Job Description

Ref Number

B02-08896

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

Yes

Closing Date

24-Jun-2025

About us

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The Research Department of Neurodegenerative Disease is recognized as internationally leading in the study of neurodegenerative diseases causing dementia and related disorders. The Department has a strong focus on mechanistic dissection of genetic, molecular cellular and neuropathological processes which underlie neurodegeneration in particular diseases and across the neurodegeneration spectrum.



Located in the department is the new Genetic Therapy Accelerator Centre (GTAC). The mission of the Centre is to embed translational research into the basic research and clinical activities of the UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology (ION). The Centre combines laboratory and clinical expertise focused on neuromuscular and neurological disorders, their mechanisms of disease and includes cutting-edge RNA and AAV gene therapy expertise. The Centre fosters cross-institutional collaborations and facilitate RNA and gene therapy programs.

About the role

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We are seeking a talented and enthusiastic Research Fellow with a strong background in AAV gene therapy, molecular biology, and capsid variant development to work on a translational AAV gene therapy project for Collagen 6 (COL6)-related muscular dystrophy at the GTAC.



You will join a team at the forefront of in vitro and vivo RNA and AAV gene therapy projects focused on neurological and neuromuscular disorders, contributing to an extensive novel therapeutic programme for COL6-related dystrophy led by Dr Aguti, Professor Muntoni, and Professor Haiyan Zhou at the UCL Institute of Child Health with collaborators at NIH.



The post is available from 01 October 2025 and is 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 Professor Joanne Ng (j.ng@ucl.ac.uk).

We expect to hold interviews on 01 July 2025.

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

About you

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You'll hold a PhD in molecular biology, AAV gene therapy, or a related discipline, hold a UK Home Office personal license, and have experience with molecular cloning, Next Generation Sequencing, and in vivo biodistribution studies. AAV production, tissue culture and FACs skills are essential to this role, as is a high level of skill with molecular biology techniques, and good communication and interpersonal skills for collaborative working.



This role meets the eligibility requirements for a skilled worker certificate of sponsorship or a global talent visa under UK Visas and Immigration legislation. Therefore, UCL welcomes applications from international applicants who require a visa.

What we offer

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Appointment as Research Fellow is dependent upon having been awarded a PhD; if this is not the case, initial appointment will be as Research Assistant (salary 38,607 - 41,255 per annum) with appointment as Research Fellow being backdated to the date of final submission of the PhD thesis.



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.