Overview

UK DRI Research Assistant – Strand, London, WC2R 2LS

About us:

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:

Professor. Jernej Ule and his team are seeking a highly motivated and engaged Research assistant to support research on ribonucleoprotein complexes (RNP) and their role in neuronal homeostasis.
 
The postholder will work with PhD students and postdocs who study the feedback regulation mechanisms (interstasis) using iPSC-derived neurons. The role will focus on cell biology techniques, in particular the generation, maintenance and characterisation of novel iPSC cells, their differentiation into neurons, and cellular phenotyping through imaging and sequencing technologies.
 
The postholder will contribute to data acquisition, quantitative analysis, and the optimisation of experimental workflows, supporting the day-to-day running of the laboratory, maintaining accurate records, and contributing to wider projects across the Ule Regulatory RNA Networks laboratory in collaboration with other team members.
 
The post is based at the Maurice Wohl Clinical Neuroscience Institute, Denmark Hill campus, where the UKDRI Centre at King’s and Ule Regulatory RNA Networks lab are located. The lab consists of 8 researchers including PhD students and postdoctoral fellows. For more information, please see the laboratory website
Working closely with other members of the Ule group, the postholder will be expected to:
 
  • Planning and performing experiments and analysing data to support joint projects with other lab members.
  • Generation of novel iPSC lines using CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing.
  • Maintenance and differentiation of iPSCs into neurons.
  • Characterisation of iPSC lines and derived neurons using molecular and cell biology techniques, including immunostaining, western blotting, and RT-qPCR.
  • Analysis of imaging data using automated image analysis tools.
  • Management and maintenance of cell line stocks, reagents and consumables.
  • Contributing to relevant publications in collaboration with other team members.
  • Continuing professional development, including participation in staff development and review procedures in accordance with King’s guidelines, including annual formal appraisal.
  • Ensuring the highest standard of record keeping, maintaining accurate, complete, and up-to-date records.
  • Attending and contributing to departmental, institutional, and other meetings as appropriate.
  • Adhering at all times to the policies, rules and regulations of the Centre, Department and King’s.
 
The above list of responsibilities may not be exhaustive, and the post holder will be required to undertake such tasks and responsibilities as may reasonably be expected within the scope and grading of the post.
 
This is a full-time post (35 hours per week) and you will be offered a fixed term contract until 31/03/2028 with the possibility of further extension dependent on funding.
 
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:
 
Essential criteria
  1. BSc in Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Neurobiology, Cell Biology or a related discipline
  2. Experience in immunostaining, microscopy and image analysis
  3. Experience with molecular biology of ribonucleoprotein complexes and RNA regulation
  4. Experience in independent experimental design
  5. IT proficiency (Spreadsheet, Word Processing, Database, Email, Web based applications)
  6. Excellent organizational and communication skills
  7. Ability to work independently, manage competing priorities, and take initiative in problem-solving and experimental troubleshooting.
 
Desirable criteria
  1. Experience in working with iPSC cells
  2. MSc in Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Neurobiology, Cell Biology or a related discipline
  3. Experience in genome editing techniques
  4. Experience with differentiating iPSC cells into neurons
  5. Experience with transcriptomics
 
Downloading a copy of our Job Description
Full details of the role and the skills, knowledge and experience required can be found in the Job Description document, provided at the bottom of the page. This document will provide information of what criteria will be assessed at each stage of the recruitment process.
 

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