Research Technician Full-time

Research Technician

We recently identified a neuroprotective role for polyunsaturated fatty acids in models of FTD and ALS, including Drosophila models (Giblin, Cammack et al., Nature Neuroscience, 2025).

We are seeking a Research Technician to help investigate the underlying mechanisms using both Drosophila and iPSC-derived neuron models. You will work across the Niccoli and Isaacs laboratories and will be expected to contribute immediately to both Drosophila and iPSC-neuron research; therefore, experience in both areas is essential. Responsibilities will include Drosophila genetic crosses, lifespan and phenotypic analyses, molecular cloning for both Drosophila and mammalian systems, iPSC maintenance, neuronal differentiation, live imaging, qPCR, and analysis of lipidomics data.

The post is available 01 October 2026 and funded by the UK Dementia Research Institute until 30 September 2027 in the first instance.

You will have a BSc in a relevant discipline, such as biomedical research, together with experience in iPSC culture and neuronal differentiation. You will also have experience with molecular biology techniques such as qPCR, as well as live neuronal imaging and analysis of lipidomics data.

Excellent communication, interpersonal, organisational, and time management skills are also essential for this role.

The role is offered with salary in the range of £36,433 – £37,277 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.

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.