Research Assistant

The UCL Huntington’s Disease Centre is uniquely placed world-wide to translate mechanistic insights to ‘first in human’ studies. It combines sophisticated cell-based systems with rigorously standardised preclinical target validation to prime mechanistically-driven drug development initiatives. The Centre integrates clinical and laboratory work with small proof-of-concept first in human studies in patients in the Leonard Wolfson Experimental Neurology Centre (LWENC) prior to initiating larger phase 2 and 3 clinical trials including novel huntingtin-lowering trials.

We are recruiting a Research Assistant to investigate the role of the DNA damage response (DDR) in Huntington’s disease pathogenesis and explore the mechanism of repeat expansion and contractions.

You will examine the involvement of DDR proteins in patient-derived cell models and will use induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) from patients with HD to study the role of DDR proteins, in repeat expansion and contraction events. You will use cutting-edge techniques including CRISPR based techniques to modulate DDR genes of interest, or to introduce double- and single strand breaks at the HTT CAG repeat. We will assess the factors that promote or prevent repeat contractions with the aim of identifying novel therapeutic pathways. HD-iPSCs will be differentiated to neurons, including medium spiny neurons (MSNs) and the effect on repeat instability in neurons will be monitored using repeat sizing assays. Immunocytochemistry, qPCR and western blotting will be used to assess HD phenotypes and DDR components.

The post is available immediately and is funded by research grant funding from the UK Dementia Research Institute for two years, or until 29 February 2028, whichever is earlier, 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 Jasmine Donaldson (j.donaldson 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 B02-09997. 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 an undergraduate degree (minimum 2:1) in biological sciences or a related discipline, with experience with tissue culture, molecular biology, and of working in experimental laboratory research. Good IT, communication, and problem-solving skills are essential, as is a proactive approach to your work and an ability to deliver to expected standards.

Starting salary offered at £39,148 - £41,833 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.

Customer advert reference: B02-09997

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