The Department of Neuromuscular Diseases is a hub for clinical and research excellence across the spectrum of spinal cord and neuromuscular diseases. Our group of world-leading clinical, genetic and basic science researchers focus their work on understanding the causes and biological mechanisms leading to neuromuscular diseases and translating this knowledge into developing novel therapeutic solutions that are of direct benefit to neurological disorders.
The Fratta Lab, based in the department, is a translational neuroscience laboratory whose research focuses on the molecular mechanisms of ALS, frontotemporal dementia, and related TDP-43 proteinopathies, with a particular emphasis on RNA biology, cryptic splicing, and the development of novel therapeutics.
About the role
The lab is now recruiting a Senior Research Technician to join an exciting MRC-funded experimental medicine programme investigating a newly identified link between TDP-43 pathology and the immune system, along with the development of novel gene therapies for ALS. The Fratta Lab has discovered that TDP-43-induced cryptic peptides act as neoantigens that drive a cytotoxic T cell response in ALS and inclusion body myositis (IBM). You will work within a highly collaborative team to understand the mechanisms underlying this activation and the impact this has in disease.
This is an outstanding opportunity within one of the UK's leading clinical neuroscience environments.
The post is available from 01 October 2026 and funded by the UK Medical Research Council (MRC) until 30 September 2027 in the first instance.
If you need reasonable adjustments or a more accessible format to apply for this job online, or have any queries regarding the application process, please contact the Institute of Neurology HR Team (ion.hradmin@ucl.ac.uk ).
Informal enquiries regarding the role can be addressed to Professor Pietro Fratta (p.fratta@ucl.ac.uk ).
About you
You’ll have a PhD in Neuroscience (or another biology subject) and experience in in vivo mouse work, cell culture, and molecular biology and cloning. Excellent IT skills are essential, as is the ability to organise and prioritise your own work, supervise and teach laboratory techniques, and the enthusiasm and ability to go the extra mile for patients and those in clinical care.
This role meets the eligibility requirements for a skilled worker certificate of sponsorship or a global talent visa under UK Visas and Immigration legislation. Therefore, UCL welcomes applications from international applicants who require a visa.
What we offer
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
We will consider applications to work on a part-time, flexible, and job share basis wherever possible.
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 Gold 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.
Attached documents are available under links. Clicking a document link will initialize its download.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Senior Research Technician employer: UK Dementia Research Institute
UCL is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that prioritises service excellence and collaboration across various professional services. With generous benefits such as 41 days of holiday, a defined benefit pension scheme, and a commitment to equality and diversity, UCL fosters an inclusive environment where employees can thrive and grow in their careers while contributing to meaningful organisational transformation.
Contact Details:
UK Dementia Research Institute Recruitment Team
