Job Description

Ref Number

B02-09135

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

10-Aug-2025

About us

------------


The UK Dementia Research Institute (UK DRI) is the biggest UK initiative supporting research to fill the major knowledge gap in our basic understanding of the diseases that cause dementia.



Based within the UK DRI at UCL, the Duff Lab focuses on understanding and finding treatments for Alzheimer's disease (AD) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD), which are both linked to harmful changes in a protein called tau. These changes, known as tauopathies, cause damage in the brain and lead to dementia.

About the role

------------------


We are seeking a highly motivated, experienced and self-driven individual to work part time on an exciting project that aims to look at synaptic dysfunction related to AD and FTD-tau.



The project will apply multiple techniques to study the role of pathological tau in synaptic dysfunction. Methods include (but are not limited to) tissue expansion coupled with immunohistochemistry to reveal synaptic pathology in mouse models and human tissue, high resolution confocal microscopy, 3D reconstruction and image analysis using machine learning, synaptosome preps and mass spec analysis, development of biomarker analysis by simoa and Nulisa analysis.



The post is offered part-time at 18.25 hours per week (0.50 Full Time Equivalent).



The post is immediately available and funded by the UK DRI at UCL and the Cure Alzheimer's Fund 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 Karen Duff (k.duff@uck.ac.uk).



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

Please complete the online application form and use the supporting statement section to outline your interest in joining the Duff research group, and how you meet the essential and desirable criteria for the role.

Please do not include any additional appendices/attachments in your application; these will not be reviewed by the selection panel.

About you

-------------


You will hold a PhD in biological science. Experience in molecular/cellular neurobiology, especially of the pathogenic processes underlying Alzheimer's and FTD- tau is essential, as is knowledge of data quality control, data analyses using appropriate software tools and data interpretation preferably with machine learning (ML) approaches.



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

-----------------


Starting salary offered at 22,240 (i.e., 50% of 44,480) per annum including London Allowance.



Appointment at Grade 7 is dependent upon having been awarded a PhD; if this is not the case, initial appointment will be as Research Assistant with salary in the range 19,303.50 - 20,627.50 (i.e., 50% of 38,607 - 41,255) per annum inclusive of London Allowance with appointment at Grade 7 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.



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

-------------------------------------------------------


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.