and ELISA development is also required for this role. Excellent communication skills are essential, as are strong problem-solving abilities.

This role does not meet the eligibility requirements for a Skilled Worker Visa certificate of sponsorship under UK Visas and Immigration legislation. Therefore UCL will not be able to sponsor individuals who require right to work in the UK to carry out this role.

What we offer

Starting salary offered at £35,630 per annum, inclusive of London Allowance.

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
• 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.

This appointment is subject to UCL Terms and Conditions of Service for Research and Professional Services Staff.

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.