Research Assistant in Single Cell Genomics (Imperial)

Organisation/Company UK Dementia Research Institute Research Field Neurosciences Researcher Profile First Stage Researcher (R1) Positions Other Positions Country United Kingdom Application Deadline 29 Oct 2025 – 23:59 (Europe/London) Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Full-time Hours Per Week 35 Offer Starting Date 1 Dec 2025 Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Not funded by a EU programme Reference Number MED05199 Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No

Offer Description

Dementia is the biggest health challenge of our century.

To date there is no way to prevent it or even slow its progression, and there is an urgent need to fill the knowledge gap in our basic understanding of the diseases that cause it.

The UK Dementia Research Institute (UK DRI) is the biggest UK initiative driving forward research to fill this gap.

The UK DRI is a globally leading multidisciplinary research institute of over 900 staff investigating the spectrum of neurodegenerative disorders causing dementia, driving a step change in our understanding of neurodegeneration, and accelerating the discovery, development and delivery of interventions that will help diagnose, treat, and ultimately prevent dementia.

The UK DRI at Imperial brings together researchers from diverse backgrounds with fresh perspectives, drawing on the university’s unique strengths, resources and focus on science, engineering, medicine and business. The team recognises that the challenges of dementia demand new concepts, new approaches and a diverse range of new research tools and directions. Their holistic approach views the ageing brain in the context of the ageing body, not in isolation.

We are developing new methods for profiling the binding of transcription factors to DNA. We need these methods to work at single cell resolution which is requiring us to push the limits of existing microfluidics capabilities. You will be responsible for developing, testing and implementing novel protocols towards this goal. The Neurogenomics Lab is exploiting these technologies to enable genome function to be understood in disease relevant cell types. This is being done with a view towards commercialisation so would suit a highly motivated tech minded scientist with an engineering approach to molecular biology.

Working in state-of-the-art laboratories on Imperial’s newest campus for innovation in the heart of the west London tech corridor, the research group of Dr Nathan Skene in the UK DRI at Imperial seeks to identify regulatory mechanisms which cause neurodegenerative disorders, along with the cell types in which they act, and determine whether inhibition or activation of the pathway is associated with increased disease risk. Dr Skene’s research focuses on answering simple questions about brain diseases, through the analysis of epigenomic and genetic datasets. A major question of our group is identifying which cell types carry the most genetic load for brain disorders, by linking GWAS data to epigenomic data obtained using single cell methods. This research area is evolving rapidly. You will be given opportunities to train in new methods, develop new competencies relevant to the specific aims set and address major questions of importance for Alzheimer’s disease and related neurodegenerative conditions.

• Development of novel methods for single cell genomics, using customisable microfluidic platforms
• Experience with general molecular biology and cellular genomics methods
• Work collaboratively as part of a multidisciplinary research team
• Demonstrate an aptitude for an organised, methodical approach to your work

Additional Information

What we can offer you

The role will be part of the UK Dementia Research Institute and the Department of Brain Sciences at Imperial College London. Research Assistants enjoy excellent career development opportunities with:

• Access to a range of cutting-edge technologies
• Strong national links through the UK DRI with attendance at its annual scientific meeting ‘Connectome’.
• A network of computational and wet lab researchers
• The opportunity to continue your career at a world-leading institution and be part of our mission to continue science for humanity.
• Sector-leading salary and remuneration package (including 39 days off a year and generous pension schemes).