Research Technician

UCL; Greater London; On-site; GBP 36,000 - 37,000; Full time

Job summary

University College London (UCL) is seeking a scientist to work with the SCSO Platform Manager to provide technical services and collaboration across the UK DRI. You will enable researchers to access RNA-based techniques across sites, training UK DRI scientists including UCL, and contribute to high-quality data for neurodegenerative research.

The role involves RNA extractions, Illumina library prep, sequencing, and method development where needed.

Qualifications

• You will have a BSc in biological sciences or related subject area, or equivalent experience, and experience of working in experimental laboratory research.
• Experience with RNA (isolation, cDNA synthesis or library preparation) and data analysis of single cell or bulk transcriptomics is essential.
• Experience with immunocytochemistry and UK Biobank data for ageing and neurodegenerative disease studies is desirable; strong problem-solving and transcriptomic analysis in R are required.

Responsibilities

• Support the Platform Manager in RNA extractions from various tissues and Illumina library preparation.
• Operate Illumina sequencing and single cell RNA-seq workflows, and assist in method development when needed.
• Collaborate with UK DRI researchers across institutes to enable access to techniques and training across the institute.

Skills

RNA techniques

Single cell RNA-seq

Transcriptomics analysis (R)

Neuroscience knowledge

Problem solving

Education

BSc in Biological Sciences

Tools

Illumina sequencing

R (bioinformatics)

Job description

The UK Dementia Research Institute (UK DRI) is a globally leading multidisciplinary research institute of over 900 staff investigating the spectrum of neurodegenerative disorders causing dementia, driving a step change in our understanding of neurodegeneration, and accelerating the discovery, development and delivery of interventions that will help diagnose, treat, and ultimately prevent dementia.

Our laboratory-based research groups are located at University College London, the University of Cambridge, Cardiff University, The University of Edinburgh, Imperial College London and King's College London.

About the role

You will work with the SCSO (Single Cell and Omics) Platform Manager to provide services, collaboration opportunities and technical support across the distributed structure of the UK DRI. You will work with researchers to ensure access to a range of techniques regardless of physical location.

You will use your experience to enable UK DRI scientists to apply the techniques to their research. As a scientist who values and prioritises collaboration in research, you will work with UK DRI researchers on a range of neurodegenerative disease types, mechanisms and models, implementing the best available technology for the job at hand and striving for excellence in data quality to help meet the scientific aims of the UK DRI. You will be involved in providing training in using the techniques for UK DRI scientists across the institute including UCL. You will support the Platform Manager in RNA extractions from a variety of appropriate tissues and Illumina library preparation for sequencing, running Illumina sequencer, single cell RNA‑seq and method development when necessary.

The post is available from 01 November 2026 and funded by UK DRI for 1 year in the first instance.

About you

You will have a BSc in biological sciences or related subject area, or equivalent experience, and experience of working in experimental laboratory research. Experience of working with RNA (RNA isolation from various tissues, cDNA synthesis or Illumina library preparation or single cell RNA‑seq), of data analysis of data produced using single cell or bulk transcriptomics, of carrying out immunocytochemistry and of working with UK Biobank data for studies investigating ageing and neurodegenerative disease is essential, as is an understanding of neuroscience and neurodegenerative diseases. Prior experience and the ability to carry out transcriptomic data analysis using R and strong problem‑solving abilities are also a requirement.

What we offer

The post is graded as UCL Grade 6 with a starting salary in the range £36,433 - £37,277 per annum, including London Allowance.

As well as the exciting opportunities this role presents, we also offer some great benefits; visit https://www.ucl.ac.uk/work-at-ucl/reward-and-benefits to find out more.