Research Assistant (ASAP Project)

The Department of Clinical and Movement Neurosciences is a world-leading group that brings together expertise across the clinical and basic science spectrum of the physiology and pathology of human movement and movement disorders.

Uniquely, the Department is pursuing research in basic neuroscience that is of direct translational benefit to neurological disorders. These are both genetic and acquired and include Mitochondrial diseases, Parkinson’s disease, dystonia, stroke, motor neuron disease, peripheral nerve disorders and spinal cord injury. Our Research Groups use a powerful combination of modern research technology, theoretical and computational approaches, and a range of cellular, animal and human models.

Applications are invited for a Research Assistant to join a team of researchers led by Professor Schapira, based at the Royal Free Hospital UCL campus, to work on a project supported by a grant awarded from the Michael J Fox Foundation for Parkinsons Research “The genome-microbiome axis in the cause of Parkinson disease: Mechanistic insights and therapeutic implications from experimental models and a genetically stratified patient population”.

You will have the unique opportunity to work in close collaboration with scientists at UCL and four other study sites (University of Tubingen, University of Pavia, German Centre for Neurodegenerative Diseases in Bonn, and French National Institute for Agricultural Research).

The post is intended for a junior researcher who is motivated and keen to learn the skills and processes involved in conducting clinically based genetic research. The role will entail a substantial element of participant education and engagement requiring close collaboration and liaison with charities and patient interest groups. It will also involve the establishment of durable mechanisms to obtain participant opinion and feedback on aspects of study design and the conduct of research. You will be expected to participate in the research programme and play an active role in supporting and promoting the GBA research programme and help with the recruitment and conduct of any clinical trials involving the cohort.

An honorary contract will be sought from UCLH NHS Foundation Trust, for which a DBS check will be required.

This post is available immediately and is funded by research grants awarded to Professor Schapira until 30 June 2025 in the first instance.

If you need reasonable adjustments or a more accessible format to apply for this job online, or have any queries regarding the application process, please contact the Institute of Neurology HR Team (ion.hradmin@ucl.ac.uk).

For informal enquiries about the role please contact Professor Tony Schapira (a.schapira@ucl.ac.uk).

We expect to hold interviews on 25 June 2024.

A full job description and person specification for this role can be accessed below.

You will hold an Honours degree (minimum 2:1) in a relevant discipline and will have experience in polymerase chain reaction and of working within a clinical research environment. A very high level of consideration and care for patients and research subjects is essential, as is interest in and commitment to supporting high quality research. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, and IT proficiency at advanced user level are also required. Good knowledge of current developments in Parkinson’s disease research of clinical management of Parkinson’s disease are desirable.

The role is offered in the salary range of £37,332 –£39,980 per annum, inclusive of London Allowance.

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
• 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

Visit https://www.ucl.ac.uk/work-at-ucl/reward-and-benefits to find out more.

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; visit our EDI website for more information about our initiatives and priorities. The Institute also holds an Athena SWAN Silver 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.