King's College London

About us

The Department of Basic & Clinical Neuroscience at King's is looking for a research assistant to join the ALS/FTD research group led by PI Jemeen Sreedharan.  

Our group works to investigate the pathogenic mechanisms of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)/frontotemporal dementia (FTD) using in vitro and in vivo (mouse and fly) models. We develop stem cell-based models for these neurodegenerative disorders by producing high-purity cultures of human neural cells as well as co-cultures of neurones and glial cells. Our work involves the use of advanced genetic editing technologies to create these models with important isogenic controls.

The Department is situated in the Maurice Wohl Clinical Neuroscience Institute at the Denmark Hill Campus of King’s College London. We have access to a state-of-the-art Nikon Imaging Centre (The Wohl Cellular Imaging Centre), are part of the UK Motor Neuron Disease Research Institute and work closely with researchers in the UK Dementia Research Institute. Dr Sreedharan is also an Honorary Consultant Neurologist at King’s College Hospital, just a stone’s throw from the lab, where he sees patients with ALS and works on ALS clinical trials.  

About the role

We are seeking an enthusiastic research assistant to take part in research investigating the molecular causes of ALS using human iPSC-derived motor neurones. You will use CRISPR-Cas9 editing to generate new cell lines harbouring ALS-causing mutations on an isogenic background. You will differentiate, maintain and phenotype neuronal cultures derived from these iPSCs and use qRT-PCR, western blotting, confocal microscopy and other approaches to understand the effects of mutations in proteins such as TDP-43.

You will contribute to the overall activities of the research as required and assist in the day to day running of the lab. You will keep records of the experiments and results, and prepare progress reports on research for lab meetings, departmental seminars and for funding bodies as required. Candidates with a ‘can-do’ attitude to achieve tasks and overcome challenges are well suited for the roles.

This is a full-time post (100% FTE; 35 hours per week), and you will be offered a fixed term contract to 30/11/26 in the first instance, with the possibility of renewal or conversion to a PhD project.

About you

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

Essential criteria

1. BSc or MSc in molecular and cell biology, neuroscience, or a relevant subject area. 
2. Proven research aptitude and laboratory experience 
3. Ability to work independently and collaboratively  
4. Ability to manage time and work to deadlines 
5. Ability to critically evaluate publications, experimental design, protocols, and research findings. 
6.  Excellent interpersonal, oral and written communication skills  
7. Ability to present data in lab meetings and departmental meetings  
8. Knowledge and understanding of the principles of resource and budgetary management, sustainability, and inclusivity.

Desirable criteria

1. Experience in wet lab techniques, such as western blotting, RT-qPCR, molecular cloning, etc. 
2. Experience in cell culture, in particular iPSC culture. 
3. Experience in statistical analysis and use of biocomputational tools.  
4. Experience in microscopy, preferentially confocal imaging 

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 next page after you click “Apply Now”. This document will provide information of what criteria will be assessed at each stage of the recruitment process.

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, 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 advert. 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 on 12/05-16/05/2025.

We are able to offer sponsorship for candidates who do not currently possess the right to work in the UK.

This post is subject to a Occupational Health Clearance.