About us
The UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology 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.
The Department is in a unique position of pursuing research in basic neuroscience that is of direct translational benefit to neurological disorders such as Parkinson’s disease, dystonia, stroke, motor neurone disease, peripheral nerve disorders and spinal cord injury. Our Research Groups use a powerful combination of modern non-invasive research technology, theoretical and computational approaches, and a variety of cellular, animal and human models to explore how the brain controls normal movement, and how disease leads to disordered control of movement.
About the role
We are now recruiting a highly motivated Senior Research Fellow to work on the PARK-SEED study, an ambitious project funded by the UK Medical Research Council which will focus on the development and use of seed amplification assays (SAA) in Parkinson disorders.
Our aim is to develop and apply alpha-synuclein and tau seed amplification assays to large longitudinal patient cohorts (PROSPECT, ExPRESS, PPMI) and post-mortem cohorts (Queen Square Brain Bank) to assess the diagnostic and prognostic value of these assays when used in combination across the spectrum of Parkinsonian disorders. Our work will also support the use of SAAs in upcoming clinical trials for Parkinson’s disease (PD) and progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) patients, and we aim to integrate SAA measures with genetic approaches to discover novel disease-modifying targets for PD and PSP.
You will lead on the set up of alpha-synuclein and tau SAAs at the UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, including the purification of alpha-synuclein and tau substrates. You will work with a postdoctoral Research Fellow to apply the assays to clinical and post-mortem patient biosamples and undertake data analysis for publications.
Alongside writing papers for publication, you will be encouraged to submit abstracts for presentation at national and international conferences including the Movement Disorders Society conference and AD/PD. The role also offers the opportunity to work in close collaboration with scientists at UCL, the UK Dementia Research Institute, and our collaborators around the world.
The role is available immediately and funded by the MRC for three years 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).
Informal enquiries regarding the role can be addressed to Dr Edwin Jabbari (e.jabbari@ucl.ac.uk).
A full job description and person specification for this role can be accessed below.
About you
You’ll have a PhD in a relevant subject area, prior postdoctoral research experience, and a track record of 1st author publications in peer-reviewed scientific journals. Experience in the development and use of alpha-synuclein and/or tau seed amplifications assays, in alpha-synuclein and/or tau protein purification, and with bioinformatics/statistics analysis is essential, as is experience with generating and analysing seed amplification assay data, including kinetic data and serial dilution analyses. High quality teaching and presentation skills, strong problem-solving abilities, and evidence of promoting excellence in teaching and research are also critical for this role.
This role meets the eligibility requirements for a skilled worker certificate of sponsorship or a global talent visa under UK Visas and Immigration legislation. Therefore, UCL welcomes applications from international applicants who require a visa.
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
- Immigration loan
- 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.
We will consider applications to work on a part-time, flexible, and job share basis wherever possible.
This appointment is subject to UCL Terms and Conditions of Service for Research and Professional Services Staff. Please visit https://www.ucl.ac.uk/human-resources/conditions-service-research-teaching-and-professional-services-staff for more information.
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; 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.