ABOUT US

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 is of direct benefit to neurological disorders.
Based in the department, the Fratta/Keuss Laboratory focuses on understanding and developing therapeutic approaches for motor neuron diseases. The lab uses a combination of iPSC-derived neurons, postmortem patient brain tissue, and mouse models to identify early splicing changes relevant to the disease and to investigate novel strategies to correct them.

ABOUT THE ROLE

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a rapidly progressive, incurable, and fatal neurodegenerative disease that causes the degeneration of motor neurons, leading to generalised paralysis. Due to the current lack of effective therapies, there is an urgent need to uncover the underlying molecular mechanisms driving ALS.
One key pathological feature of ALS is the mislocalisation of the RNA-binding protein TDP-43 from the nucleus to cytoplasmic inclusions, resulting in a severe and specific disruption of RNA processing. The Fratta/Keuss Laboratory has been investigating the consequences of this dysfunction to better understand its role in disease progression.
We are seeking a Research Fellow to join our dynamic research group that integrates cell biology, molecular biology, and bioinformatics to investigate these fundamental mechanisms with direct translational relevance. You will use established cell lines and iPSC-derived neurons to test and develop cutting-edge experimental approaches.
This research is part of a collaborative initiative with Dr Ariana Gatt (UCL) and Dr Jack Humphrey (Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, USA), offering the opportunity to work within an internationally connected research environment.
The role is available immediately and funded by an award from the MyName’5 Doddie Foundation for one year 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 Dr Matthew Keuss (m.keuss@ucl.ac.uk).
A full job description and person specification for this role can be accessed below. To apply, please upload a current CV, complete the online application form, and use the supporting statement section or upload a cover letter to outline how you meet the essential and desirable criteria for the role. Please do not upload any additional attachments as these will not be considered by the selection panel.

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