Job Description
Ref Number
B02-09997
Professional Expertise
Research and Research Support
Department
School of Life & Medical Sciences (B02)
Location
London
Working Pattern
Full time
Salary
See advert text
Contract Type
Fixed-term
Working Type
On site
Available for Secondment
No
Closing Date
22-Feb-2026
About us
The Department of Neurodegenerative Disease is recognised as internationally leading in the study of neurodegenerative diseases causing dementia and related disorders. The Department has a strong focus on mechanistic dissection of genetic, molecular cellular and neuropathological processes which underlie neurodegeneration in particular diseases and across the neurodegeneration spectrum. A related touchstone of our research is to identify pathophysiological mechanisms and markers that link molecular pathology to clinical phenotypes of neurodegenerative disease.
Based in the Department, the UCL Huntington’s Disease Centre is uniquely placed world-wide to translate mechanistic insights to ‘first in human’ studies. It combines sophisticated cell-based systems with rigorously standardised preclinical target validation to prime mechanistically-driven drug development initiatives. The Centre integrates clinical and laboratory work with small proof-of-concept first in human studies in patients in the Leonard Wolfson Experimental Neurology Centre (LWENC) prior to initiating larger phase 2 and 3 clinical trials including novel huntingtin-lowering trials.
About the role
We are recruiting a Research Assistant to investigate the role of the DNA damage response (DDR) in Huntington’s disease pathogenesis and explore the mechanism of repeat expansion and contractions.
The CAG repeat in the HTT gene is inherently unstable, expanding over time in the tissues most vulnerable to disease. It is likely that this repeat expansion is a key mechanism underlying HD pathogenesis. Recent HD patient genome-wide association (GWA) data from our group and others has shown that DNA damage response (DDR) pathways influence the rate of somatic CAG repeat expansion, the age at onset (AAO) and rate of progression of Huntington’s disease (HD). DDR proteins are also known to affect the stability of the CAG repeat region in HD animal models.
You will examine the involvement of DDR proteins in patient-derived cell models and will use induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) from patients with HD to study the role of DDR proteins, in repeat expansion and contraction events. You will use cutting-edge techniques including CRISPR based techniques to modulate DDR genes of interest, or to introduce double- and single strand breaks at the HTT CAG repeat. We will assess the factors that promote or prevent repeat contractions with the aim of identifying novel therapeutic pathways. HD-iPSCs will be differentiated to neurons, including medium spiny neurons (MSNs) and the effect on repeat instability in neurons will be monitored using repeat sizing assays. Immunocytochemistry, qPCR and western blotting will be used to assess HD phenotypes and DDR components.
The post is available immediately and is funded by research grant funding from the UK Dementia Research Institute for two years, or until 29 February 2028, whichever is earlier, 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 ([email protected]).
Informal enquiries regarding the role can be addressed to Dr Jasmine Donaldson ([email protected]).
B02-09997
Professional Expertise
Research and Research Support
Department
School of Life & Medical Sciences (B02)
Location
London
Working Pattern
Full time
Salary
See advert text
Contract Type
Fixed-term
Working Type
On site
Available for Secondment
No
Closing Date
22-Feb-2026
About us
The Department of Neurodegenerative Disease is recognised as internationally leading in the study of neurodegenerative diseases causing dementia and related disorders. The Department has a strong focus on mechanistic dissection of genetic, molecular cellular and neuropathological processes which underlie neurodegeneration in particular diseases and across the neurodegeneration spectrum. A related touchstone of our research is to identify pathophysiological mechanisms and markers that link molecular pathology to clinical phenotypes of neurodegenerative disease.
Based in the Department, the UCL Huntington’s Disease Centre is uniquely placed world-wide to translate mechanistic insights to ‘first in human’ studies. It combines sophisticated cell-based systems with rigorously standardised preclinical target validation to prime mechanistically-driven drug development initiatives. The Centre integrates clinical and laboratory work with small proof-of-concept first in human studies in patients in the Leonard Wolfson Experimental Neurology Centre (LWENC) prior to initiating larger phase 2 and 3 clinical trials including novel huntingtin-lowering trials.
About the role
We are recruiting a Research Assistant to investigate the role of the DNA damage response (DDR) in Huntington’s disease pathogenesis and explore the mechanism of repeat expansion and contractions.
The CAG repeat in the HTT gene is inherently unstable, expanding over time in the tissues most vulnerable to disease. It is likely that this repeat expansion is a key mechanism underlying HD pathogenesis. Recent HD patient genome-wide association (GWA) data from our group and others has shown that DNA damage response (DDR) pathways influence the rate of somatic CAG repeat expansion, the age at onset (AAO) and rate of progression of Huntington’s disease (HD). DDR proteins are also known to affect the stability of the CAG repeat region in HD animal models.
You will examine the involvement of DDR proteins in patient-derived cell models and will use induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) from patients with HD to study the role of DDR proteins, in repeat expansion and contraction events. You will use cutting-edge techniques including CRISPR based techniques to modulate DDR genes of interest, or to introduce double- and single strand breaks at the HTT CAG repeat. We will assess the factors that promote or prevent repeat contractions with the aim of identifying novel therapeutic pathways. HD-iPSCs will be differentiated to neurons, including medium spiny neurons (MSNs) and the effect on repeat instability in neurons will be monitored using repeat sizing assays. Immunocytochemistry, qPCR and western blotting will be used to assess HD phenotypes and DDR components.
The post is available immediately and is funded by research grant funding from the UK Dementia Research Institute for two years, or until 29 February 2028, whichever is earlier, 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 ([email protected]).
Informal enquiries regarding the role can be addressed to Dr Jasmine Donaldson ([email protected]).
💡 Quick Summary
Seeking a career-building opportunity? The Research Assistant position is now open for candidates interested in the Receptionist & Front office Jobs sector. This role in London offers a professional environment and growth potential.
Requirement Snapshot: Candidates should possess basic communication skills, a proactive attitude, and the ability to work in a team. Experience in Receptionist & Front office Jobs is a plus.
