Job Description

About us
The (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 Bartels Lab specializes in the study of synuclein multimers and lipidomics in the context of Parkinsons disease (PD). The lab plays a unique role in this field, addressing key research gaps through close collaborations with the National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery and the Queen Square Brain Bank.
Dr Tim Bartels first discovered disease resistant forms of the xcexb1-synuclein protein and their destabilization in Parkinsons Disease. His lab is interested in identifying the different factors that destabilize xcexb1-synuclein and that lead to neurotoxicity.
About the role
We are seeking a Research Technician to contribute to a project involving the analysis of human post-mortem brain tissue and various cell culture models, including iPSC-derived and primary human neurons, as well as structural in vitro assays using recombinant protein. Both native brain tissue and in vitro models will be used to study xcexb1-synuclein fibrils across different synucleinopathies.
In vitro aggregation assays, electron microscopy, circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy, and fluorescence correlation spectroscopy (FCS) will be employed to elucidate context-dependent protein folding. You will provide support with histopathology techniques, biochemical analyses such as crosslinking and Western blotting, cell culture, and protein expression and purification.
The post is available from 01 September 2025 and is funded by the UK DRI 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 ( ).
Informal enquiries regarding the role can be addressed to Dr Tim Bartels ( ).
A full job description and person specification for this role can be accessed below.
About you
You will have an Honours degree (minimum 2:1) or equivalent in Biophysics, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology or a related discipline, and experience with iPSC culture and neuronal differentiation.
A background and knowledge in one or more of the following is essential: Neurodegeneration, synucleinopathies, biochemical analysis, such as detergent extraction and Western Blot, cell culture experience, IHC.
Experience of working with Biophysics, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Histology assays is also a requirement, as is an understanding of the mission of the UK DRI, an interest in its research work and a commitment to supporting high quality research.
What we offer
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 to find out more.
This appointment is subject to UCL Terms and Conditions of Service for Research and Professional Services Staff. Please visit for more information.
Our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
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 for more information about our initiatives and priorities. The Institute also holds an , in recognition of our commitment and demonstrable impact in advancing gender equality.
As Londons Global University, we know diversity fosters creativity and innovation, and we want our community to represent the diversity of the worlds 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 UCLs 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.
Available documents '