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 Professor Sarah Tabrizi’s research group and provide maternity cover at the Huntington’s Disease Centre. You will contribute to Medical Research Council (MRC) Nucleic Acid Therapy Accelerator (NATA) funded projects, which investigate the delivery, safety, and efficacy of next-generation nucleic acid therapeutics (NATs) targeting brain, heart, and muscle as part of the TransNAT consortium. You will differentiate induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) to disease-relevant cell types, medium spiny neurons (MSNs) in the case of HD.
We will study the toxicity, uptake, trafficking and target engagement of novel NAT compounds. You will assist in assaying these through a variety of methods, including high-content quantitative immunochemistry and in situ hybridisation -based techniques. You will assist in the day-to-day maintenance of iPSC, neuronal, and organoid cultures and in the implementation of advanced organoid models such as cortico-striatal assembloids or choroid plexus CSF barrier models.
The role is available from 01 April 2025 and is to undertake specific maternity cover, the duration of which is dependent upon completion of the cover, return of the post holder, or cessation of the funding, whichever is the soonest; this is expected to be until 31 October 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 Dr Ross Ferguson (email: ross.ferguson@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