About the role
There are several inherited metabolic disorders that affect the lysine catabolic pathway the vitamin B6-responsive epilepsy disorder ALDH7A1-deficiency. These disorders result in an accumulation of metabolites which are thought to be toxic to the body and in the case of ALDH7A1-deficiency result in neurodevelopmental delay. Dietary interventions aimed at reducing the amount of lysine and therefore the levels of these neurotoxic metabolites in patients with these metabolic disorders have been trialed however there has been limited efficacy. The successful applicant will work on a wet lab-based study evaluating the effect of RNA therapies for treatment of these disorders. This project is part-time ( FTE) to cover maternity leave. This post is available for UCL Staff only.
About you
You have a BSc in a Biological Science or similar and have a good knowledge of Biochemistry. You must have experience of working in a scientific laboratory and be proficient in mass spectrometry, including LC-MS/MS, and biochemistry. You must have knowledge of metabolite analysis using LC-MS/MS. You will work as part of a team on this research study and will be involved in evaluating the efficacy of various RNA therapies at reducing the levels of the neurotoxic metabolites that occur in the lysine catabolic disorders in various model systems. In addition to conducting the research, you will be involved in reporting the progress of the research to the funders of this grant on a monthly basis as well as communicating the results in scientific presentations.
What we offer
As well as the exciting opportunities this role presents, we also offer some 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 • Relocation scheme for certain posts • On-Site nursery • On-site gym • Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption pay • Employee assistance programme: Staff Support Service • Discounted medical insurance