Research Technician

The Department of Neurodegenerative Disease is focused on the study of neurodegenerative diseases causing dementia and related disorders. The Department has a strong focus on mechanistic dissection of genetic, molecular cellular and neuropathological processes which underlie neurodegeneration in particular diseases and across the neurodegeneration spectrum. A related touchstone of our research is to identify pathophysiological mechanisms and markers that link molecular pathology to clinical phenotypes of neurodegenerative disease.

Based within the Department, Professor Helene Plun-Favreau’s laboratory works more specifically on cellular organelle impairments associated with Parkinson’s disease and other neurodegenerative diseases. The lab uses a multi-disciplinary approach that includes human stem cell models, genome engineering, biochemistry techniques, and high-content confocal imaging to unravel disease pathomechanisms and novel opportunities for therapeutic intervention.

The Plun-Favreau Lab has previously identified two new genes (KAT8 and KANSL1) playing a role in Parkinson’s disease pathogenesis. In this project we will begin translating these exciting findings into a novel therapeutic approach through cutting-edge AAV-based gene therapy strategies in collaboration with the Lignani Lab.

You will join a team that takes advantage of state-of the art models and tools alongside cell biology, biochemistry, and imaging approaches to develop and test a novel gene-therapy strategy. You will work closely with Dr Benjamin O’Callaghan in the Plun-Favreau Lab, and with other team members. Core duties will include plasmid cloning, AAV production, cell biology, immunofluorescence, biochemistry, and iPSC-technology, supporting the preparation of presentations, reports, and publications, and assistance with laboratory upkeep.

The post is available from 05 January 2026 and is funded by the Sigrid Rausing Trust as part of a UCL Neurogenetic Therapies Programme award for one year 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 Professor Helene Plun-Favreau (h.plun-favreau at ucl.ac.uk).

For a full job description please visit UCL’s online recruitment portal (https://www.ucl.ac.uk/work-at-ucl/search-ucl-jobs) and search using vacancy reference B02-09810. To apply, please upload a current CV, complete the online application form, and use the supporting statement section or upload a cover letter to outline how you meet the essential and desirable criteria for the role. Please do not upload any additional attachments as these will not be considered by the selection panel.

You will have a BSc in Neuroscience, Developmental Biology, Molecular Biology, or a related discipline, coupled with experience in molecular cloning, AAV particle generation, purification, and quality control, with biochemistry ad molecular biology techniques, and with human cell culture and transfections. Knowledge of hiPSCs and their use in neurological disease modelling is essential, as are strong IT, communication, and collaboration skills.

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.

Customer advert reference: B02-09810

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