Research Assistant Full-time NEW

Research Assistant

The Research Department of Neurodegenerative Disease is recognized as internationally leading in the study of neurodegenerative diseases causing dementia and related disorders. The Department has a strong focus on mechanistic dissection of genetic, molecular cellular and neuropathological processes which underlie neurodegeneration in particular diseases and across the neurodegeneration spectrum.

Located in the department is the Genetic Therapy Accelerator Centre (GTAC). The mission of the Centre is to embed translational research into the basic research and clinical activities of the UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology (ION). The Centre combines laboratory and clinical expertise focused on neuromuscular and neurological disorders, their mechanisms of disease and includes cutting-edge RNA and AAV gene therapy expertise. The Centre fosters cross-institutional collaborations and facilitates RNA and gene therapy programs.

About the role: We are seeking a talented Research Assistant to contribute to a translational AAV gene therapy programme focused on Duchenne muscular dystrophy, based in the GTAC and working under the direction of Professor Joanne Ng.

You will join the GTAC AAV research group, a collaborative team delivering in vivo gene therapy studies in neurological and neuromuscular disorders, and will contribute to advancing gene therapy approaches for neurodegenerative disease.

The post is available from 01 May 2026 and is funded by Duchenne Parent Project until 30 April 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 at ion.hradmin@ucl.ac.uk. Informal enquiries regarding the role can be addressed to Professor Joanne Ng at j.ng@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.

You'll have an MSc in Biological Science, Neuroscience or Cell & Gene Therapy, and experience in tissue culture. You will be skilled in tissue harvest and processing for fixation and DNA, RNA, and protein extraction, molecular biology techniques for gene expression, protein expression by Western blot, and immunohistochemistry. In addition, you will have excellent oral and written communication skills and the ability to think independently and problem solve.

What we offer: Starting salary offered at £39,148 per annum, inclusive of London Allowance. 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 insurance

Visit https://www.ucl.ac.uk/work-at-ucl/reward-and-benefits to find out more.

We will consider applications to work on a part-time, flexible, and job share basis wherever possible.

This appointment is subject to UCL Terms and Conditions of Service for Research and Professional Services Staff. Please visit https://www.ucl.ac.uk/human-resources/conditions-service-research-teaching-and-professional-services-staff for more information.

Our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion: The Institute prides itself on operating in an all-inclusive environment irrespective of personal, physical, or social characteristics. Teamwork is highly valued, individual strengths are recognised and celebrated, and we are committed to advancing the careers of everyone. 12% of Institute staff are actively working on Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) initiatives; visit our EDI website for more information about our initiatives and priorities. The Institute also holds an Athena SWAN Silver award, in recognition of our commitment and demonstrable impact in advancing gender equality.

As London's Global University, we know diversity fosters creativity and innovation, and we want our community to represent the diversity of the world's talent. We are committed to equality of opportunity, to being fair and inclusive, and to being a place where we all belong.

We therefore particularly encourage applications from candidates who are likely to be underrepresented in UCL's workforce; these include people from Black, Asian and ethnic minority backgrounds, disabled people, LGBTQI+ and gender diverse people in all roles, and women in Grade 9 and 10 roles.