Current Vacancies
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Key details
- Location UK DRI at UCL
- Salary: £43,124–£51,610
- Lab: Hong
We offer an exciting opportunity to support a cutting-edge research laboratory at the UK Dementia Research Institute at UCL. We are seeking a highly motivated individual who is passionate about neuroimmunology and neuroscience, and who also understands the essential groundwork involved in managing the day-to-day operations and maintenance of a fast-paced, collaborative lab environment.
You will oversee all aspects of laboratory operations in close collaboration with the PI and other lab members. This position combines research, laboratory management, and administrative responsibilities. There will also be opportunities to design, execute, and lead independent research projects, as well as to contribute to grant writing and the preparation of funding reports.
This is a unique opportunity to be part of a vibrant research environment at the forefront of disease-related neuroimmunology and neuroscience—within the lab, across the UK DRI, and through collaborations with external academic and industry partners.
The post is available from 01 July 2025 and funded by the UK DRI until 31 May 2027 in the first instance.
You will have an MS, PhD, or MD in neuroimmunology, neuroscience, biomedical sciences, computational biology, or a related field (or equivalent qualification) and demonstrated experience in project management. A strong interest in the research focus of the Hong Laboratory, with a solid biological understanding of neuroimmunology, neuroscience, and neurodegenerative diseases is also required for the role, as is substantial wet-lab experience in an interdisciplinary research environment.
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Key details
- Location: UK DRI at Cardiff, Cardiff
- Salary: UKRI level minimum stipend of £20,780 per year for your living costs
About the Project
An individual's risk for developing Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is partially determined by changes in their genes. Small changes in specific genes increase the risk of developing AD. Genetic analysis of large cohorts of individuals have reported an association with variants in human leukocyte antigen (HLA) genes and AD. An individual’s HLA genotype determines how the immune response recognises and responds to different antigens in different individuals and variants in HLA have been reported as major risk factors for complex diseases. Within the brain, HLA genes are predominantly expressed on the surface of microglia and present peptides to T-cells. Due to the highly polymorphic nature of HLA genes, the strong linkage disequilibrium and the population-specific genetic diversity determining the exact genetic variants responsible for influencing disease risk is complex, and how an individual’s HLA makeup drives AD aetiology remains to be explored.
This studentship will use a range of bioinformatic and wet lab approaches and be based in the lab of Dr Sarah Carpanini (iPSC) and co-supervised by Dr Rebecca Sims (bioinformatician). The student will use induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) models of microglia with different HLA genetics to explore whether variants in HLA alter microglial antigen presentation in AD.
This will improve our understanding of how the HLA genes influence risk for AD, which HLA genes are most important in AD, and how these HLA genes affect microglia function. Understanding the genes influencing AD allows us to identify those at risk and assist in developing new drug treatments.
The student will gain expertise in neurodegenerative disease modelling, molecular biology and genetics and be based in the UK Dementia Research Institute (DRI) at Cardiff University.
Entry Requirements
You will hold or expect to achieve a First or Upper Second Class degree in biomedical science, biochemistry, cell biology or a related subject. As this is a training doctorate, previous research experience is not essential.
Applicants whose first language is not English are normally expected to meet the minimum University requirements (e.g. 6.5 IELTS).
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Key details
- Location UK DRI at UCL
- Salary: £43,374 £51,860
- Lab: UK DRI UCL
We are now recruiting a Senior Animal Laboratory Technician to join the UK DRI laboratory team based at the Cruciform Building. You will interact daily with research staff at all levels, helping to facilitate research at the UK DRI.
You’ll be responsible for animal husbandry within the labs and the monitoring of Home Office licenses. You’ll manage transgenic mouse lines, and perform and oversee genotyping on mouse lines as required. You’ll also be the lead contact and trainer for mouse-related work, and assist in animal protocol writing and execution.
You will work collaboratively with colleagues across the Centre, the UK DRI Central Team, the Queen Square Institute of Neurology, and central services within UCL. Strong communication and interpersonal skills are therefore essential.
The role is available from 01 June 2025 and funded by the UK DRI at UCL for two years in the first instance.
You’ll have a BSc in biological sciences (or a related subject), a Home Office personal licence, and experience of maintaining transgenic mouse lines and genotyping mice. Experience of working in a university research lab is essential, as is the ability to prioritise effectively, manage a cycle of projects, and excellent communication, interpersonal, and organisational skills.