Research Assistant (PD Frontline)

UCL Eastman Dental Institute; London; On-site; GBP 38,000 - 41,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading research institution in London is seeking a motivated Research Assistant to join a team focused on genetic research for Parkinson's disease. You will support participant recruitment, manage data, and engage with families, necessitating strong IT and communication skills. The role offers a competitive salary and generous holiday benefits, requiring a relevant honours degree. This position is initially funded for 12 months.

Benefits

41 days holiday

Defined benefit pension scheme

On-site gym

Cycle to work scheme

Employee assistance programme

Qualifications

• Experience in managing sample processing, handling, storage, and shipment.
• Experience with administering clinical questionnaires and patient interviews.
• Strong IT skills, including database design and use.

Responsibilities

• Support the expansion of the cohort of individuals with GBA1 mutations.
• Engage with and develop the family cohort.
• Provide administrative support for the web-based recruitment platform.

Skills

Large-scale data handling

Python

R

Data management

Redcap

Excellent communication

Problem-solving

Time management

Interpersonal skills

Education

Honours degree (2:1 or higher) in a relevant field

Job description

About the role

The Department is seeking a motivated Research Assistant to join the Schapira group. The team, led by Professor Tony Schapira, focuses on Parkinson’s disease, especially the genetic causes. The team comprises over 20 researchers, and this position will be part of the team.

The role is funded by grants from EJS-ACTS-PD, Michael J Fox, and ASAP, as part of GP2: “PD FRONTLINE – genotyping people with idiopathic Parkinson’s for clinical trials.” The project, started in January, has successfully recruited over idiopathic PD patients. It involves web-based research and DNA sample collection by post, focusing on mutations in GBA1 and LRRK2 genes.

The project aims to extend recruitment for the Edmond J Safra ACT-PD clinical trials platform, providing DNA for sequencing and identifying additional GBA gene variants. DNA will also be stored for further genetic analyses.

Your main responsibilities include supporting the expansion of the GBA1 mutation cohort, managing the web-based recruitment platform, contacting participants by phone, and handling administrative tasks like sending study packs. You will also assist with the RAPSODI cohort, designed for those with GBA1 mutations or at risk through family members.

Additional duties involve engaging with families, educating participants, liaising with charities and patient groups, and potentially supporting laboratory work. Training for lab tasks will be provided.

An Honorary contract with UCLH and Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust will be sought, requiring a DBS check.

The position is available immediately, initially funded for 12 months by grants from MJFF-ASAP GP2 and EJS-ACTS.

If you require reasonable adjustments or accessible application formats, contact the Institute of Neurology HR Team.

A full job description and person specification are available below.

About you

You should have an honours degree (minimum 2:1) in a relevant discipline, experience with sample processing, handling, storage, shipment, and administering clinical questionnaires and patient interviews. High IT proficiency, including skills in database design, Redcap, Python, R, and research aptitude, along with excellent communication, problem-solving, and time management skills, are essential.

This role does not qualify for a Skilled Worker Visa sponsorship, as UCL cannot sponsor individuals requiring right to work in the UK.

What we offer

The starting salary ranges from £38,000 to £41,000 per annum, including London Allowance.

Benefits include:

• 41 days holiday (27 days annual leave, 8 bank holidays, 6 closure days)
• Additional 5 days’ annual leave purchase scheme
• Defined benefit pension scheme (CARE)
• Cycle to work scheme and season ticket loan
• On-site gym
• Enhanced maternity, paternity, and adoption pay
• Employee assistance programme