Website University College London
About us
The Research Department of Neurodegenerative Disease is recognised as one of the foremost international centres for the study of dementia and other neurodegenerative diseases.
Based in the department is the UCL Dementia Research Centre (DRC), a hub for clinical research into various forms of dementia. Our work focuses on identifying and understanding the disease processes that cause dementia, the factors that influence these disease processes, and how best to support people with dementia and their families. In addition to our research, we also provide a cognitive disorders clinic within the National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery.
About the role
We are seeking a Research Assistant to join our Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD) research team at the DRC, while primarily supporting a broader research programme focused on capturing the full spectrum of FTD-MND features using digital technologies.
This role will focus on validating digital biomarkers in motor neurone disease (MND), with the aim of building a robust evidence base to support their use in future clinical trials. You will play a key role in setting up and delivering a multi-centre study across UK MND clinics.
Your responsibilities will include working closely with local sites to support study set-up and delivery, onboarding participants, obtaining informed consent, and ensuring they understand study procedures, and coordinating the shipment and set-up of digital devices. You will also be responsible for maintaining high-quality data through ongoing monitoring, quality control, and database management. In addition, you will support the local testing and validation of digital and cognitive assessments.
An honorary contract will be sought from UCLH NHS Foundation Trust, for which a DBS check will be required.
This role is eligible for hybrid working with a minimum of 60% of time on site.
The role is available from 01 June 2026 and funded by the Motor Neuron Disease Association until 30 September 2027 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 (ion.hradmin@ucl.ac.uk).
Informal enquiries regarding the role can be addressed to Professor Jonathan Rohrer (j.rohrer@ucl.ac.uk).
A full job description and person specification for this role can be accessed below. To apply, please upload a current CV, complete the online application form, and use the supporting statement section or upload a cover letter to outline how you meet the essential and desirable criteria for the role. Please do not upload any additional attachments as these will not be considered by the selection panel.
About you
You will hold a BSc in Neuroscience, Psychology, or a related subject, and have a good working knowledge of neurodegenerative diseases including biomarkers and the underlying causes of FTD and MND. You will have strong coding, communication, and problem-solving skills, alongside experience of assessing cognition and digital biomarkers and of working with participants or patients in a clinical research or healthcare environment.
What we offer
Starting salary offered in the range £39,148 – £41,833 per annum, inclusive of London Allowance.
As well as the exciting opportunities this role presents, we also offer great benefits, some of which are below:
- 41 Days holiday (27 days annual leave 8 bank holiday and 6 closure days)
- Additional 5 days’ annual leave purchase scheme
- Defined benefit career average revalued earnings pension scheme (CARE)
- Cycle to work scheme and season ticket loan
- Immigration loan
- On-site nursery
- On-site gym
- Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption pay
- Employee assistance programme: Staff Support Service
- Discounted medical insurance
Visit https://www.ucl.ac.uk/work-at-ucl/reward-and-benefits to find out more.
We will consider applications to work on a part-time, flexible, and job share basis wherever possible.
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.
Our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
The Institute prides itself on operating in an all-inclusive environment irrespective of personal, physical, or social characteristics. Teamwork is highly valued, individual strengths are recognised and celebrated, and we are committed to advancing the careers of everyone. 12% of Institute staff are actively working on Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) initiatives; visit our EDI website for more information about our initiatives and priorities. The Institute also holds an Athena SWAN Gold award, in recognition of our commitment and demonstrable impact in advancing gender equality.
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+ and gender diverse people in all roles, and women in Grade 9 and 10 roles.
Available documents
Attached documents are available under links. Clicking a document link will initialize its download.
Want fewer missed deadlines?
Follow a channel you care about (Graduate → Post-PhD).