Research Technician (α-Synuclein Strain Biology) Full-time

Research Technician (α-Synuclein Strain Biology)

The Department of Clinical and Movement Neurosciences at UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology is a world-leading centre for research into neurological disorders. Bringing together clinical and basic neuroscience expertise, the Department uses advanced technologies and cellular, animal and human models to investigate disease mechanisms and develop new therapeutic approaches. The Queen Square Brain Bank provides access to well-characterised post-mortem tissue supporting internationally collaborative research.

We are seeking a Research Technician with strong cell-culture skills to join a collaborative research programme investigating the role of misfolded α-synuclein in Parkinson's disease (PD) and multiple system atrophy (MSA). The project combines human induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived neuronal and organoid models with biochemical and immunoassay approaches to investigate how different α-synuclein structures influence cellular behaviour and toxicity.

You will play a key technical role in establishing and maintaining cellular models, performing cell-based assays, supporting biochemical workflows and analysing imaging data. The role will also involve handling post-mortem brain tissue, maintaining accurate laboratory records and contributing to collaborative research outputs.

The post is available immediately and jointly funded by an Aligning Science Across Parkinson's (ASAP) award, held as part of Team Goedert within the ASAP Collaborative Research Network, and by a grant from the MSA Trust. Funding is available for 12 months in the first instance.

You will have an MSc or higher degree in neuroscience, biochemistry, biomedical science, stem-cell biology or a related discipline, alongside substantial hands-on mammalian cell-culture experience. You will have experience of stem-cell culture and differentiation, biochemical or molecular techniques, and fluorescence microscopy and image analysis.

You will be organised, methodical and proactive, with strong problem-solving skills, excellent attention to detail and the ability to manage competing experimental priorities. You will communicate effectively, work collaboratively across multidisciplinary teams and be committed to maintaining high standards of research quality, laboratory practice and data integrity.

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.

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

We particularly encourage applications from candidates underrepresented in UCL's workforce, including those from Black, Asian and ethnic minority backgrounds, disabled people, and – for Grade 9 and 10 roles – women.

Read more: UCL Equality, Diversity and Inclusion.

Applicants should also familiarise themselves with UCL's policies on: Prevention of Bullying, Harassment and Sexual Misconduct Policy and Personal Relationships Policy.

Our department holds an Athena Swan Gold award in recognition of our commitment and demonstrable impact in advancing gender equality.