Academic ConnectResearch Assistant
Ref Number
B02-08798
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
17-Jun-2025
About us
The Department of Neurodegenerative Disease is recognised as internationally leading in the study of neurodegenerative diseases causing dementia and related disorders.
Based in the department and led by Professor Sarah Tabrizi (Director), Professor Gillian Bates (Co-Director) and Professor Ed Wild (Associate Director), the UCL Huntington’s Disease Centre is uniquely placed world-wide to translate mechanistic insights to ‘first in human’ studies. It combines sophisticated cell-based systems with rigorously standardised preclinical target validation to prime mechanistically-driven drug development initiatives. The Centre integrates clinical and laboratory work with small proof-of-concept first in human studies in patients in the Leonard Wolfson Experimental Neurology Centre (LWENC) prior to initiating larger phase 2 and 3 clinical trials including novel huntingtin-lowering trials.
About the role
We have an exciting opportunity for a Research Assistant to support ongoing commercial and academic clinical trials in Huntington’s disease (HD), and to contribute to the delivery of several innovative research projects. The role is primarily patient-facing, with a focus on participant recruitment, scheduling, and conducting assessments.
A key part of the role will involve work on Enroll-HD, a global HD registry study. You will support recruitment efforts and carry out study assessments both during and outside of NHNN HD clinics. You will also be responsible for planning study visits, liaising with participants, and coordinating with clinical and research teams at the LWENC, UCL, and NHNN, in addition to processing study data.
You will also support commercial trials by assisting with participant recruitment both in and outside of clinic settings, coordinating study visits, preparing patient files, and conducting cognitive and neuropsychiatric assessments.
An honorary contract or Research Passport will be sought from UCLH NHS Foundation Trust, for which a DBS check will be required.
The post is available from 11 August 2025 and is funded by a research grant from the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Research Delivery Network until 28 March 2026 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 (ion.hradmin@ucl.ac.uk).
Informal enquiries regarding the role can be addressed to Kate Fayer (k.fayer@ucl.ac.uk).
A full job description and person specification for this role can be accessed below.
About you
You will hold an Honours degree (minimum 2:1) in Biological Sciences, Psychology, Nursing, or a related discipline, and have a strong understanding of Good Clinical Practice (GCP), relevant regulatory frameworks, and research governance. Experience of working in neurodegenerative disease research is essential, as is a good understanding of Huntington’s disease.
What we offer
Starting salary offered in the range £38,607 - £41,255 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 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.
