Job Description

Ref Number

B02-09007

Professional Expertise

Laboratory Technical and Lab Support

Department

School of Life & Medical Sciences (B02)

Location

London

Working Pattern

Full time

Salary

43,374 51,860

Contract Type

Fixed-term

Working Type

On site

Available for Secondment

No

Closing Date

30-Jul-2025

About us

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The Research Department of Neurodegenerative Disease is recognized 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.



The Isaacs Lab investigates the molecular mechanisms underlying frontotemporal dementia (FTD) and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). We are particularly interested in the C9orf72 gene (a common cause of both FTD and ALS) and the CHMP2B gene, (a rare cause of FTD), and use a multidisciplinary approach including disease modelling in mice, Drosophila, primary neurons and iPS cell-derived neurons. By combining these model systems with analysis of patient tissue we ensure the relevance of our work to the disease process we are studying. We are also working to translate our research findings into potential therapies using gene therapy and high-throughput screening approaches.

About the role

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We have developed a novel dual-guide gene therapy approach utilizing AAV9-mediated expression of CRISPR/Cas13d to suppress levels of C9orf72 sense and antisense repeat-derived transcripts (Kempthorne et al Nature Communications 2025 Jan 8;16(1):459. doi: 10.1038/s41467-024-55550-x).



You will co-lead the assessment of this gene therapy approach using adult administration in C9orf72 BAC transgenic mice; including in vivo administration e.g intrathecal injections and molecular, biochemical and pathological assessment of the treated mice. You will also work closely with a Research Fellow who co-leads the project.



In addition, you will perform ELISAs and immunoassays for C9orf72 dipeptide repeat proteins across a wide range of samples and provide lab management to support the work of the laboratory.



The post is available from 01 October 2025 and funded by LifeArc and UK DRI until 31 March 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 to Professor Adrian Isaacs (a.isaacs@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 or be about to obtain a PhD in a relevant discipline (eg biomedical work) or comparable experience. Experience with in vivo work, with immunostaining, microscopy and image analysis, with molecular biology techniques such as aPR and with ELISAs / immunoassays is essential. Experience with rodent surgery and gene therapy approaches is desirable as is an interest in neuroscience and neurological diseases or gene therapy.

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.