About us

The 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 Gatt/Lashley Lab, based in the department, focuses on using pathological investigations to better understand the mechanisms of neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and Frontotemporal dementia.

About the role

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a rapidly progressive, incurable, and fatal neurodegenerative disease that causes the degeneration of motor neurons (MNs) and consequent generalised paralysis. Due to lack of effective therapies, there is an urgent need to better understand the underlying disease mechanisms.

We are looking for a Research Assistant to join a multidisciplinary team combining cell biology, molecular biology, and bioinformatics to address these fundamental, translationally relevant questions. The role will involve working with post-mortem human tissue to isolate nuclei that specifically exhibit loss of TDP-43 function and associated downstream changes in RNA processing.

The role is available from 01 October 2025 and funded by the My Name’5 Doddie foundation until 31 July 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 (ion.hradmin@ucl.ac.uk).

Informal enquiries regarding the role can be addressed to Dr Ariana Gatt (a.gatt@ucl.ac.uk),

A full job description and person specification for this role can be accessed below. 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 neuroscience or a related topic (or equivalent experience), along with laboratory experience in cell biology, neuropathology, or a closely related field. You will also have experience in immunostaining and/or immunofluorescence, microscopy and image data analysis (e.g., QuPath, ImageJ), and the use of a microtome or cryostat for sectioning frozen or fresh tissue. In-depth knowledge of the role of RNA-binding proteins in ALS is also required for this role.

This role does not meet the eligibility requirements for a Skilled Worker Visa certificate of sponsorship under UK Visas and Immigration legislation. Therefore UCL will not be able to sponsor individuals who require right to work in the UK to carry out this role.

What we offer

Starting salary offered in the range £39,148 - £41,833 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.

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.