Research Assistant

We are seeking a Research Assistant to join the Jepson Laboratory at UCL to investigate how the cell cycle protein Rbf regulates circadian rhythms and sleep in the fruit fly Drosophila. Funded by the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC), this exciting project will explore mechanisms that may help explain sleep and circadian disturbances associated with human RBL2 mutations. You will support behavioural genetic experiments to measure circadian rhythms and sleep, maintain and generate Drosophila stocks, perform brain dissections and RNA isolation, and contribute to transcriptomic analyses.

You will work closely with Prof. James Jepson and Dr Gabriel Aughey, analyse and present data, and contribute to publications and wider research activities within the laboratory. The post is available from 01 October 2026 and is funded by the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council for 12 months 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 James Jepson ( ). A full job description and person specification for this role can be accessed below.

Applicants should have a degree in Biological Sciences or a related field, and experience in Drosophila husbandry, maintenance and genetics. Experience in Drosophila behavioural assays, in RNA isolation, in coding languages, and in laboratory management and general upkeep is also a requirement. Knowledge background relevant to neuroscience and neurological disease research, an excellent level of literacy and numeracy, strong organisational skills and a clear understanding of and commitment to equal opportunities and an understanding of how that can be implemented within the scope of the role is also essential.

The Research Department of Epilepsy is focused on advancing the understanding and treatment of neurological disease, particularly epilepsy, but also other neurological disorders. Within the Department, the Jepson laboratory utilises fruit fly (Drosophila) models to study the cellular basis of neurological phenotypes in an array of neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative disorders, including dystonia, epilepsy, neuropathies, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The laboratory is also interested in using Drosophila to study the molecular underpinnings of sleep and circadian rhythms.

The post is graded as UCL Grade 6b with salary in the range £39,807- £41,833 per annum, including 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
• Immigration loan
• On-site nursery
• On-site gym
• Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption pay
• Employee assistance programme:
  Staff Support Service
• Discounted medical insurance, 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