The Research Department of Neurodegenerative Disease is focused 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. A related touchstone of our research is to identify pathophysiological mechanisms and markers that link molecular pathology to clinical phenotypes of neurodegenerative disease. The Department has strong collaborative links with the UK Dementia Research Institute and with the ARUK UCL Drug Discovery Institute.
The Isaacs lab, based in the Department, 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. We use a multidisciplinary approach including disease modelling in mice, Drosophila, primary neurons and iPS cell-derived neurons. We combine these model systems with analysis of patient tissue in order to ensure the relevance of our work to the disease process we are studying. We are also working to translate our research findings into potential therapies using gene therapy and high-throughput screening approaches.
About the role
We have developed novel approaches for interrogating C9orf72 sense and antisense repeat-derived transcripts. You will assess the contributions of these pathologies to cellular dysfunction in C9orf72 ALS patient and control iPS lines.
The role will include differentiation of iPSCs into cortical and motor neuron subtypes using transcription factor based, and small molecule-mediated, differentiation, survival assays and molecular analyses of C9orf72- and TDP-43-associated pathologies.
The post is available immediately and funded by Target ALS until 31 December 2027 in the first instance.
About you
You will have a BSc in a relevant discipline, such as Biomedical Sciences, together with experience in iPSC culture and neuronal differentiation. You will also have experience with molecular biology techniques, including qPCR, as well as immunostaining, microscopy and image analysis. Excellent communication, interpersonal, organisational and time management skills are essential for this role.
What we offer
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
* On-site gym
* Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption pay
* Employee assistance programme: Staff Support Service
We will consider applications to work on a part-time, flexible, and job share basis wherever possible.
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; visitour 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 9 and 10 roles.
#J-18808-Ljbffr