Research Assistant in Human Molecular Genetics and Cell Biology

About us

Applications are invited for the post of Research Assistant in Human Molecular Genetics and Cell Biology at UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, ranked the best place in the world to study Ophthalmology (CWUR Rankings by Subject 2017).

This Research Assistant post offers an exciting opportunity to play a key role in research into corneal disease in a highly successful and dynamic research group.

About the role

The Research Assistant will work under the supervision of Prof Alice Davidson and Dr Christina Zarouchlioti on developing translationally relevant cell models that will expand our understanding of CTG repeat instability in Fuchs Endothelial Dystrophy (FECD), a common corneal disease. These models are also anticipated to hold relevance to other human diseases that are similarly caused by expansions of triplet repeats, e.g. Myotonic Dystrophy and Huntington’s disease.

The position would suit an ambitious graduate with a background and interest in the mechanisms of repeat expansion biology, neurodegeneration, and human cell models of disease. The successful candidate would ideally have experience with molecular biology techniques, cell culture and/or microscopy.

The post is funded by a Translational Research Project Award by the NIHR Biomedical Research Centre (BRC) at Moorfields Eye Hospital (MEH) and UCL Institute of Ophthalmology (IoO) and will be for 12 months, in the first instance.

The salary for this post is on UCL Grade 6b, Point 25 (£38,607 per annum, inclusive of London Allowance.)

About you

The successful applicant should have a minimum of a BSc or MSc in a relevant subject, laboratory experience, excellent communication skills and show a strong commitment to high quality research. (S)he will be interested in investigating molecular mechanisms underlying human disease and developing cellular models of disease with a translationally relevant focus.

What we offer

Working with some of the greatest intellects in the world, UCL also offers a generous pension scheme and holiday allowance, plus closure and bank holidays as well as enhanced parental pay and more.

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

Application Process

If you have any queries regarding the vacancy please contact Prof Alice Davidson (alice.davidson@ucl.ac.uk ) and Dr Christina Zarouchlioti (christina.zarouchlioti@ucl.ac.uk ).

Please ensure you attach your CV and highest academic qualification. In addition, please ensure you provide a personal statement outlining how you meet the criteria to support your application.

Our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

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+ people; and for our Grade 9 and 10 roles, women.
Our department holds an Athena SWAN Silver award, in recognition of our commitment and demonstrable impact in advancing gender equality.

Customer advert reference: B02-08490