Research Assistant

About us

The UK Dementia Research Institute (UK DRI) is a globally leading multidisciplinary research institute of over 900 staff investigating the spectrum of neurodegenerative disorders causing dementia, driving a step change in our understanding of neurodegeneration, and accelerating the discovery, development and delivery of interventions that will help diagnose, treat, and ultimately prevent dementia.

The Hong lab, based in the UK DRI at UCL, investigates how interactions between neural circuits, glia, and the immune system drive synaptic dysfunction and loss in ageing and neurodegenerative disease. We study microglia, border-associated macrophages and astrocytes alongside adaptive immune cells, including T cells and B/plasma cells, in Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases.

About the role

We are recruiting a Research Assistant to provide essential in vivo and technical support for a fast-moving, interdisciplinary project at the interface of neuroimmunology, circuit neuroscience and immune-cell engineering. Building directly on our recent discovery that neuronal hyperactivity drives region- and input-specific, C1q-dependent synapse loss through brain-recruited B cell immunoglobulins, the project will determine how pathological neural activity generates antigen-specific B cell responses, identify the molecular features recognised by these responses, and use this biology to develop engineered immune-cell approaches that can detect and selectively modulate disease-relevant brain states.

You will work closely with postdoctoral researchers and the Principal Investigators to deliver the animal and tissue-based components of the programme. Core responsibilities will include coordinating experimental mouse colonies and cohorts, performing in vivo procedures, monitoring animal welfare, collecting brain, blood and peripheral tissues, processing samples, and supporting downstream histology, flow cytometry, imaging and molecular analysis. You will follow complex experimental schedules, anticipate bottlenecks, troubleshoot technical problems and deliver reproducible data at pace without compromising animal welfare or scientific rigour.

The post is available from 19 October 2026 and funded by the Advanced Research + Invention Agency (ARIA) for 3 years in the first instance.

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 B02-11139. 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.

About you

You will have an undergraduate and/or Master’s degree in Biological Sciences, Neuroscience, or Immunology (or a related discipline) and strong knowledge of and interest in neuroimmunology, adaptive immunity, or circuit neuroscience in disease, and familiarity with the research of the Hong Lab and the UK DRI. Substantial hands-on experience of working with laboratory mice in biomedical research, of applying specialist in vivo techniques, and an understanding of animal welfare and regulatory requirements for research is essential. You’ll be able to work at pace without compromising animal welfare or scientific rigour, be meticulous, accurate, and organised, with high standards of laboratory organisation, documentation, and data management, and be highly dependable and proactive, with the ability to act on your own initiative within the boundaries of your agreed responsibilities.

What we offer

Starting salary offered in the range £39,807 - £42,891 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: B02-11139

Advert information