Research Assistant

About us

The UCL Institute of Ophthalmology conducts cutting-edge research across four themes: Development, Aging and Disease; Rescue, Repair and Regeneration; Visual Neuroscience and Function; and Population and Data Science. The Institute was ranked the number one place in the world to study ophthalmology (CWUR 2017 world rankings), attracting principal investigators, post-doctoral fellows and PhD students of the highest international caliber to a stimulating research environment.

Applications are invited for a Research Assistant to join the groups of Professor Jacqueline van der Spuy and Professor Virginia Calder at the Institute of Ophthalmology. This post offers an exciting opportunity to play a key role in the

development of a nucleic acid therapy towards a first-in-man clinical application in a highly successful and dynamic research and teaching Institute, as well as benefiting from the opportunities afforded by being part of the larger financial and administrative community of the Faculty of Brain Sciences, School of Life and Medical Sciences and University College London (UCL).

About the role

The successful applicant will be joining the van der Spuy and Calder research groups to progress an antisense oligonucleotide therapy for juvenile macular dystrophy to a first-in-human application. Applicants should expect to participate in a range of complementary techniques and expertise in the handling and assessment of ocular inflammation models, such as intravitreal injections, ocular imaging techniques and flow cytometry. Moreover, applicants will perform a variety of additional procedures such as tissue preparation, immunohistochemistry, confocal microscopy, culture and analysis of peripheral blood mononuclear cells and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. The post-holder will participate in lab meetings, maintain accurate, complete, and up to date records and be encouraged to work creatively and effectively towards timely dissemination of the research.

The position is offered part time for 2 days per week and will be funded for 12 months in the first instance at Grade 6B Point 25.

This appointment is subject to UCL Terms and Conditions of Service for Research and Professional Services Staff. Please visit https://www.ucl.ac.uk/human-resources/conditions-service-research-teaching-and-professional-services-staff for more information.

About you

Applicants should have a BSc or equivalent in biological science, neuroscience, or similar field, and will have relevant laboratory experience, although training will be provided during the initial period. Experience of working with models of ocular inflammation is highly desirable, as is a Home Office personal license and lab techniques such as basic surgical skills in rodents. Experience in ocular imaging, flow cytometry of inflammatory markers and ELISA will also be highly valued. An interest and aptitude in learning new procedures and techniques and performing them precisely is essential.

What we offer

Working with some of the greatest intellects in the world, UCL also offers a generous pension scheme and holiday allowance, plus closure and bank holidays as well as enhanced parental pay and more. Visit https://www.ucl.ac.uk/work-at-ucl/reward-and-benefits to find out more.

Application Process

If you have any queries regarding the vacancy please contact Professor Jacqueline van der Spuy ([email protected]). If you have any queries regarding the application process please email: [email protected].

A job description and person specification can be accessed at the bottom of this page.

To apply for the vacancy please click on the 'Apply Now' button below.

Please ensure you attach your CV and highest academic qualification. In addition, please ensure you provide a personal statement outlining how you meet the criteria to support your application. Please DO NOT attach research papers.

Our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

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+ people; and for our Grade 9 and 10 roles, women.

Our department holds an Athena SWAN Silver award, in recognition of our commitment and demonstrable impact in advancing gender equality.