About us

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 aim of the Hong lab, based within the UK DRI, is to understand whether neuroimmune interactions at the synapse contribute to region-specific vulnerability in neurologic diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease. Specifically, the lab is interested in understanding the molecular and cellular process underlying synapse loss in Alzheimer’s disease. The broad focus of the lab is to figure out how microglia, the tissue resident macrophages of the brain, contribute to synapse loss and higher cognitive functions like memory, learning and behaviour. Within that, a key research area is whether other cell types including astrocytes are involved in this process and if so, what molecules are involved in the crosstalk with microglia.

About the role

We are looking for a highly motivated Research Assistant to study how molecular heterogeneity of microglia and tissue-resident macrophages impacts vulnerability to synapse and neuronal loss in multiple mouse models of neurodegeneration.

You will provide intellectual and creative input to develop research plans that address key questions in microglial pathology, including how macrophage and microglia crosstalk could contribute to region-specific synaptic elimination. Further, you will provide independent technical support to the team and will utilise tissue-degradation methods and several in situ hybridization, histological as well as flow cytometry techniques to study microglia and neuro-immunobiology.

This post is available immediately and funded by a Chan Zuckerberg Initiative award for one year 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]).

For informal enquiries about the role please contact Dr Soyon Hong ([email protected]).

A full job description and person specification for this role can be accessed below.

About you

You will have an undergraduate and/or Master’s degree in Neurosciences, Life Sciences, or cognate area and an interest in the work of the Hong laboratory.

You are expected to be self-driven and to provide excellent intellectual input to the research projects of the lab. Preferred experience includes familiarity with mouse models of neurodegeneration and fate-map models, as well as strong wet lab experience in molecular, biochemical and/or cellular tools.

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

The role is offered with salary in the range of £36,832 - £38,466 per annum including 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-staff for 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.

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