About usThe (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.Based within the UK DRI at UCL, the Duff Lab focuses on understanding and finding treatments for Alzheimer's disease (AD) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD), which are both linked to harmful changes in a protein called tau. These changes, known as tauopathies, cause damage in the brain and lead to dementia.About the roleThe Duff lab (working with the lab of Professor Jernej Ule at Kings College London) seeks a highly motivated, experienced, and self-driven individual to work on an exciting project that aims to look at context-dependent regulation of gene expression in cell, mouse and human systems in response to tau tangle formation and cellular clearance pathways. The project aims to identify suitable gating elements to be used to control the expression of genetic therapies in human AD and FTD-tau.The project will involve the identification and analysis of RNA mediated gene regulators that respond to the cellular environment exposed to tau pathogenesis and TRIM11 clearance, and to the construction of novel components to control AVV transgene expression and return the cellular environment to homeostasis. The project will combine the Duff lab’s skills in cellular and mouse modelling of AD and FTD, and the Ule lab’s skills in RNA biology.The post is immediately available and funded by Wellcome until 31 August 2027 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 Karen Duff ( ).A full job description and person specification for this role can be accessed below.Please complete the online application form and use the supporting statement section to outline your interest in joining the Duff research group, and how you meet the essential and desirable criteria for the role.Please do not include any additional appendices/attachments in your application; these will not be reviewed by the selection panel.About youYou will hold a PhD in biological science (or be close to obtaining) with experience in RNA biology. Experience in advanced computational approaches to transcriptomics/gene regulation analysis, in microscopy and image acquisition, and in molecular biology is essential, as is experience in protein imagining and of data quality control, data analyses using appropriate software tools and data interpretation. Experience in tau biology and disease pathogenesis and in protein clearance pathways is desirable.This role meets the eligibility requirements for a Skilled Worker Visa certificate of sponsorship under UK Visas and Immigration legislation. Therefore, UCL will be able to sponsor individuals who require right to work in the UK to carry out this role.What we offerAppointment at Grade 7 is dependent upon having been awarded a PhD; if this is not the case, initial appointment will be as Research Assistant with salary in the range £39,148 - £41,833) per annum inclusive of London Allowance with appointment at Grade 7 being backdated to the date of final submission of the PhD thesis.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 to find out more.This appointment is subject to UCL Terms and Conditions of Service for Research and Professional Services Staff. Please visit for more information.Our commitment to Equality, Diversity and InclusionThe 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 for more information about our initiatives and priorities. The Institute also holds an , 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.Available documents
