UK DRI Research Associate

About us

Dementia is one of the greatest health challenge of our century.

To date there is no way to prevent it or even slow its progression, and there is an urgent need to fill the knowledge gap in our basic understanding of the diseases that cause it.

The UK Dementia Research Institute (UK DRI) is the biggest UK initiative driving forward research to fill this gap.

We are a globally leading multidisciplinary research institute of 850 staff investigating the spectrum of neurodegenerative disorders causing dementia, with laboratory-based research groups located at University College London, the University of Cambridge, Cardiff University, Edinburgh University, Imperial College London, and King's College London.

Researchers at the UK DRI at King's use innovative approaches to explore the biological mechanisms involved in neurodegenerative diseases. Their goal is to defeat dementia by uncovering vital new knowledge that will lead to the design of smarter diagnostics and effective treatments. The team aim to understand the fundamental biological processes involved in dementia at a molecular level - and to use that knowledge to design new ways to diagnose and treat disease more precisely.

About the role

A new position is available for a highly motivated and skilled Research Associate in the Basic and Clinical Neuroscience research group led Professor Marc-David Ruepp.

The successful candidate will support translational projects aimed at correcting neurodegenerative phenotypes , with a particular emphasis on RNA-mediated splicing correction.

Professor Ruepp's group aims to uncover how RNA dysmetabolism contributes to neurodegeneration, with a focus on elucidating the molecular determinants of FUS toxicity in ALS, identifying translational therapeutic targets, and developing innovative strategies to advance these findings toward clinical application.

Some of the key skills involved include;

• Molecular cloning and generation of RNA-based splicing modulators
• Performing cell-based screens to assess efficiency of regulators using high-throughput imaging
• Conducting high quality research under the supervision of Marc-David Ruepp, and in collaboration with other members of the Ruepp lab.
• Undertake any other reasonable duties that may be requested by the PI.
• To present findings in regular group meetings to the PI and colleagues.
• Work in a collaborative manner, sharing knowledge and expertise within the team, department and with collaborators.

This is a full-time post (35 hours per week) funded for an 18-month duration with the possibility of further extension.

About you

To be successful in this role, we are looking for candidates to have the following skills and experience:

Essential criteria

• PhD awarded in Biochemistry, Biomedical Sciences, or related discipline
• Experience in mammalian cell and human iPSC culture alongside CRISPR/Cas9-mediated genome editing in iPSCs
• Experience in RNA-mediated splicing modulation
• Experience in molecular cloning, immunofluorescence and western blotting
• Experience in nucleic acid isolation, PCR and qPCR, including experimental design, optimization, and data analysis
• Experience in lentiviral vector production
• Experience in neuronal differentiation of human iPSCs
• Willingness to work as part of a team and to be open-minded and cooperative.

Desirable criteria

• Experience in Flow Cytometry and FACS
• Knowledge of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and Neurodegeneration
• An interest in the mission and research of the UK Dementia Research Institute

Downloading a copy of our Job Description

Full details of the role and the skills, knowledge and experience required can be found in the Job Description document, provided at the bottom of the page. This document will provide information of what criteria will be assessed at each stage of the recruitment process

* Please note that this is a PhD level role but candidates who have submitted their thesis and are awaiting award of their PhDs will be considered. In these circumstances the appointment will be made at Grade 5, spine point 30 with the title of Research Assistant. Upon confirmation of the award of the PhD, the job title will become Research Associate and the salary will increase to Grade 6.

Further information

We pride ourselves on being inclusive and welcoming. We embrace diversity and want everyone to feel that they belong and are connected to others in our community.

We are committed to working with our staff and unions on these and other issues, to continue to support our people and to develop a diverse and inclusive culture at King's.

As part of this commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion and through this appointment process, it is our aim to develop candidate pools that include applicants from all backgrounds and communities.

We ask all candidates to submit a copy of their CV, and a supporting statement, detailing how they meet the essential criteria listed in the person specification section of the job description. If we receive a strong field of candidates, we may use the desirable criteria to choose our final shortlist, so please include your evidence against these where possible.

To find out how our managers will review your application, please take a look at our ' How we Recruit' pages.

Interviews are due to be held early January.

This post is subject to an Occupational Health clearance.