Ref Number
B02-10808
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
Hybrid
Available for Secondment
Yes
Closing Date
09-Jul-2026
The UCL Huntington’s Disease Centre is uniquely placed world-wide to translate mechanistic insights to ‘first in human’ studies. It combines sophisticated cell-based systems with rigorously standardised preclinical target validation to prime mechanistically-driven drug development initiatives. The Centre integrates clinical and laboratory work with small proof-of-concept first in human studies 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.
Dr Lauren Byrne is a Medical Research Council-funded Principal Investigator who established her lab in 2022. Her current research focus is on innovative approaches to biofluid biomarker development for HD, including remote biofluid collection and big data harmonization to empower biomarker modelling efforts. Dr Byrne has cultivated a highly collaborative environment where each member’s skills and personal development are valued.
Dr Byrne has set up the first extensive research programme at the HDC, funded by the MRC, to focus on Juvenile-Onset Huntington's Disease (JHD) — INfLUENCE:HD. At the core of the programme is applying remote biofluid collections to facilitate biomarker development for JHD. This programme is bolstered by several international collaborations including the Huntington's Disease Youth Organisation and the global JHD registry (https://join-hd.org/). Through INfLUENCE:HD, Dr Byrne is modelling the dynamics of a key neurodegeneration biomarker (blood NfL) alongside MRI-detected brain changes across the entire spectrum of HD. This work is complemented by Harmonise:HD-NfL, a CHDI Foundation–funded project to quantify and harmonise blood NfL with existing data from multiple retrospective, longitudinal HD cohorts (such as Predict-HD, Track-HD, TrackON-HD, HD-CSF and HD-YAS), amassing the largest NfL dataset in HD to date.
This is an exciting opportunity to support the day-to-day running of INfLUENCE:HD and play a central role in generating new NfL measurements and delivering the quality control that underpins both programmes. This is a dynamic, hands-on role centred on laboratory-based immunoassay biomarker analysis and data analysis, with some patient-facing research activities. You will be principally responsible for the quantification of blood Neurofilament Light (NfL) on the Simoa platform and its associated quality control, supporting both INfLUENCE:HD and the closely related, CHDI-funded Harmonise-HD:NfL project, and will have the opportunity to contribute to data analysis as this work expands into HTT CAG somatic instability biomarkers.
An honorary contract or research passport will be sought from UCLH NHS Foundation Trust, for which a DBS check will be required.
The post is available immediately and funded by the Medical Research Council until 30 June 2027 in the first instance.
This role is eligible for hybrid working with a minimum of 60% of time on site.
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 Lauren Byrne ([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.
Interviews are expected to take place on 22 July 2026.
You will have an honours degree in neuroscience, biomedical sciences, or a related discipline, coupled with practical experience of processing biological samples, performing immunoassay-based biomarker quantification, and quantitative data analysis using statistical software. A knowledge and interest in neurodegenerative disease and translational biomarker research is essential, as are excellent communication and organisational skills and meticulous attention to detail.
Starting salary offered in the range £39,148 - £41,833 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.
