Research Assistant Full-time NEW

Research Assistant

Project: Investigating the Regulation of the Synaptic Release of Pathological Tau and Linked Biomarkers

The neuron-to-neuron transfer of pathological tau enables its spreading through interconnected brain regions and strongly correlates with disease progression and cognitive decline in Alzheimer's disease (AD) and other forms of dementia. In previous studies, we characterised the synaptic compartment harbouring pathological tau at synapse and mediating its release. We also identified novel critical regulators of this process, i.e., specific SNARE proteins and metabotropic glutamatergic receptors (mGluR2/3) whose modulation prevents pathological tau release (Mazzo et al., JPET 2002; Masato et al., submitted). The project aims to expand the identification of new modulators of pathological tau spreading, and linked biomarkers. Thus, we plan to map the post-translational modification (PTM) signature of pathological tau secreted at rodent and human AD synapses, characterise the tau-associated secretome, and identify pharmacological modulators of this process. These new findings will be pivotal for the identification of new therapeutic targets modulating the release of pathological tau, which in turn are necessary for slowing down AD and related tauopathies.

You will have the opportunity to use a variety of techniques, including molecular, cellular and functional approaches, state-of-art imaging techniques, proteomics, and iPSC-derived neurons.

The post is available from 25 August 2026 and funded by Eli Lilly and Company via UK DRI Ltd until 31st March 2029 in the first instance.

You'll have an undergraduate and/or Master's degree in Neuroscience, Biology, or a related field, experience in neurobiology research, including biochemical approaches, and experience with cell biology techniques. The ability to maintain high standards of research excellence and experimental reproducibility, good interpersonal skills, and the ability to act on your own initiative is also essential for this role.

Starting salary offered in the range £39,148 – £41,833 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 Gold 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.