Research Assistant

About us

Led by Professor Sarah Tabrizi (Director) and Professor Gillian Bates (Co-Director), and opened in 2015 in a dedicated, purpose-built space, 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.

About the role

We are now recruiting a Research Assistant to join the Huntington’s Disease Centre to work on the Sperm-CAG project. Sperm-CAG is an innovative study funded by CHDI Foundation and led by Dr Davina Hensman Moss, that seeks to characterise and investigate the underpinning mechanisms behind genetic anticipation in Huntington’s disease.

You will join a team of three working on the Sperm-CAG project. This is a dynamic role based primarily in the laboratory but with important participant-focused duties. You will conduct blood and semen biosample processing: sample logging, initial quality control steps including light microscopy and Tecan Spark microplate reader cell counting, aliquoting and storage, then implement cutting edge techniques to quantitatively characterize the level of CAG repeat mosaicism using fragment analysis and MiSeq. This will require sequencing library preparation, liaising with UCL genomics who will perform the MiSeq, and assisting with the quantitative analysis. You will also be responsible for stocktaking and replenishment of shared laboratory consumables for the lab as required.

You will assist in the organisation, recruitment and assessment of participants in accordance with the principles of Good Clinical Practice (GCP), taking into consideration the complex nature of HD and the possible communication problems and symptoms participants may have. You will obtain participants’ informed consent to participate in the study and will help with data entry, as well as assist in the collection of blood samples for which training in phlebotomy will be given.

You will have close links to both the clinical and laboratory teams within the Huntington’s Disease Centre, a world leading research group which has strong partnerships with biotech and pharmaceutical companies as well as collaborations with numerous international academic research groups.

An honorary contract will be sought from UCLH NHS Foundation Trust, for which a DBS check will be required.

The role is available from 01 July 2024 and funded by the CHDI Foundation until 30 June 2025 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@ucl.ac.uk).

Informal enquiries regarding the role can be addressed to Dr Davina Hensman Moss (d.hensman@ucl.ac.uk).

We expect to hold interviews on 15 May 2024.

A full job description and person specification for this role can be accessed below.

About you

You will hold an Honours degree (min 2:1) in a relevant subject area (biological sciences, biomedical sciences, or a related discipline), have a very high level of consideration and care for patients and research volunteers, strong problem-solving abilities, and excellent oral and written communication skills. You will have good interpersonal skills with an ability to work co-operatively in a multidisciplinary setting, and also be able to act on your own initiative. Experience working in a laboratory, of molecular biology, and basic microscopy skills are also essential. A good understanding of Huntington’s disease, Good Clinical Practice, regulatory requirements, and research governance are desirable, as is experience of working within neurodegenerative research.

What we offer

Starting salary offered at £37,332 - £37,982 per annum inclusive of London Allowance.

As well as the exciting opportunities this role presents, we also offer 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

Visit https://www.ucl.ac.uk/work-at-ucl/reward-and-benefits to find out more.

We will consider applications to work on a part-time, flexible, and job share basis wherever possible.

This appointment is subject to UCL Terms and Conditions of Service for Research and Professional Services Staff. Please visit https://www.ucl.ac.uk/human-resources/conditions-service-research-teaching-and-professional-services-staff for more information.

Our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

The Institute prides itself on operating in an all-inclusive environment irrespective of personal, physical, or social characteristics. Teamwork is highly valued, individual strengths are recognised and celebrated, and we are committed to advancing the careers of everyone. 12% of Institute staff are actively working on Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) initiatives; visit our EDI website for more information about our initiatives and priorities. The Institute also holds an Athena SWAN Silver award, in recognition of our commitment and demonstrable impact in advancing gender equality.

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+ and gender diverse people in all roles, and women in Grade 9 and 10 roles.