Research Assistant/Fellow in Genetic Therapies

About us

The laboratory of Dr Counsell is based in the UCL Division of Surgery and Interventional Science, with a broad collaborative network across UCL, with a strong collaborative network in the UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health.

The Counsell Research Group specialises in development of platform technologies, with multiple patented genetic technologies and a track record of translational research funding to develop therapeutic products from these technologies, with a focus on metabolic diseases (Maple Syrup Urine Disease), neuromuscular diseases (Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy), and immunotherapies (CAR-T technologies).

About the role

You will be involved in a project led by Dr John Counsell, to develop innovative genetic therapies for diseases with high unmet need.

You will run experimental studies in collaboration with a gene therapy startup company and collaborating groups based in GOSH Institute of Child Health to run proof of concept studies to exemplify their mechanism of action.

Role specific details:

• This is a full-time, fixed-term role for 36 months in the first instance
• Research Assistant - £38,607 to £41,255 per annum inclusive of London Allowance
• Research Fellow - £44,480 to £51,860 per annum inclusive of London Allowance

Other

• The advert will close on 08 July 2025 at 23:59 GMT, however we may close applications early if we receive a high volume of applications. Early application submission is recommended.

About you

The post holder will have the following:

Essential:

• PhD or MSc related to genetic therapies or equivalent
• Prior knowledge of gene therapy technologies, particularly basic molecular biology techniques
• Experience planning and executing in vivo studies with rodent disease models
• Good organisational skills and attention to detail
• Ability to work collaboratively and as part of a team but be able to function independently and effectively without supervision.

What we offer

As well as the exciting opportunities this role presents, we also offer some 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
• Relocation scheme for certain posts
• On-Site nursery
• On-site gym
• Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption pay
• Employee assistance programme: Staff Support Service
• Discounted medical insurance

Our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

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+ people; and for our Grade 9 and 10 roles, women.

Customer advert reference: B02-08949

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