Ref Number: B02-04637
Professional: Expertise
Research and Research Support Department
School of Life & Medical Sciences (B02)
Location: London
Working Pattern: Full time
Salary: £38,308- £46,155
Contract Type: Permanent
Working Type: Hybrid (20% - 80% on site)
Available for Secondment: No
Closing Date: 26-Feb-2023
Context
The UK Dementia Research Institute Dementia is the biggest health challenge of our century – currently affecting fifty million people worldwide, projected to triple by 2050, with huge financial, emotional and social impact on people directly affected, their carers, families and the community. Dementia is caused by a set of complex neurodegenerative disorders, with Alzheimer’s disease accounting for about 60% of cases. To date there is no way to prevent or even slow the rate of progression of dementia – this is because there is still a major knowledge gap in our basic understanding of Alzheimer’s and other neurodegenerative diseases.
The UK Dementia Research Institute (UK DRI) is the biggest UK initiative supporting research to fill this gap. Our mission is to become a globally leading multidisciplinary research institute into the spectrum of neurodegenerative disorders causing dementia, driving a step change in our understanding of neurodegeneration and accelerating the discovery, development and delivery of interventions that will help diagnose, treat and ultimately prevent dementia.
The UK DRI currently has 7 Centres, 60 Group Leaders and over 800 researchers focusing on different aspects of dementia and developing new technologies and approaches for research, diagnosis, treatment and care. The UK DRI’s research groups are based at University College London, the University of Cambridge, Cardiff University, Edinburgh University, Imperial College London and King’s College London. The UK DRI is a joint £290 million investment from the Medical Research Council, Alzheimer’s Society and Alzheimer’s Research UK. You can read more about the UK DRI at www.ukdri.ac.uk.
The UK DRI Headquarters Team is based at UCL yet works across all six UK DRI host institutions. Collectively the HQ team is responsible for making the distributed UK DRI community function as a single institute, with a shared culture of intensely collaborative research, common policies on hiring, communications, capital investments, finances and other operational challenges, a single tech transfer programme, and shared external collaborations. UK DRI HQ comprises a growing team of staff who bring a range of expertise to support the work of the UK DRI’s seven centres, with specialisms in Business & Innovation, Communications, Finance, Human Resources and Scientific Affairs. The team work closely with Centre Managers across the institute to collaborate, share ideas and provide expert advice.
Main purpose of the job:
The UK DRI has implemented multiple technology platforms for use by researchers at the Institute, which provide access to less available technologies. These include Platforms delivering and working with animal models, fluid biomarkers, mass-spec based proteomics and single cell/spatial transcriptomics. The Institute also supports the implementation of critical tools such as iPS cells, affinity reagents and viral vectors. We are looking for a Tools and Technology Platforms Associate who will support the Tools and Technology Platforms Manager in running the Tools and Technology Programme at the UK DRI.
The post is available immediately. It is funded by the UK DRI for 3 years, until 31st March 2026, in the first instance
This is a varied and fast-paced position interfacing directly with researchers at all levels and with Institute Directors to enable the provision of tools and technologies. The Tools and Technology Platforms Associate will work across a range of strategically prioritised technology areas and will be expected to maintain a detailed understanding of these areas and apply this to the work of the Institute.
The post will also require soft skills in project management, relationship building and meeting/event organisation, and will require experience in concise writing to communicate with both scientific and senior management staff.
The post is available immediately. It is funded by the UK DRI for 3 years, until 31st March 2026, in the first instance.
Applicants should apply online: To access further details about the position and how to apply for the vacancy please click on the ‘Apply’ button above.
For a confidential discussion regarding the role, please contact Sam Jackson, UK DRI Tools and Technology Platform Manager : sam.jackson@ukdri.ac.uk.
You may also wish to have an informal discussion with the UK DRI Proteomics Platform Scientific Lead Dr Bethany Geary : bgeary01@dundee.ac.uk
If you have any queries regarding the vacancy or the application process, please contact Barbara Hehir, UK DRI Director of HR: barbara.hehir@ukdri.ac.uk
Salary
The post is graded as UCL Grade 7 with salary in the range of £38,308 - £46,155 per annum including London Allowance for full time hours.
Annual leave and benefits
Annual leave is 27 working days for a full-time member of staff + 6 UCL closure days in addition to 8 Bank Holidays.
In addition to 41 days annual leave (inclusive of public holidays and closure days) and generous pension schemes, UCL provides a number of other staff benefits which are linked from the page below:
https://www.ucl.ac.uk/human-resources/pay-benefits/staff-benefits
The UK DRI is actively seeking to increase diversity among its research and technology community, including an equitable representation of men and women at senior research and technology level. The UK DRI therefore especially encourages applications from women, from black and black British ethnic groups, from Asian and minority ethnic groups and from those with non-standard career paths. Appointment will be made on merit. We are open to considering flexible and part-time working arrangements. UCL and UK DRI are committed to helping staff balance work and life commitments through it’s part-time and flexible working policies and family friendly support. https://www.ucl.ac.uk/mssl/equity-edi/family-friendly-policies
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