ABOUT US

The UK Dementia Research Institute (UK DRI) is the biggest UK initiative supporting research to fill the major knowledge gap in our basic understanding of the diseases that cause dementia.
Based within the UK DRI at UCL, the Bartels Lab specializes in the study of synuclein multimers and lipidomics in the context of Parkinson’s disease (PD). The lab plays a unique role in this field, addressing key research gaps through close collaborations with the National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery and the Queen Square Brain Bank.
Dr Tim Bartels first discovered disease resistant forms of the α-synuclein protein and their destabilization in Parkinson’s Disease. His lab is interested in identifying the different factors that destabilize α-synuclein and that lead to neurotoxicity.

ABOUT THE ROLE

We are seeking a Research Technician to contribute to a project involving the analysis of human post-mortem brain tissue and various cell culture models, including iPSC-derived and primary human neurons, as well as structural in vitro assays using recombinant protein. Both native brain tissue and in vitro models will be used to study α-synuclein fibrils across different synucleinopathies.
In vitro aggregation assays, electron microscopy, circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy, and fluorescence correlation spectroscopy (FCS) will be employed to elucidate context-dependent protein folding. You will provide support with histopathology techniques, biochemical analyses such as crosslinking and Western blotting, cell culture, and protein expression and purification.
The post is available from 01 September 2025 and is funded by the UK DRI 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 Tim Bartels (t.bartels@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