Research Assistant at UCL

UCL; Greater London; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 43,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

On-site gym

On-site nursery

Cycle to work scheme

London Allowance

Job summary

UCL’s Institute of Neurology, London, invites applications for a Research Assistant to support Huntington’s disease research and validate therapeutic targets. Responsibilities include breeding and weaning mouse models, colony records, DNA prep and genotyping by PCR, CAG repeat analysis, collecting biofluids/tissues for molecular/histological work, and data analysis.

The post is fixed-term, immediate start, funded for two years by the CHDI Foundation, with a starting salary range of

Qualifications

• MRes in Neuroscience or related field required.
• Home Office personal license experience essential.
• Experience with mouse models of Huntington’s disease preferred.
• Experience in quantitative immunohistochemical techniques and quantitative RT-PCR.

Responsibilities

• Breeding and weaning mouse models and maintaining colony records.
• DNA preparation and genotyping by PCR.
• CAG repeat mutation detection using ABI capillary sequencing.
• Collection of biofluids and tissues for molecular or histological analysis.
• Statistical analysis of data and preparation of presentations, reports and publications.
• Laboratory upkeep and ensuring compliance with safety standards.

Education

MRes in Neuroscience

Tools

RT-PCR

PCR

Job description

This Full time on site position offers great opportunities for career growth.

Ref Number B02-11166

Professional Expertise Research and Research Support Department School of Life & Medical Sciences (B02)

Location London

Working Pattern Full time

Salary See advert text

Contract Type Fixed-term

Working Type On site

Available for Secondment

No Closing Date 20-Sept-2026

About us

The Department of Neurodegenerative Disease is recognised as internationally leading in the study of neurodegenerative diseases causing dementia and related disorders. The Department has a strong focus on the mechanistic dissection of genetic, molecular cellular and neuropathological processes which underline neurodegeneration in particular diseases and across the neurodegeneration spectrum. A related touchstone of our research is to identify pathophysiological mechanisms and markers that link molecular pathology to clinical phenotypes of neurodegenerative disease. The primary research focus of the Bates research group is to understand the molecular pathogenesis of Huntington’s disease (HD) and to validate therapeutic targets. The group has previously generated mouse models of HD, which have been crucial in uncovering novel aspects of this disease.

About the role

We are recruiting a Research Assistant to support research projects focussed on understanding the molecular basis of Huntington’s disease and validating therapeutic targets. Working closely with other team members, core duties will include breeding and weaning mouse models and mouse colony record keeping, DNA preparation and genotyping using PCR, CAG repeat mutation detection using an ABI capillary sequencer, collection of biofluids and tissues for molecular or histological analysis, and statistical analysis of data. You will also contribute to the preparation of presentations, reports and publications and help with laboratory upkeep. Duties may occasionally require weekend work. The post is available immediately and funded by the CHDI Foundation for two years in the first instance.

Interviews will take place on 01 October 2026.

The Institute of Neurology HR Team ([e-mail]) and Professor Gillian Bates ([e-mail]) can be contacted for any queries regarding the application process or informal enquiries.

About you

You’ll have a MRes in Neuroscience (or a related topic) and a background and research experience in the subject area. Holding a Home Office personal license and having experience of working with mouse models of Huntington’s disease is essential, as is experience in quantitative immunohistochemical techniques and quantitative RT-PCR. Strong communication and interpersonal skills, excellent attention to detail, and a high level of motivation and commitment are also required for this role.

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 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
• 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 Gold 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.