UK Dementia Research Institute
The UK Dementia Research Institute (UK DRI) is the biggest UK initiative supporting research to fill the major knowledge gap in our basic understanding of the diseases that cause dementia.
We are a globally leading multidisciplinary research institute of 700 staff investigating the spectrum of neurodegenerative disorders causing dementia, driving a change in our understanding of neurodegeneration and accelerating the discovery, development and delivery of interventions that will help diagnose, treat and ultimately prevent dementia. Our laboratory‑based research groups are located at King’s College London, University College London, the University of Cambridge, Cardiff University, Edinburgh University, and Imperial College London.
Dementia is a major health challenge of our century – currently affecting fifty million people worldwide, projected to triple by 2050, with huge financial, emotional and social impact on people directly affected, their carers, families and the community. Dementia is a symptom of several neurodegenerative disorders, with Alzheimer’s disease accounting for about 60% of cases. To date, there is no way to prevent or even slow the rate of progression of neurodegeneration.
About the role
Dr Daniel Solomon is seeking a Research Assistant to support a research project investigating how mutations in the TDP-43 protein associated with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and frontotemporal dementia alter nuclear pore transport and its interaction with the nuclear pore permeability barrier. This role will contribute to advancing mechanistic understanding of how disease-associated mutations disrupt nucleocytoplasmic transport, a key feature of neurodegeneration.
The postholder will work closely with the Principal Investigator and will undertake a combination of biochemical and cell-based experimental approaches. This will include recombinant protein expression and purification, in vitro assays, fluorescence microscopy (including FRAP), and cell-based transport assays. The Research Assistant will contribute to data acquisition, quantitative analysis, and optimisation of experimental workflows, ensuring high standards of reproducibility and scientific rigour.
The role offers the opportunity to work on a multidisciplinary project at the interface of cell biology, biophysics and neurodegeneration research. The postholder will also support the organisation and day-to-day running of the laboratory, maintain accurate experimental records, and contribute to the timely delivery of project objectives.
This is a fixed-term position focused on delivering key experimental outputs within a defined study, with scope to contribute to publications and future funding applications.
This is a full-time post (35 hours per week), and you will be offered a fixed-term contract until 30/11/26.
Research staff at King’s are entitled to at least 10 days per year (pro‑rata) for professional development. This entitlement, from the Concordat to Support the Career Development of Researchers, applies to Postdocs, Research Assistants, Research and Teaching Technicians, Teaching Fellows and AEP equivalent up to and including grade 7. Visit the Centre for Research Staff Development for more information.
About you
To be successful in this role, we are looking for candidates to have the following skills and experience:
* MSc/BSc/MSc in cell biology, biochemistry, biophysics, neuroscience or a related discipline.
* Practical laboratory experience in molecular biology and/or protein biochemistry (e.g. protein expression and purification).
* Experience working with mammalian cell culture and basic cell biology techniques.
* Experience with fluorescence microscopy and image acquisition (e.g. confocal imaging).
* Ability to perform quantitative data analysis and interpret experimental results.
* Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage and prioritise experimental work across multiple assays.
* Excellent attention to detail and commitment to reproducible, high-quality research.
* Good communication skills and ability to work effectively as part of a research team.
* Experience with protein biochemistry or working with recombinant proteins.
* Experience with phase separation or biomolecular condensate assays.
* Experience working with image-based data analysis tools.
* Familiarity with cell-based assays in a research laboratory setting.
* Experience working in a multidisciplinary research environment (e.g. combining cell biology, biochemistry or biophysics approaches).
Further Information
At King’s, we believe that the diversity of our community and a culture that is welcoming, open, inclusive and collaborative, are great strengths of the university.
The Equality Act of 2010 protects the rights of our students and staff and provides a framework to fulfil our duties to eliminate unlawful discrimination, harassment and victimisation and in addition, to advance equality of opportunity and foster good relations between those who share a protected characteristic and those who do not. At times, this will include balancing rights and beliefs that can feel in tension.
We are committed to free speech and to academic freedom, believing that our foundational purpose as a university, is to create spaces where a wide range of ideas, including ideas that are controversial, can be discussed and debated, and where members of our community can express lawful views without fear of intimidation, harassment or discrimination.
When engaging in the robust exchange of ideas, we ask that our community is mindful of our Dignity at King’s guidance.
We ask all candidates to submit a copy of their CV, and a supporting statement, detailing how they meet the essential criteria listed in the person specification section of the job description. If we receive a strong field of candidates, we may use the desirable criteria to choose our final shortlist, so please include your evidence against these where possible.
We reserve the right to close adverts early due to the volume of applications we receive. While the closing date may change, all adverts will close at 23:59 to allow sufficient time for applications to be submitted on that day.
We encourage you to apply at the earliest opportunity to avoid disappointment as once we have closed a vacancy you will be unable to submit your application.
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