Research Assistant (Psychologist) University College London 12 Queen Square, London

About us

The Department of Neurodegenerative Disease is recognized as one of the leading international centers for the study of dementia and other neurodegenerative diseases. The research portfolio encompasses Alzheimer’s disease and related disorders, Huntington’s disease, motor neurone disease and frontotemporal dementia, and studies of the pathways of cellular senescence.

About the role

You will be part of the Etherington posterior cortical atrophy (PCA) research program dedicated to the detailed characterization of PCA. The program aims to better diagnose, understand, and treat PCA.

You will participate in the organization of research and clinical trials visits for participants with PCA and Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Tasks will include booking of visits, arranging of investigations during the visits, neuropsychological testing of participants during the visits, ensuring data is collected accurately with appropriate quality control and uploaded, and acquisition and analysis of psychological, clinical, and motion capture data.

An honorary contract will be sought from UCLH NHS Foundation Trust, for which a DBS check will be required.

The post is available from 02 January 2025 and funded by a donation from The National Brain Appeal until 31 December 2025 in the first instance.

This role is eligible for hybrid working with a minimum of 60% of time on site.

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 inquiries regarding the role can be addressed to Dr Keir Yong (keir.yong@ucl.ac.uk).

Interviews will take place on 06 January 2025.

A full job description and person specification for this role can be accessed below.

About you

You’ll have a degree in Neuroscience, or a related discipline, coupled with experience of working with research participants or patients with Alzheimer’s disease and posterior cortical atrophy in a clinical research or healthcare environment. Experience of administering clinical and cognitive rating measures used in dementia clinical trials, skills in motion capture assessment and analysis, and a confident and calm demeanor with a very high level of consideration and care for patients and research subjects is also essential for this role.

What we offer

Starting salary offered at £38,357 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 disrespectful of personal, physical, or social characteristics. Teamwork is highly valued, individual strengths are recognized 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 Silver 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.