UK Dementia Research Institute

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. Attached documents are available under links. Clicking a document link will initialize its download.

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. Research from UK DRI at UCL covers the journey from the patient to the laboratory and back to the patient with improved diagnosis, biomarkers and candidate therapies put to the test. The Fluid Biomarker Laboratory with the UCL DRI is interested in all aspects of fluid biomarkers in neurodegeneration. We collaborate with groups across the world and act as a biomarker platform for the 6 centres of the UK DRI. We have access to state-of-the-art technology and have extensive expertise in developing new assays and measuring large cohorts. About the role The Biomarker Factory Facility Co-ordinator is responsible for supporting the Principal Research Fellow with the delivery of the operational administrative support provided to scientists and their laboratory research teams within the UK DRI Fluid Biomarker Lab/Biomarker Factory at UCL. This is a varied and exciting administrative role within a recently established research platform. You will have responsibility for a range of activities such as project costing and financial administration, including tracking orders and invoices. This role requires collaborative working within the team and with our collaborators and fellow labs at the UK DRI at UCL. There will be opportunity for someone with initiative to develop, implement, and improve systems and processes to ensure administrative activities within the lab are efficient and minimise the burden on the scientists. A background in laboratory work will enable you to get involved "at the bench" when large projects require all members of the team to be involved. The post is available from 01 March 2025 and is funded by the UK DRI at UCL for 12 months in the first instance. About you You will be educated to degree (BSC or postgraduate) level, with an understanding and interest in the vision and mission of the UK DRI and a commitment to supporting and enabling its research. Experience of independently managing projects, IT proficiency at advanced user level, and excellent oral and written communication skills are essential. Strong problem-solving skills, the ability to maintain excellent attention to detail and the ability to prioritise and reprioritise workloads are also a requirement. Experience and understanding of research grant administration, financial administration, or budget administration, and experience of working in a laboratory research department and of immunoassays is desirable. 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 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. 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.