Research Fellow

About us

The Research Department of Neurodegenerative Disease focuses 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.

The Isaacs Lab 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.

The Carlton Lab investigate membrane trafficking and organelle remodelling in dividing and non-dividing cells. We have a particular interest in the family of ESCRT proteins, which play important roles in endosomal sorting, nuclear envelope repair and regeneration, cytokinesis and membrane repair.

About the role

We are looking for a Research Fellow to join a project funded by an exciting collaborative grant between the Isaacs and Carlton Labs, allowing access to a range of different experimental approaches and techniques.

You will perform CRISPR screens in iPSC-derived neurons and microglia to identify new factors required for membrane repair at both plasma and endolysosomal membranes.

After identifying candidate genes, you will perform cell-based assays, in close collaboration with the Carlton Lab, to validate hits and ultimately uncover the spatial and temporal cellular mechanisms necessary to repair membranes at the genetic, transcriptional and protein level using a range of biochemical, molecular and cellular approaches including confocal and live imaging.

The post is available from 01 April 2023 and is funded by the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative until 31 July 2026 in the first instance.

For a full job description and to apply for this role please visit UCL’s online recruitment portal and search using vacancy reference B02-04803.

About you

You will have, or be about to obtain, a PhD in a relevant discipline (e.g., biomedical research) and experience with iPSC culture and differentiation. Experience with CRISPR approaches, with confocal imaging and analysis, and with molecular biology techniques such as cloning, lentiviral transduction, and qPCR is essential.

What we offer

The role is offered with salary in the range of £38,308 – £43,745 per annum including London Allowance.

Appointment as Research Fellow is dependent upon having been awarded a PhD; if this is not the case, initial appointment will be as Research Assistant (salary £34,502- £36,348 per annum) with appointment as Research Fellow being backdated to the date of final submission of the PhD thesis.

As well as the exciting opportunities this role presents, we also offer some great benefits. Visit Reward & Benefits to find out more.

Our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

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. 12% of Institute staff are actively working on EDI initiatives; visit IoN EDI for more information about what we’re doing. 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.