Clinical Research Associate

King's College London; City of Westminster; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading university in the UK is seeking a highly motivated Research Associate in Neuroscience. This role focuses on understanding biological processes involved in dementia and aims to develop innovative diagnostics and treatments. Candidates must hold a PhD in Biochemistry or a related field, with experience in cell culture and RNA splicing modulation. This is a full-time position funded for 18 months, with opportunities for extension based on performance.

Qualifications

• PhD awarded in Biochemistry, Biomedical Sciences, or related discipline.
• Experience in mammalian cell and human iPSC culture alongside CRISPR/Cas9‑mediated genome editing.
• Experience in RNA‑mediated splicing modulation.
• Experience in molecular cloning, immunofluorescence and western blotting.
• Experience in nucleic acid isolation, PCR and qPCR.
• Experience in lentiviral vector production.
• Experience in neuronal differentiation of human iPSCs.
• Team-oriented and cooperative.

Responsibilities

• Molecular cloning and generation of RNA‑based splicing modulators.
• Perform cell‑based screens to assess efficiency of regulators.
• Conduct high‑quality research under supervision.
• Present findings in group meetings.
• Collaborate and share knowledge within the team.

Skills

Mammalian cell culture

CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing

RNA-mediated splicing modulation

Molecular cloning

Immunofluorescence

Western blotting

Nucleic acid isolation

PCR and qPCR

Lentiviral vector production

Neuronal differentiation

Education

PhD in Biochemistry or related discipline

Tools

Flow Cytometry

FACS

Job description

About the role

Design of smarter diagnostics and effective treatments. The team aim to understand the fundamental biological processes involved in dementia at a molecular level – and to use that knowledge to design new ways to diagnose and treat disease more precisely.

A new position is available for a highly motivated and skilled Research Associate in the Basic and Clinical Neuroscience research group led by Professor Marc‑David Ruepp. The successful candidate will support translational projects aimed at correcting neurodegenerative phenotypes, with a particular emphasis on RNA‑mediated splicing correction. Professor Ruepp's group aims to uncover how RNA dysmetabolism contributes to neurodegeneration, with a focus on elucidating the molecular determinants of FUS toxicity in ALS, identifying translational therapeutic targets, and developing innovative strategies to advance these findings toward clinical application.

Responsibilities

• Molecular cloning and generation of RNA‑based splicing modulators.
• Performing cell‑based screens to assess efficiency of regulators using high‑throughput imaging.
• Conducting high‑quality research under the supervision of Marc‑David Ruepp, and in collaboration with other members of the Ruepp lab.
• Undertake any other reasonable duties that may be requested by the PI.
• Present findings in regular group meetings to the PI and colleagues.
• Work in a collaborative manner, sharing knowledge and expertise within the team, department and with collaborators.

About you

To be successful in this role, we are looking for candidates to have the following skills and experience:

Essential criteria

• PhD awarded in Biochemistry, Biomedical Sciences, or related discipline.
• Experience in mammalian cell and human iPSC culture alongside CRISPR/Cas9‑mediated genome editing in iPSCs.
• Experience in RNA‑mediated splicing modulation.
• Experience in molecular cloning, immunofluorescence and western blotting.
• Experience in nucleic acid isolation, PCR and qPCR, including experimental design, optimisation, and data analysis.
• Experience in lentiviral vector production.
• Experience in neuronal differentiation of human iPSCs.
• Willingness to work as part of a team and to be open‑minded and cooperative.

Desirable criteria

• Experience in Flow Cytometry and FACS.
• Knowledge of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and Neurodegeneration.
• An interest in the mission and research of the UK Dementia Research Institute.

Contract

This is a full‑time post (35 hours per week) funded for an 18‑month duration with the possibility of further extension.

Additional information

Please note that this is a PhD level role but candidates who have submitted their thesis and are awaiting award of their PhDs will be considered. In these circumstances the appointment will be made at Grade 5, spine point 30 with the title of Research Assistant. Upon confirmation of the award of the PhD, the job title will become Research Associate and the salary will increase to Grade 6.

Applying

Full details of the role and the skills, knowledge and experience required can be found in the Job Description document provided at the bottom of the page. This document will provide information of what criteria will be assessed at each stage of the recruitment process.