Senior Research Technician and Analyst for Next Generation Sequencing

UK Dementia Research Institute; London; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading research institute is seeking a Senior Research Technician to enhance skills in Next Generation Sequencing and bioinformatics. The role involves managing lab operations, data analysis, and training, contributing to cutting-edge research in neurodegenerative diseases. This position offers professional development and a chance to work with advanced technology in a collaborative environment.

Benefits

41 Days holiday

Defined benefit pension scheme

Cycle to work scheme

On-site gym

Employee assistance programme

Qualifications

• Background in exploring new lab techniques with biological material.
• Understanding of Long Read sequencing technologies and troubleshooting.
• Ability to manage data storage and analysis.

Responsibilities

• Manage and organize day-to-day running of the NG-LRS and NGS service.
• Conduct sample and library preparation and platform operation.
• Train students and users in sequencing techniques.

Skills

Problem-Solving

Communication

Interpersonal Skills

Education

BSc in Biology or related area

Job description

Senior Research Technician and Analyst for Next Generation Sequencing

The Research Department of Neurodegenerative Disease, incorporating the Dementia Research Centre and Huntington’s Disease Centre, is recognised as internationally leading in the study of neurodegenerative diseases causing dementia and related disorders. The Department has a strong focus on mechanistic dissection of genetic, molecular cellular and neuropathological processes which underlie 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 Department has strong collaborative links with the UK Dementia Research Institute.

About the role

We are seeking a Senior Research Technician to work closely with researchers and clinicians in different areas of genomics and neurodegeneration, managing and organising the day-to-day running of the NG-LRS and NGS service. Duties will include sample and library preparation, platform operation, ordering consumables, organising samples, and undertaking data storage and analysis.

Training students and users in sequencing techniques as well as liaising with UK DRI/Neurodegenerative Disease colleagues and other research groups within the Institute of Neurology, across UCL and other laboratories external to UCL, will be a key element of this role, and personal development will be provided through opportunities for training in short and long-read sequencing and bioinformatics.

This is a great opportunity to enhance skills in short and long-read sequencing and bioinformatics and work with, develop, and advance state of the art technology and equipment while working on cutting edge research projects.

The post is available from 01 September 2025 and is funded by the Cure Alzheimer's Fund and NIHR to 30 November 2027 in the first instance.

If you need reasonable adjustments or a more accessible format to apply for this job online, or have any queries regarding the application process, please contact the Institute of Neurology HR Team ([e-mail] ).

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

A full job description and person specification for this role can be accessed below.

About you

You’ll have a BSc in Biology or a related area and a good background in exploring new techniques in the lab, with patient biological material, databasing, and analysis. A demonstrable understanding of Long Read sequencing technologies data and the ability to troubleshoot sequencing outputs is also a requirement. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, strong problem-solving abilities, and the ability to act on your own initiative are also essential for this role.

This role meets the eligibility requirements for a skilled worker certificate of sponsorship or a global talent visa under UK Visas and Immigration legislation. Therefore, UCL welcomes applications from international applicants who require a visa.

What we offer

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
• 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 Silver 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.

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