Research Assistant London, England
Job description
About us
The Queen Square Brain Bank (QSBB), founded over 30 years ago, houses one of the largest collections of brains with neurodegenerative diseases in Europe. This unique tissue resource was established through generous donation by patients and with the support of their families. The QSBB initially focused on collecting cases of Parkinson’s disease and other parkinsonian disorders. In 2002 a prospective collection of brain tissue from well-documented dementia cases was also started through a close collaboration with the Dementia Research Centre at the Institute of Neurology. The QSBB also prospectively collects cohorts from the PROSPECT study and MRC 1946 cohorts and other bespoke cohorts of neurodegenerative disease including chronic traumatic encephalopathy.
About the role
We’re seeking a Research Assistant to join the QSBB, based within the Department of Clinical and Movement Neurosciences, to work on a study aiming to investigate DNA methylation changes across neurodegenerative Parkinsonian diseases (MSA, PD and PSP) using cutting-edge methods and study downstream consequences on gene and protein expression.
You’ll investigate RNA and protein expression/localisation changes following up findings from the DNA methylation component of the study (e.g., by qPCR, immunoblotting and/or double labelling immunohistochemistry).
Within the frame of this project, we also use bioinformatics integrative approaches to analyse omics data, and we are therefore looking for someone who, in addition to running the wet lab experiments, would be keen on learning or expanding their bioinformatics skills.
You will have the opportunity to work in collaboration with scientists from UCL and from around the globe, and assist in other projects in the Group.
The post is available from 01 April 2023 and is funded by a grant from the MSA Trust to 31 March 2024 in the first instance.
Interviews are expected to take place on 18 April 2023.
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 Conceicao Bettencourt ([email protected]).
A full job description and person specification for this role can be accessed below.
About you
You’ll have a degree in a relevant subject area coupled with laboratory experience, including nucleic acid extractions, PCR, qPCR, Western blotting, and other molecular and biochemical techniques. General laboratory competence and experience in histology and immunohistochemistry and of working with human tissue are also essential. You’ll have good time management skills with proven ability to work under pressure and to tight deadlines and demonstrate organisational skills and an ability to manage work without extensive supervision.
This role meets the eligibility requirements for a skilled worker certificate of sponsorship or a global talent visa under UK Visas and Immigration legislation. Therefore, UCL welcomes applications from international applicants who require a visa.
What we offer
Starting salary offered at £34,502 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
- Relocation scheme for certain posts
- 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.
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-stafffor more information.
Our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
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 Silver 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.
