Job Description

Ref Number

B02-08685

Professional Expertise

Research and Research Support

Department

School of Life & Medical Sciences (B02)

Location

London

Working Pattern

Full time

Salary

See advert text

Contract Type

Fixed-term

Working Type

On site

Available for Secondment

Yes

Closing Date

11-May-2025

About us

------------


The UK Dementia Research Institute (UK DRI) is the biggest UK initiative supporting research to fill the major knowledge gap in our basic understanding of the diseases that cause dementia.



The Schiavo Lab, based in the UK DRI at UCL, aims to elucidate the mechanisms of axonal transport regulation and tau dynamics in healthy and diseased neurons, while identifying new targets to treat amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), frontotemporal dementia (FTD), and other neurodegenerative diseases characterised by impaired axonal transport.

About the role

------------------


We are now recruiting a Research Assistant to join the lab and work on the project "Unveiling the role of pathological Tau in promoting Golgi fragmentation in axons".



The project aims to further investigate the effect of neuron stimulation, tau overexpression, and the build-up of pathological tau at the synapse in driving Golgi fragmentation and re-localisation in distal neuronal compartments. We believe this will provide pivotal information on Golgi dynamics in tauopathies and the identification of critical biochemical nodes for this process, which might be used to halt neurodegeneration in tauopathies.



You will have the opportunity to use a variety of techniques, including live imaging, molecular, cellular, and functional approaches.



The post is available from June 2025 and is funded by the UK DRI until 28 February 2026 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 to Dr Anna Masato (a.masato@ucl.ac.uk).



We expect to hold interviews on 22 May 2025.



A full job description and person specification for this role can be accessed below.

About you

-------------


You'll have a Bachelor's degree and/or Master's degree in Neuroscience, Biology, or a related discipline, coupled with experience in cellular biology, biochemical approaches, and tissue culture of cell lines and/or primary mouse neurons. Experience in confocal microscopy, image analysis, and the ability to maintain high standards of research excellence and experimental reproducibility are also essential for this role.



This role does not meet the eligibility requirements for a Skilled Worker Visa certificate of sponsorship under UK Visas and Immigration legislation. Therefore UCL will not be able to sponsor individuals who require right to work in the UK to carry out this role.

What we offer

-----------------


Starting salary offered in the range 38,607 - 39,257 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.