Research Technician

About us

The Research Department of Neurodegenerative Disease is focused on 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 and with the ARUK UCL Drug Discovery Institute.

The Isaacs lab, based in the Department, investigates the molecular mechanisms underlying frontotemporal dementia (FTD) and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). We are particularly interested in the C9orf72 gene, which is a common cause of both FTD and ALS and the CHMP2B gene, which is a rare cause of FTD. We use a multidisciplinary approach including disease modelling in mice, Drosophila, primary neurons and iPS cell-derived neurons. We combine these model systems with analysis of patient tissue in order to ensure the relevance of our work to the disease process we are studying. We are also working to translate our research findings into potential therapies using gene therapy and high-throughput screening approaches.

About the role

We have developed novel approaches for interrogating C9orf72 sense and antisense repeat-derived transcripts. You will assess the contributions of these pathologies to cellular dysfunction in C9orf72 ALS patient and control iPS lines.

The role will include differentiation of iPSCs into cortical and motor neuron subtypes using transcription factor based, and small molecule-mediated, differentiation, survival assays and molecular analyses of C9orf72- and TDP-43-associated pathologies.

The post is available immediately and funded by Target ALS until 31 December 2027 in the first instance.

For a full job description please visit UCL’s online recruitment portal (https://www.ucl.ac.uk/work-at-ucl/search-ucl-jobs) and search using vacancy reference B02-10305. To apply, please upload a current CV, complete the online application form, and use the supporting statement section or upload a cover letter to outline how you meet the essential and desirable criteria for the role. Please do not upload any additional attachments as these will not be considered by the selection panel.

About you

You will have a BSc in a relevant discipline, such as Biomedical Sciences, together with experience in iPSC culture and neuronal differentiation. You will also have experience with molecular biology techniques, including qPCR, as well as immunostaining, microscopy and image analysis. Excellent communication, interpersonal, organisational and time management skills are essential for this role.

What we offer

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