Ref Number
B02-10758
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
30-Jun-2026
The UK Dementia Research Institute (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.
The Research Department of Neurodegenerative Disease has strong collaborative links with the UK DRI and is focused on 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. 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 of Neurodegenerative Disease and UK DRI, investigates the molecular mechanisms underlying frontotemporal dementia (FTD) and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). We are 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. We use a multidisciplinary approach including disease modelling in mice, Drosophila, primary neurons and iPS cell-derived neurons. We combine these model systems with analysis of patient tissue in order to 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.
We recently identified a neuroprotective role for polyunsaturated fatty acids in models of FTD and ALS, including Drosophila models (Giblin, Cammack et al., Nature Neuroscience, 2025).
We are seeking a Research Technician to help investigate the underlying mechanisms using both Drosophila and iPSC-derived neuron models. You will work across the Niccoli and Isaacs laboratories and will be expected to contribute immediately to both Drosophila and iPSC-neuron research; therefore, experience in both areas is essential. Responsibilities will include Drosophila genetic crosses, lifespan and phenotypic analyses, molecular cloning for both Drosophila and mammalian systems, iPSC maintenance, neuronal differentiation, live imaging, qPCR, and analysis of lipidomics data.
The post is available 01 October 2026 and funded by the UK Dementia Research Institute until 30 September 2027 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 Professor Adrian Isaacs ([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 a BSc in a relevant discipline, such as biomedical research, together with experience in iPSC culture and neuronal differentiation. You will also have experience with molecular biology techniques such as qPCR, as well as live neuronal imaging and analysis of lipidomics data.
Excellent communication, interpersonal, organisational, and time management skills are also essential for this role.
The role is offered with salary in the range of £36,433 - £37,277 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.
