Job Description

Ref Number

B02-09065

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

Yes

Closing Date

28-Jul-2025

About us

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The UK Dementia Research Institute (UK DRI) is a globally leading multidisciplinary research institute of over 900 staff investigating the spectrum of neurodegenerative disorders causing dementia, driving a step change in our understanding of neurodegeneration, and accelerating the discovery, development and delivery of interventions that will help diagnose, treat, and ultimately prevent dementia.



Part of the UK DRI at UCL, the De Strooper/Arancibia lab is currently located at the Francis Crick Institute, and focuses on understanding the fundamental mechanisms that underlie neurodegenerative disease, with a particular interest in the cellular phase of Alzheimer's disease, the neuro-immune axis and single cell genomics.

About the role

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The lab is recruiting a Research Assistant to join the team and support a number of projects that rely on the use of xenotransplantation models to investigate microglia responses to amyloid pathology.



This is a varied and interesting role that includes assisting in wet lab duties (including tissue culture of iPSC lines and immunohistochemistry), animal handling, and bioinformatic analysis of transcriptomic data sets.



The post is available immediately and funded by the MRC for one year 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 Dr Lorena Arancibia (l.carcamo@ucl.ac.uk).



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

About you

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You'll have a BSc in natural sciences or neuroscience (or a related subject) and experience of handling transgenic mouse lines and with rodent transcardial perfusions. Strong IT skills, including Python and R (for data analysis) and the use of Cell Profiler and GSEA software, are essential, as is experience of working with microglia, iPSCs, bioinformatics, genomics, and transcriptomics. A creative, independent thinker, you'll be proactive and resourceful, with a understanding and interest in the mission of the UK DRI.



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

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Starting salary offered in the range 38,607 - 41,255 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. Please visit https://www.ucl.ac.uk/human-resources/conditions-service-research-teaching-and-professional-services-staff for more information.

Our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

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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.