Job Description

Ref Number

B02-08949

Professional Expertise

Research and Research Support

Department

School of Life & Medical Sciences (B02)

Location

London

Working Pattern

Full time

Salary

43,374 51,860

Contract Type

Fixed-term

Working Type

On site

Available for Secondment

No

Closing Date

08-Jul-2025

About us

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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).



The UCL Division of Surgery and Interventional Science is a collaborative and cross-disciplinary environment where clinicians, engineers, allied health professionals and researchers are constantly striving for innovative approaches to treatment. This includes developing highly effective methods which go beyond the boundaries of conventional wisdom and treating each patient as an individual.

About the role

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You 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.

Role specific details

:


This is a full-time, fixed-term role for 36 months in the first instance Research Assistant - 38,607 to 41,255 per annum inclusive of London Allowance Research Fellow - 44,480 to 51,860 per annum inclusive of London Allowance

Other

The advert will close on 08 July 2025 at 23:59 GMT, however we may close applications early if we receive a high volume of applications. Early application submission is recommended. A job description and person specification can be accessed at the bottom of this page. 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.

About you

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The post holder will have the following:



Essential:


PhD or MSc related to genetic therapies or equivalent Prior knowledge of gene therapy technologies, particularly basic molecular biology techniques Experience planning and executing in vivo studies with rodent disease models Good organisational skills and attention to detail Ability to work collaboratively and as part of a team but be able to function independently and effectively without supervision Using evidence and quality data to support approaches

Desirable:


Experience in molecular cloning and generating viral vectors Experience with, or knowledge of, flow cytometry Able to keep accurate records

What we offer

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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

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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.