Senior Research Technician

at  University College London

ABOUT US

The Department of Neurodegenerative Disease is recognised as internationally leading in the study of neurodegenerative diseases causing dementia and related disorders.
Based in the Department is the UCL Huntington’s Disease Centre, uniquely positioned worldwide to translate mechanistic insights into ‘first in human’ studies. The Centre combines sophisticated cell-based systems with rigorously standardised preclinical target validation to prime mechanistically driven drug development initiatives. It integrates clinical and laboratory work with small proof-of-concept first in patients in the Leonard Wolfson Experimental Neurology Centre (LWENC) prior to initiating larger phase 2 and 3 clinical trials including novel huntingtin-lowering trials.

ABOUT THE ROLE

We are seeking a Senior Research Technician to join Dr Michael Flower and Professor Sarah Tabrizi’s research group at the Huntington’s Disease Centre. The project focuses on the role of repeat instability and DNA repair in Huntington’s disease (HD) pathogenesis. You will culture stem cells from HD patients, differentiate them into striatal neurons, and treat them with novel therapeutics to modulate DNA repair gene expression. Additionally, you will isolate extracellular vesicles from HD patient biofluids, including CSF and blood, and assess DNA repair activity and CAG repeat instability.
The role is available from 01 March 2025 and is funded by the Cure Huntington’s Disease Initiative (CHDI) Foundation until 28 February 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 Dr Michael Flower (michael.flower@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