King's College London

About us

The Department of Forensic and Neurodevelopmental Sciences, in the School of Academic Psychiatry at IoPPN, is one of Europe’s largest research groups and one of the few teams in the world bringing together leading experts in brain development. We believe it is essential to investigate the determinants of normal development and we bring together expertise in basic animal models, the latest neuroimaging techniques and the social sciences. We study the epidemiology, clinical aspects, neurobiology and psychopharmacology of neurodevelopmental across the lifespan. Within the department, The LonDowns team investigates aging-related issues in individuals with Down syndrome, including Alzheimer's disease, using neuroimaging, plasma biomarkers, and longitudinal clinical assessments. We also conduct clinical trials of treatment.  

About the role

The Research Assistant will play key a role in the delivery and operational running of research studies concerning Alzheimer’s disease in Down syndrome. This includes recruiting participants, conducting assessments, analysing data, as well as helping with organisational and practical tasks such as organising project meetings between the research team and other stakeholders. There will also be elements of data curation, management, and analysis, supported by other members of the team.

The successful candidate will hold a science or healthcare related degree (2:1 or above), demonstrate a familiarity with statistical software packages and quantitative analysis techniques, and be able to communicate effectively with diverse stakeholder groups and multi-disciplinary teams. 

This is a full-time post (35 hours per week), and you will be offered a fixed term contract until 31 August 2026.

Research staff at King’s are entitled to at least 10 days per year (pro-rata) for professional development. This entitlement, from the Concordat to Support the Career Development of Researchers, applies to Postdocs, Research Assistants, Research and Teaching Technicians, Teaching Fellows and AEP equivalent up to and including grade 7. Visit the Centre for Research Staff Development for more information.

About you

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

Essential criteria

1.  A Science or healthcare-related first degree (minimum 2:1)
2. Demonstrated interest in working with people with neurodevelopmental conditions and/or in clinical informatics
3. Familiarity with statistical software packages, data management, and quantitative analysis techniques  
4.  Excellent interpersonal and written and verbal communication skills applied across a range of different contexts  
5. An in-depth understanding of confidentiality and protocols for ethics and data management and protection 
6. Highly organized and effective in time management and prioritization skills 
7. Capable of working effectively as part of a multi-disciplinary research team 
8. Ability to show initiative and respond flexibly to research problems as they arise

Desirable criteria

1. Experience of working with people with neurodevelopmental conditions and/or their carers and supporters, either in clinical or research settings 
2. Scientific publications (journal publications or conference abstracts) 
3. Advanced skills in quantitative research methods 
4.  Evidence of project co-ordination 

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 page. 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 on these and other issues, 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.

Please note we reserve the right to close the campaign down earlier than advertised if we receive a sufficient amount of applications.

Interviews are due to be held on 12 September 2025.