Job Description

Ref Number

B02-09799

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

Yes

Closing Date

16-Dec-2025

About us

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The Department of Neurodegenerative Disease is recognised 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 and molecular biology to develop new gene supplementation protein engineering approaches with Adeno-associated viral vectors at the GTAC under the direction of Professor Joanne Ng. 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.



The post is available from 05 January 2026 and is funded by the UKRI and Horizon Europe 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).



For a full job description and to apply for this role please visit UCL's online recruitment portal (https://www.ucl.ac.uk/work-at-ucl/search-ucl-jobs) and search using vacancy reference B02-09799.

About you

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You should have a PhD in Molecular Biology, AAV gene therapy, or a relevant discipline and experience of molecular biology techniques, specifically cloning and qPCR.



A strong background in protein expression techniques including western blot, simple western, and SDS page gels is essential, as is in vivo and tissue culture experience, a UK Home Office Personal License, and neuromuscular myology skills.



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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Starting salary offered at 45.103 per annum including London Allowance.



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 - 41,833 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 some great benefits; 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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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. 12% of Institute staff are actively working on EDI initiatives; visit https://www.ucl.ac.uk/ion/equality-diversity-inclusion for more information about what we're doing. 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.