Job Description

Ref Number

B02-09085

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

31-Jul-2025

About us

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The UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology Department of Clinical and Movement Neurosciences is a world-leading group that brings together expertise across the clinical, epidemiological and basic science spectrum of human movement and movement disorders. The Department incorporates groups from the Queen Square and Royal Free campuses of the Institute and includes the Reta Lila Weston Institute and the Queen Square Movement Disorders Centre and the functional neurosurgery service.



The Department is in a unique position to pursue research in basic neuroscience that is of direct translational benefit to neurological disorders such as Parkinson's disease, dystonia, stroke, motor neurone disease, peripheral nerve disorders and spinal cord injury. Our Research Groups use a powerful combination of modern non-invasive research technology, theoretical and computational approaches and a variety of cellular, animal and human models to explore how the brain controls normal movement, and how disease leads to neurodegeneration and disordered control of movement.

About the role

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The Department is seeking a motivated Research Assistant to join the Schapira group. The team, led by Professor Tony Schapira, has a major interest in Parkinson's disease and in particular in the genetic causes of this disorder. The team comprises >20 researchers and this appointment will be part of the team.



The post is funded by a grant from EJS-ACTS-PD and a Michael J Fox and ASAP grant as part of GP2: "PD FRONTLINE - genotyping people with idiopathic Parkinson's for clinical trials." The project began in January 2020, to date it has been very successful in recruiting >7000 idiopathic PD patients. This is a web-based research program with collection of DNA samples by post. We focus on identifying Parkinson patients with the two most common genetic causes of the disease; mutations of the glucocerebrosidase (GBA1) or LRRK2 genes.



We now propose to extend the recruitment and sampling as part of recruitment for the Edmond J Safra ACT-PD clinical trials platform. This will provide DNA for GBA1 and LRRK2 sequences on a total of >1600 additional PD individuals and is estimated to identify approximately >160 with GBA gene variants. DNA will be stored for additional genetic analyses such as potential modifier genes for GBA penetrance.



Your principal responsibility will be to work with the team to support the enlargement of the cohort of carriers of a genetic mutation predisposing to Parkinson's disease called glucocerebrosidase (GBA1). Primarily this will involve supporting the web-based recruitment platform, direct support of subjects by telephone, and administrative tasks such as sending out study packs to participants. You will also help with the RAPSODI cohort, which is designed specifically for those with GBA1 mutations, or who are at risk through family members.



Your responsibilities will include engaging and developing the family cohort, including participant education and engagement, and close liaison with charities and patient interest groups.



We particularly encourage applications from candidates with experience in large scale data handling e.g., Python, R, and data management/data analysis e.g., Redcap. There will also be the potential for laboratory-based work to support the project. Training will be provided for this if you do not have experience in laboratory work.



An Honorary contract will be sought from UCLH and Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust, for which a DBS check will be required.



The post is available immediately and funded for 12 months in the first instance, funded by a grant from MJFF-ASAP GP2 and EJS-ACTS grants



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).



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

About you

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You will hold an honours degree (minimum 2:1) in a relevant discipline, and have experience of managing sample processing, handling, storage, and shipment, and with the administration of clinical questionnaires, cognitive/psychological ratings scales, and patient interviews. A high level of IT proficiency, including skills in database design and use (e.g., Redcap, Python, R), a demonstrable aptitude for research, and excellent communication, problem-solving, time management, and interpersonal skills 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 of 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.



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.