At a Glance
- Tasks: Assist in groundbreaking research on motor neuron disease and develop innovative diagnostic tools.
- Company: Join King's College London, a leading research university with a commitment to societal advancement.
- Benefits: Enjoy professional development opportunities, a supportive environment, and a chance to make a real impact.
- Other info: Full-time role with a fixed-term contract for 36 months, based in a dynamic research institute.
- Why this job: Be part of a passionate team dedicated to advancing neuroscience and improving patient outcomes.
- Qualifications: BSc in a relevant field and experience in clinical neuroscience are essential.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 42000 £ per year.
About us
King\'s College London (KCL) offers an intellectually stimulating environment in which to work, where staff are dedicated to the advancement of knowledge and learning, all in the service of society. And as a member of the Russell Group, an association of leading UK research-intensive universities, we are committed to maintaining the highest standards in research and education.
The Maurice Wohl Clinical Neuroscience Institute at KCL\'s Denmark Hill Campus houses up to 250 scientists and clinicians with strong links to clinical neurology services at King\'s College Hospital. An important example of this is the King\'s Motor Neuron Disease (MND) Care and Research Centre, which remains one of the leading centres for MND research and the development of new treatments in the world.
About the role
The research assistant will help our team further investigate the neuronal dysfunction that characterises motor neuron disease. The focus will be on a stage of disease when both confirmation of the diagnosis and measurement of therapeutic response remain challenging.
You will be specifically involved in two parallel studies making use of a portable, noninvasive muscle recording device in both home- and hospital-based settings. This will be applied to two clinically important disease contexts: Workstream 1 - as a ‘real-world’ diagnostic aid in the early stage of disease; and Workstream 2 - as a measure of therapeutic response in a genetic subgroup of patients receiving a novel therapy.
In total, 200 patients will be recruited across the two workstreams. Although the study will also involve two external UK sites in addition to King\'s, you will principally aid data collection and analysis at King\'s. The quantitative analysis for both studies will provide readouts for fasciculation parameters and motor neuron behaviour.
Ultimately, you will be involved in deriving a fast-track diagnostic test based on a \'body map\' of motor neuron dysfunction, as well as a remote home-based monitoring framework that is sensitive to therapeutic intervention. These achievements would represent significant advances in the field of biomarker development in motor neuron disease, providing opportunities to publish and present the results internationally.
You will be part of a broader team working on developing and testing novel biomarkers and treatments in motor neuron disease. You will be based in the Maurice Wohl Clinical Neuroscience Institute on the Denmark Hill Campus and the patient-centred work will be carried out in the Clinical Research Facility at King\'s College Hospital. This post is supported by a LifeArc-funded grant led by Dr James Bashford and Professor Chris Shaw.
In summary, we are looking for a highly motivated, hard-working member of the team, who can work independently but also interact creatively within the team. We expect you to share our passionate curiosity for science and commitment to develop new biomarkers and therapies for patients with ALS.
This is a full-time post (35 hours per week), and you will be offered a fixed-term contract for 36 months.
Research staff at King\'s are entitled to at least 10 days per year (pro‑rata) for professional development. This entitlement, from the Concordat to Support the Career Development of Researchers, applies to Postdocs, Research Assistants, Research and Teaching Technicians, Teaching Fellows and AEP equivalent up to and including grade 7. Visit the Centre for Research Staff Development for more information.
About you
To be successful in this role, we are looking for candidates to have the following skills and experience:
Essential criteria
- BSc (or equivalent) in relevant field
- Experience in clinical neuroscience
- Knowledge of neurodegenerative diseases
- Ability to work independently and in a team
- Motivated and enthusiastic
- Conscientious and organised
Desirable criteria
- MSc (or equivalent) in relevant field
- Experience in neurophysiological analysis
- Has published and presented clinical neuroscience research
Full details
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 page. 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 King\'s.
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 \'How we Recruit\' pages.
Interviews are expected to be held in the week commencing 6th October 2025.
Research Assistant in the Department of Basic & Clinical Neuroscience in London employer: King’s College London
King's College London is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant and intellectually stimulating environment at the forefront of neuroscience research. Located at the Denmark Hill Campus, staff benefit from strong links to clinical services and access to professional development opportunities, fostering a culture of collaboration and innovation. With a commitment to diversity and inclusion, KCL provides a supportive atmosphere where employees can thrive and contribute to meaningful advancements in healthcare.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Research Assistant in the Department of Basic & Clinical Neuroscience in London
✨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 King’s College London, 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 King’s College London. 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 Research Assistant in the Department of Basic & Clinical Neuroscience in London
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 King’s College London. 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 King’s College London. 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 King’s College London
✨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 King’s College London. 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 King’s College London to drive research projects forward.
