Research Assistant
About us:
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.
Dementia is a symptom of several neurodegenerative disorders, with Alzheimer’s disease accounting for about 60% of cases. To date, there is no way to prevent or even slow the rate of progression of neurodegeneration.
About the role:
Dr. Owen Gwydion James and Prof. Jernej Ule are seeking a Research Assistant to join a team of researchers working on the roles of ribonucleoprotein complexes (RNP) and their defects in neurodegenerative disorders.
The postholder will work primarily with Dr. James and will be central to efforts to model RNA dysregulation in motor neuron disease (MND) and Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD) using iPSC-derived neurons. The role will focus on cell biology techniques, in particular the generation, maintenance and characterisation of novel iPSC cells, their differentiation into neurons, and cellular phenotyping through imaging and sequencing technologies.
The postholder will contribute to data acquisition, quantitative analysis, and the optimisation of experimental workflows, supporting the day-to-day running of the laboratory, maintaining accurate records, and contributing to wider projects across the Ule Regulatory RNA Networks laboratory in collaboration with other team members.
The post is based at the Maurice Wohl Clinical Neuroscience Institute, Denmark Hill campus, where the UKDRI Centre at King’s and Ule Regulatory RNA Networks lab are located.
Working closely with other members of the Ule group, the postholder will be expected to:
- Planning and performing experiments and analysing data under the supervision of Dr. James and Prof. Ule, and supporting other members of the Ule group where appropriate.
- Generation of novel iPSC lines using CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing.
- Maintenance and differentiation of iPSCs into neurons.
- Characterisation of iPSC lines and derived neurons using molecular and cell biology techniques, including immunostaining, western blotting, and RT-qPCR.
- Analysis of imaging data using automated image analysis tools.
- Management and maintenance of cell line stocks, reagents and consumables.
- Contributing to relevant publications in collaboration with other team members.
- Continuing professional development, including participation in staff development and review procedures in accordance with King's guidelines, including annual formal appraisal.
- Ensuring the highest standard of record keeping, maintaining accurate, complete, and up-to-date records.
- Attending and contributing to departmental, institutional, and other meetings as appropriate.
- Adhering at all times to the policies, rules and regulations of the Centre, Department and King's.
About you:
To be successful in this role, we are looking for candidates to have the following skills and experience:
Essential criteria
- MSc in Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Neurobiology, Cell Biology o a related discipline
- Experience in working with IPS cells
- Experience of cellular and molecular biology
- Experience in experimental design and bench work.
- Ability to work independently, manage competing priorities, and take initiative in problem-solving and experimental troubleshooting.
- Excellent communication skills
- IT proficiency (Spreadsheet, Word Processing, Database, Email, Web based applications)
Desirable criteria
- Experience with differentiating iPS cells into neurons.
- Experience with genome editing techniques.
- Experience with immunostaining and microscopy.
- Experience with image analysis techniques.
- Excellent organization skills, meticulous and accurate in all aspects of work.
Key details
- Location: UK DRI at King's
- Salary: £39,076 - £40,733 per annum
- Lab: Dr. Owen Gwydion James and Prof. Jernej Ule