Verified Job
Lab Technician / Pharmacist
Research Assistant (two posts)
Lab Technician / Pharmacist
#728397
Remote / WFH
University College London 4.2 4.2 out of 5 stars 12 Queen Square, London £39,148 - £41,833 a year - Full-time, Fixed term contract University College London
Job Description
About the role
We are seeking two highly motivated Research Assistants to join our team investigating neuro-glia-immune mechanisms of synapse loss. Our goal is to understand how glia and immune cells work across brain borders to regulate microglia and brain synaptic microenvironment
The European Research Council-funded post will support the Hong lab in investigating endo-lysosomal biology in microglia and border-associated macrophages during ageing. The Wellcome-funded post will support the Hong Lab in investigating gut–brain crosstalk and how peripheral immune cells influence the neuronal microenvironment in models of neurodegenerative disease, including Parkinson's disease.
In both roles, the Research Assistant will provide technical and intellectual support, contributing to the design and execution of experiments. Core responsibilities will include biochemical assays, optical imaging techniques, in vivo procedures, and/or in vitro cell culture studies.
The two posts are available immediately, with one post funded by the European Research Council and one post funded by Wellcome, and both posts are funded for one year 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 ([email protected]).
Informal enquiries regarding the role can be addressed to Aura Hare ([email protected]) or Dr Soyon Hong ([email protected]).
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 an undergraduate degree and/or Master's degree in Biological Sciences, Immunology, Neuroscience, or a related discipline (minimum 2:1), together with strong wet-lab experience in glia–synapse biology and/or neuroimmunology in disease and knowledge of, and an interest in, glia and neuroimmunology in disease. You will be proficient in confocal microscopy and three-dimensional image analysis, image processing, and quantitative analysis, and tissue processing, and have excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to critically appraise and summarise scientific literature and contribute towards experimental design and improvement.
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 Gold 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 * and 10 roles.
We are seeking two highly motivated Research Assistants to join our team investigating neuro-glia-immune mechanisms of synapse loss. Our goal is to understand how glia and immune cells work across brain borders to regulate microglia and brain synaptic microenvironment
The European Research Council-funded post will support the Hong lab in investigating endo-lysosomal biology in microglia and border-associated macrophages during ageing. The Wellcome-funded post will support the Hong Lab in investigating gut–brain crosstalk and how peripheral immune cells influence the neuronal microenvironment in models of neurodegenerative disease, including Parkinson's disease.
In both roles, the Research Assistant will provide technical and intellectual support, contributing to the design and execution of experiments. Core responsibilities will include biochemical assays, optical imaging techniques, in vivo procedures, and/or in vitro cell culture studies.
The two posts are available immediately, with one post funded by the European Research Council and one post funded by Wellcome, and both posts are funded for one year 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 ([email protected]).
Informal enquiries regarding the role can be addressed to Aura Hare ([email protected]) or Dr Soyon Hong ([email protected]).
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 an undergraduate degree and/or Master's degree in Biological Sciences, Immunology, Neuroscience, or a related discipline (minimum 2:1), together with strong wet-lab experience in glia–synapse biology and/or neuroimmunology in disease and knowledge of, and an interest in, glia and neuroimmunology in disease. You will be proficient in confocal microscopy and three-dimensional image analysis, image processing, and quantitative analysis, and tissue processing, and have excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to critically appraise and summarise scientific literature and contribute towards experimental design and improvement.
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 Gold 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 * and 10 roles.
