Job Description

Ref Number

B02-09000

Professional Expertise

Research and Research Support

Department

School of Life & Medical Sciences (B02)

Location

London

Working Pattern

Full time

Salary

35,930-41,255

Contract Type

Fixed-term

Working Type

On site

Available for Secondment

No

Closing Date

20-Jul-2025

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. At the heart of this is the Reta Lila Weston Biomarker Research and Innovation in Neurodegeneration (RLW BRAIN) programme, a unique new research initiative based on the 2,500 postmortem brain tissue collection at the Queen Square Brain Bank (QSBB). The collection includes samples from patients with neurodegenerative disorders, such as Parkinson's disease, parkinsonian disorders, Alzheimer's disease, frontotemporal dementia, and controls. The programme is led by Professor Tom Warner, Director of the Reta Lila Weston Institute and QSBB, alongside Co-Investigator Dr Zane Jaunmuktane.

About the role

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We are seeking a Research Technician to join the RLW BRAIN programme, the main goal of which is to generate detailed datasets of clinical, neuropathological, biomarker, and tissue omics (proteome, lipidome, posttranslational modifications), as well as spatial transcriptomic data.



This is a key supporting role, in which you will support the establishment and maintenance of nanopore sensing technology within the laboratory. You will assist with the setup, optimisation, and operation of the nanopore platform, contributing to the development and testing of novel molecular sensing workflows under the guidance of senior researchers.



This is an excellent opportunity for a motivated individual to join an exciting, large multicentre research project contributing to clinical research and gain valuable experience in translational research while contributing to innovation in disease diagnostics and biomarker discovery.



The post is available from 01 August 2025 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).



Informal enquiries regarding the role can be addressed Professor Tom Warner (t.warner@ucl.ac.uk) and Dr Zane Jaunmuktane (z.jaunmuktane@ucl.ac.uk).



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

About you

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You will have a BSc or equivalent in Biochemistry, Analytical Chemistry or a related topic, a background in clinical and/or basic research, and previous experience of working in a laboratory with general laboratory competence. Excellent problem solving, organisational, communication, and interpersonal skills are essential, as is excellent attention to detail, proactivity, and the ability to critically interpret data and synthesize complex ideas.

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.