Research Fellow

Job title:

Research Fellow

Company

University College London

Job description

About usThe Institute of Ophthalmology is committed to a multi-disciplinary research portfolio that furthers an understanding of the eye and visual system linked with clinical investigations targeted to specific problems in the prevention and treatment of eye disease.The combination of the Institute’s research resource with the resources of Moorfields Eye Hospital, which has the largest ophthalmic patient population in the Western World, opens the way for advances at the forefront of vision research and provides an unparalleled setting for research and training in ophthalmology.About the roleSalary: UCL grade 7 spine point 30 (£43,124 per annum including London Allowance)Duration: 12 months in the first instanceRLBP1 is a gene that encodes cellular retinaldehyde binding protein 1 (CRALBP), a 36-kD protein involved in the visual cycle. When the gene is not functional due to genetic changes, it results in a retinal degeneration. Patients experience a prolonged dark adaptation, reduced light sensitivity and progressive loss of vision. Mutations in this gene are known to cause differing phenotypes including retinitis pigmentosa (RP), retinitis punctata albescens, Bothnia-type dystrophy, Newfoundland rod-cone dystrophy, and fundus albipunctatus. RLBP1 is a rare inherited retinal disorder (IRD) with fewer than 200 cases appearing in published research. There is no therapeutic intervention that can slow disease progression or restore sight.Working in close collaboration with Professor Mariya Moosajee, the Post Doctoral Fellow will focus on the development of non-viral approaches, using mRNA and non-viral gene therapy, as potential treatment options for RLBP1-retinopathy. The Post Doctoral Fellow will use a range of techniques to facilitate the group’s work, including: stem cell culture, generation of iPSC colonies and differentiation into target retinal cells, histology, electron and confocal microscopy, molecular biology such as western blots, and immunocytochemistry. Additional skills may be required for testing in vivo models, and necessary training will be provided where necessary.Candidates with a PhD is essential, experience in the aforementioned techniques, and who are bright, independent and highly motivated, but willing and able to work effectively as part of a collaborative team are encouraged to apply.Appointment as a Research Fellow at Grade 7 is dependent upon having been awarded a PhD. If this is not the case, an initial appointment will be made as a Research Assistant at Grade 6b with payment at Grade 7 backdated upon award of a PhD to the date of final submission of the PhD thesis (with corrections).About youThe candidate must be a good communicator, both in lay and scientific terms, with strong writing skills. They must be competent with literature searches, have background understanding of genetic eye disease, ideally having seen patients clinically and being aware of their management and needs. The candidate should be organised, hardworking and enjoy writing.What we offerWorking with some of the greatest intellects in the world, UCL also offers a generous pension scheme and holiday allowance, plus closure and bank holidays as well as enhanced parental pay and more. Visit to find out more.Application ProcessIf you have any queries regarding the vacancy please contact Professor Mariya Moosajee (email: If you have any queries regarding the application process please email: ioo.hr@ucl.ac.uk.A job description and person specification can be accessed at the bottom of this page.To apply for the vacancy please click on the ‘Apply Now’ button below.Please ensure you attach your CV and highest academic qualification. Also, please ensure you provide a personal statement outlining how you meet the criteria to support your application.Our commitment to Equality, Diversity and InclusionAs 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+ people; and for our Grade 9 and 10 roles, women.Our department holds an Athena SWAN Silver award, in recognition of our commitment and demonstrable impact in advancing gender equality.Available documents

Expected salary

£43124 per year

Location

North West London

Job date

Sat, 14 Dec 2024 07:58:08 GMT

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