Job Description

Ref Number

B02-10027

Professional Expertise

Laboratory Technical and Lab Support

Department

School of Life & Medical Sciences (B02)

Location

London

Working Pattern

Full time

Salary

36,433-41,833

Contract Type

Fixed-term

Working Type

On site

Available for Secondment

Yes

Closing Date

10-Feb-2026

About us

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The Department of Clinical and Movement Neurosciences is a world-leading group that brings together expertise across the clinical and basic science spectrum of the physiology and pathology of human movement and movement disorders. The Department incorporates groups from the Queen Square and Royal Free campuses of the Institute and includes the Reta Lila Weston Institute and the Movement Disorders Centre.



The Department offers excellent training in research for clinical and non-clinical students wishing to obtain higher degrees. We have excellent well-funded and modern multidisciplinary facilities for studying cellular and animal models, human volunteers, and patients with neurological disorders.

About the role

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We are seeking a Research Technician to join the Reta Lila Weston Programme for Biomarker Research and Innovation in Neurodegeneration (RLW BRAIN) programme, which is a unique new research initiative based on the 2,500 postmortem brain tissue collection at the Queen Square Brain Bank (QSBB) at UCL's Queen Square Institute of Neurology. The collection includes samples from patients with neurodegenerative disorders, such as Parkinson's disease, parkinsonian disorders, Alzheimer's disease, frontotemporal dementia, and controls.



You will be responsible for coordinating and streaming the brain donation process in collaboration with QSBB staff, contribute to the organisation of donation logistics and day-to-day laboratory operations, and process post-mortem brain tissue. You will conduct dissection and preparation of fixed tissue, establish and maintain human cell cultures, section tissue, and perform histology, among other laboratory and preparatory techniques.



The post is available immediately and funded by the Reta Lila Weston Trust until 30 April 2028 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).



For informal enquiries about the role please contact Dr Zane Jaunmuktane (z.jaunmuktane@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 will have a BSc or equivalent in neuroscience or related topic, a background in clinical and/or basic research, previous experience working in a laboratory and general laboratory competence. The ability to critically interpret data and synthesize complex ideas, with attention to detail in record keeping and spotting data inconsistencies is essential as are strong numeracy skills and problem-solving abilities, excellent time management, research and project management skills, and IT proficiency.



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

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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.