Research Assistant

About us

The Department of Neuromuscular Diseases at UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology (IoN) has a longstanding history of excellence in primary mitochondrial disorders research, including the first description of mutations in mitochondrial DNA causing disease published in Nature in 1988. Our work involves projects that are focused on understanding the impact of mitochondrial genes variants on lipid metabolism and the clinical phenotype, in addition to understanding mitochondrial disease mechanisms, with the ultimate aim of developing treatments.

About the role

We are seeking a Research Assistant to work under the supervision of Professor Rob Pitceathly and Dr Micol Falabella in the lab, which is part of several world class initiatives, including the MRC-funded Cardiolipin metabolism in mitochondrial DNA replication and division project, the Genome Editing Mice for Medicine call (MRC Harwell), and 5-year MRC International Centre for Neuromuscular diseases.

You will work on developing and validating in vitro cellular models of primary mitochondrial diseases and testing the effect of novel and known small molecules on mitochondrial activity in our in vitro and in vivo preclinical platforms. Alongside this, you will be involved in ongoing lab projects, contributing to publications and provide technical support to Professor Pitceathly and his team.

You will be responsible for culturing a range of cell models, DNA and RNA extraction from human cells and tissues (e.g., skeletal muscle) and performing basic molecular biology experiments (e.g., cloning and PCR).

You will receive training in, and be responsible for, initial data review of samples, processing, and analysis.

The post is available immediately and funded by an industry award for one year or to 07 July 2025, 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@ucl.ac.uk).

Informal enquiries regarding the role can be addressed to Micol Falabella (m.falabella@ucl.ac.uk).

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

About you

You will have a degree (minimum 2:1) in Biological Sciences or a related discipline, or a MSc/another degree in a relevant subject. A background in molecular biology or cell culture techniques and experience of working with human and/or murine tissues, DNA, RNA, and western blot is also required for this role.

What we offer

The role is offered with salary in the range of £37,332 - £39,980 per annum including 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.

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.