At a Glance
- Tasks: Join a dynamic team researching drug targets for ALS and FTD using cutting-edge techniques.
- Company: Kingâs College London, a leader in neuroscience research with a collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, inclusive environment, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in neurodegeneration research while working with top scientists.
- Qualifications: BSc in molecular biology or related field, with hands-on experience in stem cell culture.
- Other info: Exciting opportunity to work in a state-of-the-art facility with excellent career prospects.
The predicted salary is between 39076 - 41761 ÂŁ per year.
Offer Description
About us
The Department of Basic & Clinical Neuroscience at Kingâs College London is looking for a passionate individual with experience in stem cell culture and strong communication skills to fill a research assistant position. This role is part of a Discovery Network Award funded by the My Name\â5 Doddie Foundation, which aims to find drug targets for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS).
The successful candidate will join Dr Jemeen Sreedharan\âs research group and will be supervised by project co-lead Dr Ravindra Prajapati. Dr Sreedharanâs group studies the causes of ALS and frontotemporal dementia (FTD) using in vitro and in vivo models, advanced genetic editing, and cutting-edge Omics techniques.
Dr Sreedharan\âs lab is part of the Department of Basic & Clinical Neuroscience, which supports innovative research with state-of-the-art technology and offers exceptional opportunities to collaborate with leading scientists in neurodegenerative diseases. The Department is located in the Maurice Wohl Clinical Neuroscience Institute at the Denmark Hill Campus of Kingâs College London.
About the role
This is a collaborative project involving multiple laboratories and it aims to find drug targets for ALS and FTD. We will create a nearly complete allelic series of iPSC lines with TDP-43 mutations. This will use a newly developed parental cell line with attP landing pads. We will then turn these iPSC lines into motor neurons and study them using transcriptomics, proteomics, immunocytochemistry, and electrophysiology. This comprehensive approach will help us understand how TDP-43 mutations lead to neurodegeneration.
This is a full-time position (1 FTE; 35 hours per week: Responsibilities will encompass some tasks associated with project management at 0.2 FTE approx. and 0.8 FTE as Research Assistant).
The post is offered as a fixed-term contract for 18 months with potential for a short extension.
To be successful in this role, we are looking for candidates to have the following skills and experience:
- A BSc or higher academic degree in molecular and cell biology, neuroscience, or a closely related field
- Minimum 6 months hands-on experience in the culture and differentiation of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs)
- Proficiency in the operation of state-of-the-art microscopy techniques including confocal and high content microscopy
- Ability to critically evaluate scientific literature, assess experimental designs, protocols, and interpret research findings
- Demonstrated proficiency in time management and organizational skills enabling efficient project execution
- Strong interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills, including delivering technical presentations
- A strong commitment to maintaining comprehensive and precise research documentation, with a demonstrated capacity for both independent and collaborative work within a research team
- Proficient in advanced molecular biology methodologies including western blotting, RT-qPCR, and molecular cloning techniques
- Extensive experience in histological analysis and immunocytochemistry
- Proficiency in statistical analysis coupled with familiarity in using biocomputational tools for comprehensive data interpretation
- Demonstrated capacity for organizing meetings and coordinating small laboratory-based events
Downloading a copy of our Job Description
Full details of the role and the skills, knowledge and experience required can be found in the Job Description document, provided at the bottom of the next page after you click âApply Nowâ. This document will provide information of what criteria will be assessed at each stage of the recruitment process.
Further information
We pride ourselves on being inclusive and welcoming. We embrace diversity and want everyone to feel that they belong and are connected to others in our community.
We are committed to working with our staff and unions on these and other issues, to continue to support our people and to develop a diverse and inclusive culture at Kingâs.
As part of this commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion and through this appointment process, it is our aim to develop candidate pools that include applicants from all backgrounds and communities.
We ask all candidates to submit a copy of their CV, and a supporting statement, detailing how they meet the essential criteria listed in the advert. If we receive a strong field of candidates, we may use the desirable criteria to choose our final shortlist, so please include your evidence against these where possible.
To find out how our managers will review your application, please take a look at our âHow we Recruitâ pages.
This post is subject to an Occupational Health clearance.
Grade and Salary: ÂŁ39,076 â ÂŁ41,761 per annum, including London Weighting Allowance
Job ID: 126505
Close Date : 14-Oct-2025
Contact Person: Dr Jemeen Sreedharan / Dr Ravindra Prajapati
Contact Details : jeneem.sreedharan@kcl.ac.uk / ravindra.prajapati@kcl.ac.uk
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Research Assistant in Neurodegeneration Research employer: KINGS COLLEGE LONDON
Contact Detail:
KINGS COLLEGE LONDON Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice đ¤Ť
We think this is how you could land Research Assistant in Neurodegeneration Research
â¨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at Kingâs College London on LinkedIn. Ask them about their experiences and any tips they might have for landing the Research Assistant role. Personal connections can give you insights that you wonât find in the job description.
â¨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by brushing up on your knowledge of ALS and FTD. Familiarise yourself with the latest research and techniques mentioned in the job description, like iPSC culture and advanced microscopy. Showing that youâre up-to-date will impress the hiring team!
â¨Tip Number 3
Practice your communication skills! Since strong interpersonal skills are key for this role, consider doing mock interviews with friends or mentors. Focus on explaining complex scientific concepts clearly and confidently, as you might need to present your ideas during the interview.
â¨Tip Number 4
Donât forget to apply through our website! Itâs the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows youâre genuinely interested in being part of our community at Kingâs College London. Good luck!
We think you need these skills to ace Research Assistant in Neurodegeneration Research
Some tips for your application đŤĄ
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your experience in stem cell culture and any relevant techniques you've mastered. We want to see how your background aligns with the role, so donât hold back on showcasing your skills!
Craft a Compelling Supporting Statement: Your supporting statement is your chance to shine! Use it to explain how you meet the essential criteria listed in the job description. Be specific about your experiences and how they relate to the research assistant position.
Show Off Your Communication Skills: Since strong communication skills are key for this role, make sure your application reflects that. Whether it's through clear writing or presenting your ideas, we want to see how you can effectively convey complex information.
Apply Through Our Website: Donât forget to apply through our website! Itâs the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, youâll find all the details you need to complete your application smoothly.
How to prepare for a job interview at KINGS COLLEGE LONDON
â¨Know Your Science
Make sure you brush up on the latest research in neurodegeneration, especially around ALS and FTD. Familiarise yourself with the techniques mentioned in the job description, like iPSC culture and advanced microscopy. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show your passion and expertise.
â¨Showcase Your Skills
Prepare specific examples of your hands-on experience with stem cell culture and molecular biology techniques. Think about challenges you've faced in the lab and how you overcame them. This will demonstrate your problem-solving abilities and technical proficiency.
â¨Communicate Effectively
Since strong communication skills are key for this role, practice explaining complex scientific concepts in simple terms. You might be asked to present your previous work or findings, so make sure you can do this clearly and engagingly.
â¨Be a Team Player
This position involves collaboration across multiple labs, so highlight your teamwork experiences. Share examples of how you've successfully worked in a team setting, organised meetings, or coordinated events. This will show that you're not just a great researcher but also a valuable collaborator.