Job Description

Ref Number

B02-09472

Professional Expertise

Research and Research Support

Department

School of Life & Medical Sciences (B02)

Location

London

Working Pattern

Full time

Salary

See advert text

Contract Type

Fixed-term

Working Type

On site

Available for Secondment

No

Closing Date

05-Oct-2025

About us

------------


The laboratory of Dr Counsell is based in the UCL Division of Surgery and Interventional Science, with a broad collaborative network across UCL, with a strong collaborative network in the UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health.



The Counsell Research Group specialises in development of platform technologies, with multiple patented genetic technologies and a track record of translational research funding to develop therapeutic products from these technologies, with a focus on metabolic diseases (Maple Syrup Urine Disease), neuromuscular diseases (Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy), and immunotherapies (CAR-T technologies).

About the role

------------------


The post holder will be involved in a project led by Dr John Counsell, to develop innovative genetic therapies for diseases with high unmet need. You will run experimental studies in collaboration with a gene therapy startup company and collaborating groups based in GOSH Institute of Child Health to run proof of concept studies to exemplify their mechanism of action.



The main duties of the post will involve synthesis and manufacture of prototype viral vectors, as well as testing their ability to treat experimental disease models, in vivo and in vitro.



Other


The advert will close on 05 October at 23:59 GMT, however we may close applications early if we receive a high volume of applications. Early application submission is recommended.

Interview Date(s) TBC

If you have any queries about the role, please contact Dr John Counsel on j.counsell@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 Team on l.oppong@ucl.ac.uk

The UCL Ways of Working supports colleagues to be successful and happy at UCL through sharing expectations around how we work - please visit www.ucl.ac.uk/ways-of-working to find out more.


. As a minimum we will keep all adverts open for 2 weeks.

About you

-------------


MSc in a relevant subject area.


Recently awarded, or soon to complete, a PhD related to genetic therapies (Essential for G7).


Prior knowledge of gene therapy technologies, particularly basic molecular biology techniques.


The successful candidate must have experience in molecular cloning and generating viral vectors.


Good organisational skills and attention to detail.


Experience with, or knowledge of, flow cytometry would be advantageous.

What we offer

-----------------


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 department holds an Athena SWAN Silver award, in recognition of our commitment and demonstrable impact in advancing gender equality.