Research Technician

About us

The Research Department of Neurodegenerative Disease is focused on the study of neurodegenerative diseases causing dementia and related disorders. We focus on mechanistic dissection of genetic, molecular, cellular and neuropathological processes which underlie neurodegeneration in particular diseases and across the neurodegeneration spectrum. A related touchstone of our research is to identify pathophysiological mechanisms and markers that link molecular pathology to clinical phenotypes of neurodegenerative disease.

The Isaacs Lab, based in the Department, investigates the molecular mechanisms underlying frontotemporal dementia (FTD) and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The lab is particularly interested in the C9orf72 gene, which is a common cause of both FTD and ALS, and the CHMP2B gene, which is a rare cause of FTD.

About the role

In collaboration with the ARUK UCL Drug Discovery Institute, the Isaacs Lab has developed a high-throughput screen to identify small molecules that reverse the molecular consequences of TDP-43 depletion. Promising small molecules are tested in neuroblastoma cells and human iPSC-derived neuronal models in which TDP-43 is depleted.

We are recruiting a Research Technician, whose role will focus on refining iPSC-neuron models of TDP-43 depletion and testing the effects of candidate small molecules on molecular and cellular phenotypes, such as cryptic splicing and axonal outgrowth.

The role is available from 01 April 2025 and funded by LifeArc for fifteen months in the first instance.

About you

You will have a BSc in a relevant discipline (e.g., biomedical research), as well as experience with immunostaining, microscopy and image analysis, and iPSC culture and neuronal differentiation. Excellent communication skills are essential, as are strong problem-solving skills and the ability to collaborate effectively.

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.

This appointment is subject to UCL Terms and Conditions of Service for Research and Professional Services Staff.

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: B02-08326

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