Senior Research Technician

About us

The Department of Neurodegenerative Disease is recognised as internationally leading in the study of neurodegenerative diseases causing dementia and related disorders.

Based in the Department is the UCL Huntington’s Disease Centre, uniquely positioned worldwide to translate mechanistic insights into ‘first in human’ studies. The Centre combines sophisticated cell-based systems with rigorously standardised preclinical target validation to prime mechanistically driven drug development initiatives. It integrates clinical and laboratory work with small proof-of-concept first in patients in the Leonard Wolfson Experimental Neurology Centre (LWENC) prior to initiating larger phase 2 and 3 clinical trials including novel huntingtin-lowering trials.

About the role

We are seeking a Senior Research Technician to join Professor Sarah Tabrizi’s research group and provide maternity cover at the Huntington’s Disease Centre. You will contribute to Medical Research Council (MRC) Nucleic Acid Therapy Accelerator (NATA) funded projects, which investigate the delivery, safety, and efficacy of next-generation nucleic acid therapeutics (NATs) targeting brain, heart, and muscle as part of the TransNAT consortium. You will differentiate induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) to disease-relevant cell types, medium spiny neurons (MSNs) in the case of HD.

We will study the toxicity, uptake, trafficking and target engagement of novel NAT compounds. You will assist in assaying these through a variety of methods, including high-content quantitative immunochemistry and in situ hybridisation -based techniques. You will assist in the day-to-day maintenance of iPSC, neuronal, and organoid cultures and in the implementation of advanced organoid models such as cortico-striatal assembloids or choroid plexus CSF barrier models.

The role is available from 01 April 2025 and is to undertake specific maternity cover, the duration of which is dependent upon completion of the cover, return of the post holder, or cessation of the funding, whichever is the soonest; this is expected to be until 31 October 2025 in the first instance.

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 B02-08270.

About you

You will have PhD or other post-graduate qualification in biological sciences or a related discipline, along with extensive experience of working in experimental laboratory research. Experience with tissue culture, molecular biology (PCR assays and Western blotting), and cell biology techniques (immunocyto/histochemistry, microscopy, and image analysis) is also essential for this role.

What we offer

As well as the exciting opportunities this role presents, we also offer 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

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.

Customer advert reference: B02-08270

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