At a Glance
- Tasks: Join a dynamic team to explore retinal degeneration and develop innovative therapies.
- Company: University College London, a leading institution fostering inclusivity and collaboration.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous holiday allowance, pension scheme, and enhanced parental pay.
- Other info: Great career growth opportunities in a supportive and diverse environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in cutting-edge research with world-class experts.
- Qualifications: Experience in stem cell culture, immunohistochemistry, and a passion for neurodegeneration.
The predicted salary is between 39807 - 41833 £ per year.
There is a vacancy for a graduate Research Assistant to join a research group headed by Professor Alison Hardcastle. The Hardcastle lab fosters a collegiate and inclusive environment that works closely in a shared lab with several other PIs to form a large team (>30) at the UCL Institute of Ophthalmology.
We are looking for a research assistant to differentiate retinal organoids which are used to explore the molecular mechanisms of retinal degeneration and test potential therapeutic approaches. The successful candidate will be motivated to contribute to high-quality research, with an ability to think and work independently and work effectively as part of a team, with excellent organizational skills.
The post would suit an ambitious researcher with a strong interest in the mechanisms of neurodegeneration, retinal molecular and cellular biology, and/or therapeutic development. The successful candidate will preferably have experience of stem cell culture and differentiation. They will also have experience of immunohistochemistry, transcriptomics and biochemical analyses. They will work as part of a multidisciplinary team, and with established collaborators, to investigate the molecular mechanism of inherited retinal degeneration using iPSC derived retinal organoids and animal models to explore potential therapies. Applicants close to submission of their PhD will also be considered. Appointment as a Research Fellow at Grade 7 is dependent upon having been awarded a PhD. If this is not the case, an initial appointment will be made as a Research Assistant at Grade 6b (£39,807 -£41,833) with payment at Grade 7 backdated upon award of a PhD to the date of final submission of the PhD thesis (with corrections).
A job description and person specification can be accessed at the bottom of this page. To apply for the vacancy please click on the 'Apply Now' button below. Please ensure you attach your CV and highest academic qualification. In addition, please ensure you provide a personal statement outlining how you meet the criteria to support your application.
If you have any queries regarding the vacancy please contact Professor Alison Hardcastle.
Working with some of the greatest intellects in the world, UCL also offers a generous pension scheme and holiday allowance, plus closure and bank holidays as well as enhanced parental pay and more.
As London’s Global University, we know diversity fosters creativity and innovation. We are committed to equality of opportunity, to being fair and inclusive, and to being a place where we all belong. We particularly encourage applications from candidates underrepresented in UCL’s workforce, including those from Black, Asian and ethnic minority backgrounds, disabled people, and – for Grade 9 and 10 roles – women.
Applicants should also familiarise themselves with UCL’s policies on: Prevention of Bullying, Harassment and Sexual Misconduct Policy and Personal Relationships Policy. Our department holds an Athena Swan Silver award in recognition of our commitment and demonstrable impact in advancing gender equality.
Research Assistant in London employer: Opportunita
Opportunita is an attractive employer due to its commitment to research excellence and professional development. Faculty members benefit from a collaborative work environment and opportunities to engage with industry partners, enhancing their academic careers.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Research Assistant in London
✨Get Involved in Local Research Communities
Tap into local biotechnology meetups and research forums. These are great places to mingle with industry professionals, share your passion, and even discover unadvertised job openings. It's all about getting your face known in the field!
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If you're a recent grad, don’t underestimate the power of your university’s alumni network! Reach out to alumni working in biotechnology to gather tips about job openings at companies like Opportunita. You'd be surprised how willing people are to help out a fellow grad!
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Curate a portfolio showcasing any research projects or internships you've completed in biotechnology. This tangible evidence of your skills can really impress employers when you chat with them at networking events or interviews. It's about making that killer first impression!
✨Stay Up-to-Date with Industry Trends
Biotech is a fast-paced field, so keeping yourself updated with the latest advancements is crucial. Attend industry conferences, webinars, or workshops to broaden your knowledge and meet potential employers. Plus, it’ll give you fantastic talking points for your interviews at places like Opportunita!
We think you need these skills to ace Research Assistant in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Lab Skills:In the biotechnology field, it's super important to highlight your lab experience in your CV. Be sure to mention specific techniques or instruments you've mastered (think PCR, gel electrophoresis, etc.) and any relevant projects you've worked on. This will show Opportunita that you have the hands-on skills they need.
Tailor Your Technical Skills:Make sure to emphasise your technical skills, especially those relevant to the biotechnology sector. Include any software tools or programming languages you've used, like R or Python for data analysis, which could be key for this role at Opportunita.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Since this is a full-time role, your cover letter should reflect not only your passion for biotechnology but also your long-term career ambitions. Share why you're excited about the work that Opportunita does and how you envision contributing to their goals. This shows that you’re not just looking for any job, but you're genuinely invested in this opportunity.
Include Your Papers and Projects:If you've published any papers or contributed to significant projects, mention them! These documents can boost your application and provide tangible evidence of your expertise in the biotechnology field. Don’t forget to link to any relevant publications or project summaries—this can set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at Opportunita
✨Brush Up on Lab Techniques
Since you're eyeing a full-time gig in biotechnology, make sure you're well-versed in the lab techniques relevant to the role. Be ready to talk about PCR, CRISPR, or any specific methods mentioned in the job description at Opportunita. You might even be asked to demonstrate your understanding of these processes.
✨Know Your Bioinformatics Tools
Get comfortable with bioinformatics tools that are commonly used in the industry, like BLAST or Bioconductor. These are key in biotechnology, and having hands-on experience or at least familiarity can set you apart. Prepare to discuss any relevant projects you've worked on, especially if they involved data analysis or genomic research.
✨Show Your Teamwork Skills
Biotech often involves collaboration across multiple disciplines. Be ready to share stories that highlight your teamwork and communication skills, especially in research projects. Think about working with different teams at university or any internships – this is where you can show how well you fit into Opportunita's culture.
✨Research Recent Biotech Innovations
Stay updated on the latest trends and breakthroughs in biotechnology. Knowing what's happening in the field can help you engage in more meaningful discussions during your interview. Bring up recent articles or advancements that excite you, especially those related to the work being done at Opportunita. This shows your passion for the industry!
