Job Description

Ref Number

B02-09185

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

24-Aug-2025

About us

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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

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We are looking for a highly motivated, experienced and self-driven individual to work on an exciting project that aims to use novel, sophisticated in vivo models (tau KI mice) to study pathogenic pathways related to AD and FTD-tau.



The project investigates how structural changes in tau protein drive dysfunction and pathology in Alzheimer's disease and Frontotemporal dementia-tau using tauopathy mouse models and human brain tissue. We study early tau pathology development, its biological impact, neuron and glial cell interactions, and identification of abnormal tau forms for clinical targeting. Methods include in vitro, in vivo, and ex-vivo structural assays--such as seed amplification (RT-QuIC), biosensor assays, fractionation, imaging, mass spectrometry, and possibly cryo-EM. The project moving towards translation (therapeutics and biomarkers).



The post is immediately available from 01 September 2025 and funded by the UK DRI at UCL for two years 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

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You will hold (or be close to obtaining) a PhD in a biological science, with experience in molecular and cellular neurobiology, especially in the pathogenic processes underlying tauopathy in Alzheimer's and FTD.



You will be self-directed with excellent problem solving and communication skills, capable of working collaboratively in a team while maintaining independent thinking and initiative.



Experience in tau biochemistry (including sarkosyl extractions, sucrose fractionation of tau species, tissue prep) and assessments of protein structure and assemblies (such as RT-QuIC, biosensor seeding assays, image-based structure analysis, mass spec based assays) is required, as is experience of human proteinopathy (especially tauopathy).



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 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 39,148 - 41,833 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.



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.