Job Description

Ref Number

B02-09358

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

11-Sep-2025

About us

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The Department of Clinical and Experimental Epilepsy is focused on advancing the understanding and treatment of neurological disease, particularly epilepsy, but also other neurological disorders.



Within the Department of Epilepsy, the Jepson laboratory utilises fruit fly (Drosophila) models to study the cellular basis of neurological phenotypes in an array of neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative disorders, including dystonia, epilepsy, neuropathies, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The Jepson laboratory is also interested in using Drosophila to study the molecular underpinnings of sleep and circadian rhythms.

About the role

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Using Drosophila as an in vivo model, the Jepson laboratory has recently investigated how loss-of-function mutations in the cell cycle transcriptional suppressor Rbf/RBL2 cause a wide spectrum of neurological phenotypes as part of an early-onset progressive neurodevelopmental disorder (Aughey et al., (2025) Brain).



These studies, alongside unpublished follow-up investigations, have revealed an unexpected role for this cell cycle protein in promoting circadian rhythms by acting in post-mitotic (non-dividing) neurons - a phenotype strikingly analogous to sleep perturbations exhibited by human patients carrying RBL2 mutations.



We have now obtained funding to further define the mechanisms by which Rbf acts in Drosophila clock neurons to regulate circadian rhythmicity. This will involve performing behavioural genetic experiments to quantify circadian rhythmicity in various Drosophila strains and helping to perform cell-specific transcriptomic analyses in defined clock neurons to uncover how Rbf modulates the circadian transcriptome.



The post is available from 01 October 2025 and is funded by the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council for 18 months 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 James Jepson (j.jepson@ucl.ac.uk).



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

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You will have an undergraduate degree in Biological Sciences (or a related field) coupled with experience in Drosophila husbandry, maintenance, genetics, and behavioural assays, and in RNA isolation. Experience in laboratory management and upkeep, with coding languages, and a knowledge background relevant to neuroscience and neurological disease research are also essential for this role.



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 39,148 - 41,833 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.



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.

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.