Neuro-Glia Research Assistant

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 Hong Laboratory, based in the UK DRI at UCL, investigates glia-immune mechanisms of synapse loss in age-related neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. We study how the brain’s immune system (microglia and border-associated macrophages) interacts with glia (astrocytes) to influence neuronal synapses, as well as peripheral immune contributions such as gut-brain signaling. Our interdisciplinary work uses cutting‑edge techniques including single‑cell and spatial transcriptomics, proteomics, super‑resolution microscopy, in vivo tracking, mouse models, and human patient tissues and iPS‑derived cells.

We are seeking two highly motivated Research Assistants to join our team investigating neuro‑glia‑immune mechanisms of synapse loss. Our goal is to understand how glia and immune cells work across brain borders to regulate microglia and brain synaptic microenvironment

The European Research Council‑funded post will support the Hong lab in investigating endo‑lysosomal biology in microglia and border‑associated macrophages during ageing. The Wellcome‑funded post will support the Hong Lab in investigating gut–brain crosstalk and how peripheral immune cells influence the neuronal microenvironment in models of neurodegenerative disease, including Parkinson's disease.

In both roles, the Research Assistant will provide technical and intellectual support, contributing to the design and execution of experiments. Core responsibilities will include biochemical assays, optical imaging techniques, in‑vivo procedures, and/or in‑vitro cell culture studies.

The two posts are available immediately, with one post funded by the European Research Council and one post funded by Wellcome, and both posts are funded 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 ( ).

You will have an undergraduate degree and/or Master's degree in Biological Sciences, Immunology, Neuroscience, or a related discipline (minimum 2:1), together with strong wet‑lab experience in glia–synapse biology and/or neuroimmunology in disease and knowledge of, and an interest in, glia and neuroimmunology in disease. You will be proficient in confocal microscopy and three‑dimensional image analysis, image processing, and quantitative analysis, and tissue processing, and have excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to critically appraise and summarise scientific literature and contribute towards experimental design and improvement.

Starting salary offered in the range £39,148 - £41,833 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.

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 Gold 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 are committed to an inclusive environment.

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.