"Research Assistant"

About the role

A new position is available for an experienced Research Assistant in the UK Dementia Research Institute (UK DRI) research group led by Dr Sarah Marzi.

The group of Dr Sarah Marzi is seeking an organised and enthusiastic individual for a full-time research assistant position to support their research. This will primarily be a role to support work in stem cell culture, including iPSC-derived microglia and motor neurons. The Research Assistant will contribute to running functional cellular assays, as well as molecular biology laboratory work, including flow cytometry, RNA-sequencing analysis by next generation sequencing, single cell approaches and nanopore sequencing. It requires consistency and attention to detail, as well as a willingness for occasional weekend work in the context of cellular work. The post-holder will also provide support for general organisational and technical duties to allow the smooth and efficient running of the lab.

Dr Marzi’s group aims to determine the role of epigenetic regulation in neurodegenerative diseases, including ALS, Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease, using state of the art epigenetic and genomic techniques in cell populations and at the single cell level. Specifically, we seek to identify an epigenetic link between non-coding genetic and environmental risk in dementia and identify mechanisms by which these risk factors make cells susceptible to neurodegeneration.

Some of the key skills involved include:

• Maintaining accurate laboratory records
• Maintaining and conducting experiments on iPSCs and mammalian cell cultures
• Undertaking DNA/RNA extractions and library preparation
• Quantifying genomic samples (DNA/RNA/libraries) on the Tape station or similar
• Supporting single cell multiomic experiments, including nuclear extractions, and library generation
• Liaising with other technical staff to service and maintain stocks and equipment
• Undertake any other reasonable duties that may be requested by Dr Sarah Marzi

This is a full-time post (35 hours per week), and you will be offered a fixed term contract until 30/10/26.

About you

To be successful in this role, we are looking for candidates to have the following skills and experience:

Essential criteria

1. MSc/MSci in Biology, Neuroscience, Genomics or similar
2. Experience in cell culture, including human iPSC cell culture specifically microglia differentiations
3. Experience with fluorescence activated cell or nuclear sorting
4. Knowledge of epigenetics and gene regulation
5. Experience with fluorescent microscopy, immunofluorescence
6. Experience in ELISA
7. Knowledge of basic neuroscience and neurodegenerative diseases

Desirable criteria

1. An interest in the mission and research of the UK Dementia Research Institute
2. Experience with single cell/nuclear genomic approaches
3. Experience with human postmortem tissue
4. Experience with CRISPR gene editing in cell lines

Full details of the role and the skills, knowledge and experience required can be found in the Job Description document.

We ask all candidates to submit a copy of their CV, and a supporting statement, detailing how they meet the essential criteria listed in the advert. If we receive a strong field of candidates, we may use the desirable criteria to choose our final shortlist, so please include your evidence against these where possible.

This post is subject to an Occupational Health clearance.

Grade and Salary: £39,076 - £41,761 per annum, including London Weighting Allowance

Job ID: 125305

Close Date: 06-Oct-2025

Contact Person: Dr Sarah Marzi

Contact Details: Sarah.marzi@kcl.ac.uk