At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead innovative gene therapy research and assess its impact on neurodegenerative diseases.
- Company: Join the UK Dementia Research Institute, a leader in dementia research and innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy 41 days of holiday, gym access, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: We celebrate diversity and encourage applications from underrepresented groups.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in neuroscience while working with cutting-edge technology and diverse teams.
- Qualifications: PhD in biomedical sciences or relevant experience; in vivo work and molecular biology skills required.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Would you like to help us make EURAXESS even better? Take this very quick user satisfaction survey - it won’t take more than 5 minutes!
Organisation/Company UK Dementia Research Institute Research Field Neurosciences Researcher Profile First Stage Researcher (R1) Positions PhD Positions Country United Kingdom Application Deadline 30 Jul 2025 - 23:59 (Europe/London) Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Full-time Hours Per Week 36.5 Offer Starting Date 1 Sep 2025 Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Not funded by a EU programme Reference Number B02-09007 Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No
Offer Description
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.
Research from UK DRI at UCL covers the journey from the patient to the laboratory and back to the patient with improved diagnosis, biomarkers and candidate therapies put to the test.
About us
The Research Department of Neurodegenerative Disease is recognized as internationally leading in 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.
The Isaacs Lab investigates the molecular mechanisms underlying frontotemporal dementia (FTD) and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). We are particularly interested in the C9orf72 gene (a common cause of both FTD and ALS) and the CHMP2B gene, (a rare cause of FTD), and use a multidisciplinary approach including disease modelling in mice, Drosophila, primary neurons and iPS cell-derived neurons. By combining these model systems with analysis of patient tissue we 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.
About the role
We have developed a novel dual-guide gene therapy approach utilizing AAV9-mediated expression of CRISPR/Cas13d to suppress levels of C9orf72 sense and antisense repeat-derived transcripts (Kempthorne et al Nature Communications 2025 Jan 8;16(1):459. doi: 10.1038/s41467-024-55550-x).
You will co-lead the assessment of this gene therapy approach using adult administration in C9orf72 BAC transgenic mice; including in vivo administration e.g intrathecal injections and molecular, biochemical and pathological assessment of the treated mice. You will also work closely with a Research Fellow who co-leads the project.
In addition, you will perform ELISAs and immunoassays for C9orf72 dipeptide repeat proteins across a wide range of samples and provide lab management to support the work of the laboratory.
The post is available from 01 October 2025 and funded by LifeArc and UK DRI until 31 March 2028 in the first instance.
You will have or be about to obtain a PhD in a relevant discipline (eg biomedical work) or comparable experience. Experience with in vivo work, with immunostaining, microscopy and image analysis, with molecular biology techniques such as aPR and with ELISAs / immunoassays is essential. Experience with rodent surgery and gene therapy approaches is desirable as is an interest in neuroscience and neurological diseases or gene therapy.
Additional Information
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
- On-site gym
- Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption pay
- Employee assistance programme: Staff Support Service
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; visitour 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.
#J-18808-LjbffrSenior Research Technician UCL employer: European Commission
The UK Dementia Research Institute at UCL is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment that fosters innovation and collaboration in the field of neurodegenerative disease research. With generous benefits such as 41 days of holiday, a defined benefit pension scheme, and a strong commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion, employees are supported in their professional growth while contributing to meaningful advancements in healthcare. Located in London, a hub for academic excellence, the institute provides unique opportunities to engage with leading researchers and cutting-edge technologies.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Research Technician UCL
✨Get Involved in Research Communities
Dive headfirst into the scientific research world by joining relevant communities and forums. Engage in discussions, share your insights, and even attend conferences or seminars in your field. This not only boosts your visibility but can also lead to potential job opportunities—don't forget to connect with like-minded folks!
✨Show Off Your Research Projects
Have you worked on any cool research projects? Make it easy for potential employers to see your work by creating a portfolio or a personal website. This way, when you apply for roles like the one at European Commission, you can point them to your projects and publications, showcasing your expertise directly.
✨Utilise Professional Networks
Networking is key in scientific research. Join professional bodies or organisations related to your field. They often have job boards and resources tailored for job seekers. Make connections with professionals who may know about openings or can give you tips on landing a full-time position.
✨Keep Your Eyes on Openings & Apply Directly
Don’t just rely on job boards! Keep an eye on the careers section of the websites of companies like European Commission. Apply directly through their website because sometimes they post jobs there before anywhere else. Plus, it shows your proactive approach!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Research Technician UCL
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Research Experience:When applying for a full-time role in scientific research, make sure to emphasise your research experience prominently in your CV. Share specific projects you’ve worked on, the methodologies you used, and any significant findings. If you’ve published papers or presented at conferences, definitely include that too – it shows you’re on it in the academic world!
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Research Area:Your cover letter should reflect your passion for the specific area of research at European Commission. Mention relevant experiences that align with the organisation’s goals or projects. This shows that you’ve done your homework and are genuinely interested in the position – plus, it helps us see how you’d fit into the team dynamics.
Showcase Your Data Analysis Skills:In scientific research, data analysis skills are a big deal! Make sure to detail any relevant analytical tools or software you’re familiar with, like R, Python, or statistical packages. Employers are keen to know you can handle the data-heavy elements of the role, so add specific examples where you’ve used these skills effectively.
Discuss Your Future Research Goals:In your motivation section, it’s a great idea to talk about your future research goals and how they align with the work being done at European Commission. This shows that you’re not just looking for any job, but rather a chance to contribute meaningfully to the field. We love to see applicants who are forward-thinking and enthusiastic about their research journey!
How to prepare for a job interview at European Commission
✨Showcase Your Research Skills
In scientific research, it’s crucial to demonstrate your ability to design and conduct experiments. Come armed with examples of past projects where you've developed hypotheses, collected data, and analysed results. Be ready to discuss any specific methodologies or tools you’ve used, like PCR techniques or statistical software.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect some technical questions specific to your field. Make sure you're up to speed with recent advancements in scientific research related to the role at European Commission. Brush up on concepts relevant to their projects and be prepared to discuss how you would approach a specific research problem or challenge they might face.
✨Know Your Publications
If you've authored or co-authored any papers, be prepared to discuss them! Highlighting your contributions to published research can really set you apart. It shows not only your expertise but also your ability to communicate complex ideas clearly, which is key in scientific research roles.
✨Exhibit Your Team Spirit
In full-time roles, collaboration is often at the heart of scientific research. Prepare examples that show how you've successfully worked in teams, dealt with conflicts, or contributed to group projects. We want to know how you can work effectively with the team at European Commission to drive research projects forward.
