Ref Number
B02-11139
Professional Expertise
Research and Research Support
Department
School of Life & Medical Sciences (B02)
Location
London
Working Pattern
Full time
Salary
See advert text
Contract Type
Fixed-term
Working Type
On site
Available for Secondment
No
Closing Date
27-Sept-2026
The UK Dementia Research Institute (UK DRI) is a globally leading multidisciplinary research institute of over 900 staff investigating the spectrum of neurodegenerative disorders causing dementia, driving a step change in our understanding of neurodegeneration, and accelerating the discovery, development and delivery of interventions that will help diagnose, treat, and ultimately prevent dementia.
The Hong lab, based in the UK DRI at UCL, investigates how interactions between neural circuits, glia, and the immune system drive synaptic dysfunction and loss in ageing and neurodegenerative disease. We study microglia, border-associated macrophages and astrocytes alongside adaptive immune cells, including T cells and B/plasma cells, in Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases. Our work also examines immune contributions outside the brain, including neuroimmune signalling along the gut-brain axis.
We are recruiting a highly skilled, meticulous, and ambitious Research Assistant to provide essential in vivo and technical support for a fast-moving, interdisciplinary project at the interface of neuroimmunology, circuit neuroscience and immune-cell engineering. Building directly on our recent discovery that neuronal hyperactivity drives region- and input-specific, C1q-dependent synapse loss through brain-recruited B cell immunoglobulins, the project will determine how pathological neural activity generates antigen-specific B cell responses, identify the molecular features recognised by these responses, and use this biology to develop engineered immune-cell approaches that can detect and selectively modulate disease-relevant brain states.
You will work closely with postdoctoral researchers and the Principal Investigators to deliver the animal and tissue-based components of the programme. Core responsibilities will include coordinating experimental mouse colonies and cohorts, performing in vivo procedures, monitoring animal welfare, collecting brain, blood and peripheral tissues, processing samples, and supporting downstream histology, flow cytometry, imaging and molecular analysis. You will follow complex experimental schedules, anticipate bottlenecks, troubleshoot technical problems and deliver reproducible data at pace without compromising animal welfare or scientific rigour.
This job is part of an Advanced Research + Invention Agency-funded project, subject to contract negotiations. The post is available from 19 October 2026 and funded by the Advanced Research + Invention Agency (ARIA) for 3 years 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 ([email protected]).
Informal enquiries regarding the role can be addressed to Dr Soyon Hong ([email protected]).
A full job description and person specification for this role can be accessed below. To apply, please upload a current CV, complete the online application form, and use the supporting statement section or upload a cover letter to outline how you meet the essential and desirable criteria for the role. Please do not upload any additional attachments as these will not be considered by the selection panel.
You will have an undergraduate and/or Master’s degree in Biological Sciences, Neuroscience, or Immunology (or a related discipline) and strong knowledge of and interest in neuroimmunology, adaptive immunity, or circuit neuroscience in disease, and familiarity with the research of the Hong Lab and the UK DRI. Substantial hands-on experience of working with laboratory mice in biomedical research, of applying specialist in vivo techniques, and an understanding of animal welfare and regulatory requirements for research is essential. You’ll be able to work at pace without compromising animal welfare or scientific rigour, be meticulous, accurate, and organised, with high standards of laboratory organisation, documentation, and data management, and be highly dependable and proactive, with the ability to act on your own initiative within the boundaries of your agreed responsibilities.
Starting salary offered in the range £39,807 - £42,891 per annum, inclusive of London Allowance.
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.
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 Gold 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.
