Research Assistant at UCL (B02-11166)

National Technician Development Centre; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 43,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

41 Days holiday

Annual leave purchase

CARE pension

Cycle to work

On-site gym

Maternity/paternity pay

Employee assistance programme

Job summary

University College London’s Bates group is recruiting a Research Assistant to study the molecular basis of Huntington’s disease. Duties include breeding and genotyping mouse models, DNA prep and tissue collection for molecular analysis.

The role requires an MRes in Neuroscience, a Home Office personal license, and experience with Huntington’s disease models, RT‑PCR, and immunohistochemistry. Salary £39,807–£42,891 with London Allowance.

Qualifications

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

Responsibilities

• Breeding and weaning mouse models and maintaining mouse colony records.
• DNA preparation and genotyping using PCR.
• CAG repeat mutation detection using ABI capillary sequencer.
• Collection of biofluids and tissues for molecular or histological analysis.
• Statistical analysis of data; contribute to presentations, reports and publications.
• Assist with laboratory upkeep; weekend work may be required.

Skills

Mouse handling

Quantitative RT-PCR

Immunohistochemistry

Data analysis

Communication skills

Education

MRes in Neuroscience or related

Home Office personal license

Tools

ABI capillary sequencer

PCR instruments

Job description

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.

Informal enquiries regarding the role can be addressed to Professor Gillian Bates ( [e-mail] ).

Interviews will take place on 01 October 2026.

About you

You’ll have an 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.

• 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
• On-site gym
• Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption pay
• Employee assistance programme: Staff Support Service

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

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; visitour 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.