Job Description

About us
UCL School of Pharmacy is one of the world's leading centres of excellence for pharmaceutical science, education and professional engagement, ranked third in the world by QS (2025, Pharmacy and Pharmacology). The Division has a track record in high-quality research across a broad range of drug discovery, pharmacy and patient safety-related areas, and for developing spinout companies that have brought new therapeutic strategies to patients.
Further information can be found on our website http://www.ucl.ac.uk/pharmacy/ This is an exciting opportunity to join Professor Zoe Waller's research team.
You will work in a collaborative and innovative team who are committed to understanding i-motif DNA structure and function.
About the role
The main purpose of this position is to use a range of cell biology, molecular biological and biophysical techniques to investigate the stability and biological functions of i-motif DNA secondary structures in human genome and their potential role in the ageing process.
This post will be based in Prof Zoe Waller's lab at UCL School of Pharmacy. The work forms part of a collaborative BBSRC funded grant jointly held with Dr Yiliang Ding (JIC) and Dr Tim Craggs (Sheffield).
The ideal candidate will be a well-trained and highly motivated scientist who will actively drive the research project they will design and conduct experiments under the direction of the PI. They will analyse and present the results, discuss the work with the PI, CoIs and collaborators and be able to communicate the work to both other scientists and the general public. They will be responsible for maintaining accurate records of data and up to date protocols/procedures during the project.
C-rich regions of DNA can form alternative secondary structures called i-motifs, which have not only shown utility as bio-compatible pH-responsive materials in nanotechnology, but also have been shown to exist and act as molecular switches in cells. Although there have been significant advances in this area, we are still yet to understand their prevalence in the human genome and extent of their roles in biology. Our hypothesis is that iM structures form in vivo but natural mutations will affect the function of these structures and could result in age-related diseases and conditions. The project will test this using a range of bioinformatic, biological, biophysical and molecular biology techniques. In this proposal, we will bring together the new understanding of i-motifs to investigate the effects of ageing on these structures, their potential changes in function and how this may play a role in age-related diseases and conditions.

• Research Fellows - 'Appointment at Grade 7 is dependent upon having been awarded a PhD; if this is not the case, initial appointment will be at Grade 6B (salary 38,357 - 41,005 per annum) with payment at Grade 7 being backdated to the date of final submission of the PhD Thesis.'

• We will consider applications to work on a part-time, flexible and job share basis wherever possible.

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

Please visit https://www.ucl.ac.uk/human-resources/conditions-service-research-teaching-and-professional-services-staff for more information.
A job description and person specification can be accessed at the bottom of this page.
If you have any queries about the role, please contact Prof. Zoe Waller (z.waller@ucl.ac.uk). If you need reasonable adjustments or a more accessible format to apply for this job online or have any queries about the application process, please contact the HR Administrator.
About you
Applicants must have, or expect to shortly be awarded, a PhD (or equivalent qualification), in cell-biology, biochemistry, molecular biology, chemical biology or a related area and be able to fulfil all essential elements of the person specification. This fixed-term, full-time post is available as soon as possible for up to a period of 5 months in the first instance. The PDRA must be able to execute experiments independently, provide intellectual input and be motivated to drive the project. The PDRA will be responsible for the day to day running of the project and support the general running of the laboratory.
Project duties

• Communicate and to interact productively with the PI and all other lab members

• To be intellectually involved with the project

• To work independently and on own initiative

• To develop any new techniques for the project, as required

• To maintain well organized records of data and research outcomes

• To discuss and interpret results

• To co-write scientific publications and assist with preparation of figures

• To participate actively in lab meetings and the scientific life of the school

• To present and discuss the project at meetings as appropriate

• To communicate with PhD students and PDRA of the group and the School

• To supervise and instruct more junior researchers including interns, Undergraduate and Masters students

• To become engaged with outreach activities

• To be flexible with respect to working hours depending on project requirements

• To visit Sheffield and the John Innes Centre when required for work based placements Techniques involved

• Human cell culture

• Standard molecular biology techniques

• Cloning

• Reporter gene assays

• UV, CD, NMR, FRET and single molecule FRET

• Whole genome sequencing, NGS

• Chemical footprinting/SHAPE-based methodologies

• Bioinformatics

• Data analysis

The precise duties will be agreed in discussion with the Manager/PI.
What we offer
The UCL Ways of Working supports colleagues to be successful and happy at UCL through sharing expectations around how we work - please visit https://www.ucl.ac.uk/human-resources/policies-advice/ways-working to find out more.
As well as the exciting opportunities this role presents, we also offer some 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
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+ people; and for our Grade 9 and 10 roles, women. Our division holds an Athena SWAN Bronze award, in recognition of our commitment to advancing gender equality.
You can read more about our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion here: https://www.ucl.ac.uk/equality-diversity-inclusion/
Available documents

Skills Required