Research Assistant

at  University College London

ABOUT US

The Department of Neurodegenerative Disease is recognised as one of foremost international centres for the study of dementia and other neurodegenerative disease.
The Wray lab, based in the Department, is recognised nationally and internationally for their work investigating the molecular mechanisms of Alzheimer’s Disease and Frontotemporal Dementia. The lab is one of many research teams at the Institute of Neurology that use iPSC to complement other in vitro and in vivo models to understand the molecular, cellular and circuit abnormalities underlying the pathological deficits observed in Alzheimer’s disease and other neurodegenerative disorders.

ABOUT THE ROLE

We are seeking a skilled Research Assistant to support the daily operations of a Medical Research Council (MRC) Nucleic Acid Therapy Accelerator (NATA) project within Professor Selina Wray’s research group.
The project will employ induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC) to generate brain organoids and microglia to investigate antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) and siRNA compounds for different Alzheimer’s disease targets.
Key responsibilities include supporting research by assisting with scientific approaches related to antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) and siRNA research and development. You will differentiate iPSC and maintain long-term cultures of cortical organoids and microglia to perform target validation and toxicology using high-content imaging and qPCR for the various nucleic acid compounds generated in the NATA project.
This is a unique opportunity to work in a vibrant research environment and at the cutting edge of disease-related neuroscience, both within the UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology and the UK Dementia Research Institute and through collaboration with external laboratories and industry.
The role is available from January 2025 and is funded by a grant from the Medical Research Council until 31 December 2025 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 Selina Wray (selinawray@ucl.ac.uk).
A full job description and person specification for this role can be accessed below.

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
• Immigration loan
• On-site nursery
• On-site gym
• Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption pay
• Employee assistance programme: Staff Support Service
• Discounted medical insuranc