Research Assistant

£44,986 - £44,986

Job Description

Dementia is 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. 



 



Centre context



 



King’s 



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.



 



The group of Dr Marc-David Ruepp is seeking an organised and enthusiastic individual for a full-time research assistant position to support their research. This position will involve significant work in molecular cloning, analysis of changes in gene expression by RT-PCR and qPCR, mammalian cell culture, and splicing modulation and thus requires consistency and attention to detail, as well as a willingness for occasional weekend work in the context of cellular work. The post-holder will also provide support for general organisational and technical duties to allow the smooth and efficient running of the lab.



Dr Marc-David Ruepp’s group works on RNA metabolism in health and disease with a specific focus on the two neurodegenerative diseases frontotemporal dementia (FTD) and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). This position will provide valuable research support and contribute to the understanding of ALS/FTD in order to find effective therapeutic strategies.




  • Maintenance of cell cultures

  • Perform molecular biology, biochemistry, and imaging assays

  • Maintaining accurate laboratory records

  • Manage the ordering of laboratory supplies and equipment

  • Liaising with other technical staff to service and maintain stocks and equipment

  • Undertake any other reasonable duties that may be requested by Dr Marc-David Ruepp




Qualifications

BSc/MSci in Neuroscience or related discipline



 



Skills

Essential Skills




  • Experience in mammalian cell culture

  • Experience in molecular biology

  • Experience in preparing buffers and media

  • Experience in molecular biology: Nucleic acid isolation, RT, qPCR

  • Experience in splicing modulation using modified snRNAs

  • Experience in C++, Java, R and Graph Pad Prism

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This role is to support the delivery of focus group and conduct additional tasks related to the DrinksRation project. 



This is a closed advert. 




Qualifications

MSc or above



Skills

Experience on conducting focus groups



Experience on academic publishing 



Knowledge and understanding on mobile health

Who we are Situated within IT Services, the Technology Enhanced Learning Team (TELT) provides strategic oversight of e-learning at QM and works to promote, support, and develop technology-enhanced learning across the institution. 

It is responsible for institution-wide learning applications such as: 

  1. QMplus, the online learning environment (based on Moodle and Mahara)
  2. Q-Review lecture capture (based on Echo360)
  3. Turnitin, to assist with similarity detection
  4. Kaltura for media streaming About the post 

Main duties: 

We are seeking 8 enthusiastic, confident, and tech-savvy students to join our team as part-time TEL (Technology Enhanced Learning) Student Ambassadors, to work with members of the TEL Team delivering engaging and informative TELT student inductions during Welcome Week, September 2025. 

In 2023 TELT worked with 3 TEL Student Ambassadors to update and develop the TEL student induction programme, based on feedback gathered from students. Over the last two years, our new student led inductions have been well received, and we intend to deliver a similar programme for September 2025. 

As a TEL Student Ambassador, you will play a vital role in promoting the effective use of learning technologies to enhance the educational experience of our students. 

Responsibilities include: 

  • Promoting our sessions across campus during Welcome Week.
  • Engage new students with our technologies by sharing individual experiences during face-to-face Welcome Week inductions.
  • Working in pairs, confidently deliver student inductions during the Welcome Week. This includes presenting information, providing demonstrations, and addressing any queries or concerns raised by students.
  • Actively promote the benefits and features of learning applications supported by the TELT, emphasising how these technologies can enhance the learning experience.

Benefits

  • Gain valuable experience in public speaking, presentation, and student engagement. 
  • Opportunity to represent the student voice in the development of digital learning initiatives. 
  • Training provided in the delivery of the TEL induction programme. 
  • Enhance your CV with transferable skills such as communication, teamwork, and digital literacy. 
  • Opportunity to continue working with the TEL Team beyond Welcome Week, subject to availability of projects. 
  • ?13.99 per hour, paid on a weekly basis.


Qualifications

Must be a current QMUL Student continuing your studies in the upcoming academic year, 2025/26. 



Skills
  • A genuine interest in technology enhanced learning and its potential to improve the student experience. 
  • Excellent public speaking and presentation skills, with the ability to engage and connect with diverse audiences. 
  • Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build rapport with both students and staff. 
  • A collaborative mindset and willingness to work closely with fellow student ambassadors and the TEL Team. 
  • The ability to quickly learn and adapt to new technologies. 

Required availability:

  • Available to attend online training somewhere between 14th and 28th August 2025. (Exact date(s) and times to be confirmed) 
  • Available to attend in-person training on campus during week commencing 1st September 2025. (Exact date(s) and times to be confirmed) 
  • Available to work during Welcome Week (15th-19th Sep), Monday to Friday, between the hours of 9-5pm (exact hours to be confirmed) 

Education:

  • You must be a current student at Queen Mary University of London and continuing your studies in the upcoming academic year, 2025/26. We are especially interested in hearing from students who will be entering their second year in September 2025. However, we also welcome applications from those further along in their studies, provided they will remain enrolled until at least June 2026.

We are seeking a reliable and proactive Autoclave Technician / Laboratory Support Assistant to provide essential support to our laboratory operations. This role involves managing autoclave processes, handling laboratory waste and glassware, maintaining lab cleanliness, and supporting general lab logistics?including assistance with liquid nitrogen (LN₂) decanting. The ideal candidate will be hands-on, organized, and committed to maintaining a safe and efficient lab environment.

  • Operate and maintain autoclaves for sterilization of lab materials and waste.
  • Collect, clean, and return laboratory glassware and consumables.
  • Manage and dispose of laboratory waste in accordance with safety protocols.
  • Assist with liquid nitrogen (LN₂) decanting, ensuring safe handling and adherence to safety procedures.
  • Monitor and maintain lab support systems, including drain compressors and freezer defrosting.
  • Assist with stock management and delivery of consumables to lab areas.
  • Support lab staff with equipment movement and general tidying of lab spaces.
  • Ensure compliance with health and safety regulations at all times.
  • Liaise with lab coordinators and technicians to ensure smooth daily operations.


Qualifications

Desirable Skills

  • Experience working in a research or academic lab environment.
  • Knowledge of COSHH and waste disposal regulations.
  • Forklift or manual handling training (if applicable).


Skills

Essential Skills

  • Previous experience in a laboratory or facilities support role (preferred).
  • Familiarity with autoclave operation and laboratory hygiene standards.
  • Good organizational and time-management skills.
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
  • Physically fit and able to lift/move equipment and supplies.
  • Basic understanding of laboratory safety procedures.
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