Research Fellow

RLBP1 is a gene that encodes cellular retinaldehyde binding protein 1 (CRALBP), a 36-kD protein involved in the visual cycle. When the gene is not functional due to genetic changes, it results in a retinal degeneration. Patients experience a prolonged dark adaptation, reduced light sensitivity and progressive loss of vision. Mutations in this gene are known to cause differing phenotypes including retinitis pigmentosa (RP), retinitis punctata albescens, Bothnia-type dystrophy, Newfoundland rod-cone dystrophy, and fundus albipunctatus. RLBP1 is a rare inherited retinal disorder (IRD) with fewer than 200 cases appearing in published research. There is no therapeutic intervention that can slow disease progression or restore sight.

Working in close collaboration with Professor Mariya Moosajee, the Post Doctoral Research Fellow will focus on the development of non-viral approaches, using mRNA and non-viral gene therapy, as potential treatment options for RLBP1-retinopathy. The Research Fellow will use a range of techniques to facilitate the group's work, including: stem cell culture, generation of iPSC colonies and differentiation into target retinal cells, histology, electron and confocal microscopy, molecular biology such as western blots, and immunocytochemistry. Additional skills may be required for testing in vivo models, and necessary training will be provided where necessary.

Candidate with a PhD is essential, experience in the aforementioned techniques, and who are bright, independent and highly motivated, but willing and able to work effectively as part of a collaborative team are encouraged to apply.

The candidate must be a good communicator, both in lay and scientific terms, with strong writing skills. They must be competent with literature searches, have background understanding of genetic eye disease, ideally having seen patients clinically and being aware of their management and needs. The candidate should be organised, hardworking and enjoy writing.

The Institute of Ophthalmology is committed to a multi-disciplinary research portfolio that furthers an understanding of the eye and visual system linked with clinical investigations targeted to specific problems in the prevention and treatment of eye disease. The combination of the Institute's research resource with the resources of Moorfields Eye Hospital, which has the largest ophthalmic patient population in the Western World, opens the way for advances at the forefront of vision research and provides an unparalleled setting for research and training in ophthalmology., Working with some of the greatest intellects in the world, UCL also offers a generous pension scheme and holiday allowance, plus closure and bank holidays as well as enhanced parental pay and more. Visit https://www.ucl.ac.uk/work-at-ucl/reward-and-benefits to find out more., Our department holds an Athena SWAN Silver award, in recognition of our commitment and demonstrable impact in advancing gender equality.

Salary: UCL Grade 7 spine point 30 (£42,099 per annum, including London Allowance)