Job Description

About us
The Department of Neurodegenerative Disease is recognised as one of foremost international centres for the study of dementia and other neurodegenerative disease.
The Wray lab, based in the Department, is recognised nationally and internationally for their work investigating the molecular mechanisms of Alzheimer's Disease and Frontotemporal Dementia. The lab is one of many research teams at the Institute that use iPSC to complement other in vitro and in vivo models to understand the molecular, cellular and circuit abnormalities underlying the pathological deficits observed in Alzheimer's disease and other neurodegenerative disorders.
About the role
We are seeking a skilled and enthusiastic Research Assistant to support the daily research operations of Professor Selina Wray's laboratory.
You will join an established and dedicated team of researchers using human induced pluripotent stem cells to study neurodegenerative diseases. As part of this team, you will contribute to a project aimed at resolving the molecular basis of motor neuron degeneration, with a particular focus on the relationship between genomic instability and aberrant RNA metabolism, using established human stem cell models of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).
Key activities will include the differentiation and characterisation of motor neurons from human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) derived from ALS patients, using state-of-the-art tissue culture facilities and a variety of cutting-edge molecular techniques. The role offers a compelling opportunity to contribute to high-impact research within an intellectually stimulating and internationally diverse scientific community, with extensive opportunities for skill development and professional growth.
The post is available immediately and is funded by the My Name'5 Doddie Foundation and the Motor Neurone Disease Association for one year in the first instance.
This is a unique opportunity to work in a vibrant research environment at the cutting edge of disease-related neuroscience, both within the UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology and the UK Dementia Research Institute, and through collaborations with external laboratories and industry.
This is an internal secondment role, available to current UCL staff only.
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 ( ).
For informal enquiries about the role please contact Professor Selina Wray ( ) and Dr Giulia Tyzack ( ).
A full job description and person specification for this role can be accessed below. To apply, please upload a current CV, complete the online application form, and use the supporting statement section or upload a cover letter to outline how you meet the essential and desirable criteria for the role. Please do not upload any additional attachments as these will not be considered by the selection panel.
About you
Applicants should have a BSc in Neuroscience, Developmental Biology, Molecular Biology or a related discipline and experience of working with human stem cells. Experience in biochemistry and molecular biology techniques and of differentiating stem cells into disease relevant cell types is essential, as is excellent time management, the ability to work well under pressure, and excellent written and oral communication and reporting skills. Experience of differentiating stem cells into disease relevant cell types such as Neurons and Neural precursors is desirable.
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 on UCL Grade 6B in the range 39,148 - 40,805 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

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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 for more information.
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 for more information about our initiatives and priorities. The Institute also holds an , 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.
Available documents

Skills Required