Research Assistant

The Research Department of Neurodegenerative Disease and the Dementia Research Centre (DRC) are recognised as one of foremost international centres for the study of dementia and other neurodegenerative disease. Our research portfolio encompasses Alzheimer's disease and related disorders, Huntington's disease, motor neurone disease and frontotemporal dementia, and studies of ageing and the pathways of cellular senescence.

About the role

We are seeking two Research Assistants to join a research programme focused on the in-depth study of biomarkers in dementia. You will support the organisation of both retrospective and prospective biosample collections at the DRC.

You will act as a key link between the DRC, the MRC Unit for Lifelong Health and Ageing, and the UK Dementia Research Institute's Biomarker and Genetics Laboratories. The primary responsibilities include processing and cataloguing both archived and newly collected samples and ensuring high standards of data management and governance.

Additional duties will include supporting the transfer of samples, preparing material transfer agreements for sharing, and assisting with sample analysis when required.

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

The role is available from 01 August 2025 and funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) for one year 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 ( ).

Informal enquiries regarding the role can be addressed to Professor Jonathan Rohrer ( ).

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

About you

You will hold an Honours degree (minimum 2:1) in Neuroscience or a related discipline, along with experience in database management and excellent communication skills. You must be able to maintain professional boundaries and handle sensitive, confidential patient-related information appropriately. Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work collaboratively in a multidisciplinary team are also essential.

What we offer

Starting salary offered in the range £38,607 - £41,255 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
• 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 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.

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