Research Assistant (Race Against Dementia Ignition Fund)

The FTD fluid biomarker lab is based within the UK DRI Biomarker Factory, a state-of-the-art facility for the development and validation of fluid biomarkers in neurodegenerative diseases. The group is part of Professor Jonathan Rohrer’s team at the Dementia Research Centre and focuses on the discovery and development of fluid biomarkers for frontotemporal dementia, specifically in genetic FTD. We are part of the GENetic FTD Initiative (GENFI), a multicentre cohort study recruiting participants carrying mutations accounting for FTD.

We are offering an exceptional opportunity for a Research Assistant to support research programs within the DRC and the UK DRI at UCL. The project will be focused on the development of new methodologies to measure fluid biomarkers in blood and cerebrospinal fluid samples from FTD participants.

We are seeking a proactive individual who is passionate about the study of biomarkers for neurodegenerative diseases and understands the impact of this research in people living with dementia.

Your main responsibilities will be to assist with the extractions of extracellular vesicles (EV) from plasma samples using a SEC set up with further characterisation of EV populations as well as to validate and develop immunoassays (both commercially available and home brew) for the measurement of proteins related to the lysosomal dysfunction.

This is a unique opportunity to work in a vibrant research environment and at the cutting edge of disease-related neuroscience both within the UK DRI and the DRC at UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology as well as through collaboration with external laboratories.

The post is available from April 2024 and funded by Race Against Dementia until 03 January 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 at ucl.ac.uk).

Informal enquiries regarding the role can be addressed to Dr Aitana Sogorb Esteve (a.sogorb-esteve at ucl.ac.uk).

For a full job description and to apply for this role please visit UCL’s online recruitment portal (https://www.ucl.ac.uk/work-at-ucl/search-ucl-jobs) and search using vacancy reference B02-06710.

You should have an Honours degree (min 2:1) in Neuroscience, Developmental Biology, Molecular Biology, or a related discipline and experience performing immunoassays. Knowledge in Biochemistry/Molecular Biology is also a requirement, as is excellent time management, and the ability to be meticulous and accurate in all aspects of work. Experience with extracellular vesicles purification and characterisation techniques and statistical analysis skills are desirable.

Starting salary offered at £37,332 - £38,966 per annum, inclusive of London Allowance.

As well as the exciting opportunities this role presents, we also offer some great benefits; visit https://www.ucl.ac.uk/work-at-ucl/reward-and-benefits to find out more.

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. 12% of Institute staff are actively working on EDI initiatives; visit https://www.ucl.ac.uk/ion/equality-diversity-inclusion for more information about what we’re doing. 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.

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