Job Description

Ref Number

B02-09795

Professional Expertise

Research and Research Support

Department

School of Life & Medical Sciences (B02)

Location

London

Working Pattern

Full time

Salary

43,981-52,586

Contract Type

Fixed-term

Working Type

On site

Available for Secondment

No

Closing Date

14-Dec-2025

About us

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The Department of Neuromuscular Diseases is a hub for clinical and research excellence across the spectrum of spinal cord and neuromuscular diseases. Our group of world-leading clinical, genetic and basic science researchers focus their work on understanding the causes and biological mechanisms leading to Neuromuscular Disease and translating this knowledge into developing novel therapeutic solutions that is of direct benefit to neurological disorders such as motor neurone disease, Alzheimer's disease, and neuromuscular disease.



The Cortese Laboratory, based in the Department, focuses on the discovery and modelling of novel causes of inherited neuropathies and other neurodegenerative diseases, with particular interest in repeat expansion disorders and conditions caused by variations in non-coding DNA. One of the main commitments of his lab is the further elucidation of the mechanism and development of treatment for RFC1 CANVAS.

About the role

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We are recruiting a Research Fellow to work on therapy development for repeat expansion diseases and in particular RFC1 CANVAS, under the supervision of Professor Andrea Cortese (Neurogenetics lab) and in collaboration with Professor Joanne Ng (Genetic Therapy Accelerator Centre) and Professor Fiona Ducotterd (ARUK UCL Drug Discovery Institute).



Biallelic AAGGG expansions in RFC1 are associated with CANVAS and are increasingly recognised as a cause of adult-onset ataxia and sensory neuropathy. With our previous work we have showed that AAGGG expansions are associated with tissue-specific reductions in the expression of RFC1 transcript, along with impaired RFC1 function and increased sensitivity to DNA damage from platin drugs. CRISPR/Cas9 excision of the AAGGG repeat and flanking AluSx3 element normalized RFC1 expression in iPSC neurons and rescued the DNA damage response, providing a framework for future therapeutic strategies.



We are committed to pursue gene reprovision or increase of endogenous RFC1 through small molecules or genetic modifiers as a therapeutic avenue for the treatment of this very common condition.



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 RFC1 CANVAS led by Professor Andrea Cortese.



The post is available from 01 February 2026 and funded by an ERC Award 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 Andrea Cortese (andrea.cortese@ucl.ac.uk).



A full job description and person specification for this role can be accessed below. To apply, please upload a current CV, complete the online application form, and use the supporting statement section or upload a cover letter to outline how you meet the essential and desirable criteria for the role. Please do not upload any additional attachments as these will not be considered by the selection panel.

About you

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You'll have a PhD (or equivalent) in molecular biology, AAV gene therapy, drug screening, IPSC work, or a relevant discipline, coupled with extensive practical molecular cloning and Crispr editing experience, and postdoctoral experience in AAV gene therapy, drug screening, gene perturbation, or IPSC work. Skills in AAV production, tissue culture with human cell lines, and Fluorescence-Activated Cell Sorting are also essential for this role.



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 39,148 - 52,586 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.