Clinical Research Fellow(UK Visa Sponsorship)

Job Description

About the Department

The Department of Neuromuscular Diseases is internationally recognised for excellence in both clinical care and translational research. The department brings together clinicians, geneticists, imaging specialists, and laboratory scientists with a shared goal: to understand the causes of neuromuscular and spinal cord disorders and translate scientific discovery into meaningful benefits for patients.

Research within the department spans the full pathway from molecular mechanisms to clinical trials, with a strong focus on conditions such as Charcot–Marie–Tooth disease, motor neurone disease, Alzheimer’s disease, and related neuromuscular disorders. Collaboration, innovation, and patient-centred research are central to everything we do.

The Role

We are appointing a Clinical Research Fellow to join Professor Mary Reilly’s research group following the award of a major four-year grant from Muscular Dystrophy UK for the project TRANSFORM–CMT (Trial Readiness in Charcot–Marie–Tooth Disease).

This role offers a unique opportunity to work at the interface of clinical neurology, advanced imaging, and artificial intelligence. The postholder will contribute to the further development of a quantitative calf muscle MRI fat-fraction protocol—currently the most sensitive outcome measure across several forms of Charcot–Marie–Tooth disease. Recent advances in AI-driven image acquisition and analysis will allow this protocol to become faster, more accurate, and more responsive, supporting future clinical trials.

Key Responsibilities

The Clinical Research Fellow will:

• Support the optimisation and validation of MRI fat-fraction outcome measures using advanced imaging and AI-based analysis tools.
• Work closely with an interdisciplinary team including physicists, trial coordinators, data managers, bioinformaticians, geneticists, and clinicians.
• Recruit, consent, and clinically assess patients participating in MRI studies at UCL.
• Receive structured training in inherited neuropathies, clinical outcome measures, MRI analysis, and genetic interpretation.
• Assist with data coordination and quality control across six collaborating UK centres.
• Contribute to the overall delivery and reporting of a nationally coordinated research programme.

An Honorary Clinical Contract with UCLH NHS Foundation Trust will be sought for the successful candidate. This appointment will require a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.

Person Specification

By the start of the appointment, applicants must:

• Be a registered medical practitioner licensed to practise in the UK.
• Have completed Core Medical Training (CMT) or Internal Medicine Training (IMT) and hold MRCP.
• Demonstrate experience in clinical neurology and supervised clinical research.
• Show a sound understanding of research methodology and evidence of contributing effectively to research projects under guidance.
• Possess excellent communication, organisational, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work independently and collaboratively.

Funding and Duration

The post is funded by Muscular Dystrophy UK for an initial period of one year, with a strong expectation of extension for up to a further two years, subject to progress and funding continuation.

This role is eligible for Skilled Worker visa sponsorship and may also meet criteria for the Global Talent visa route. International applicants are warmly encouraged to apply.

Employment Context and Public Guidance

Applicants may find the following official UK government resources helpful when considering this role:

Skilled Worker visa guidance: https://www.gov.uk/skilled-worker-visa

Global Talent visa (research and academia): https://www.gov.uk/global-talent

Disclosure and Barring Service checks: https://www.gov.uk/dbs-check-applicant-criminal-record

What UCL Offers

UCL provides an inclusive and supportive environment for clinical academics, alongside a comprehensive benefits package, including:

• 41 days of annual leave (including bank holidays and closure days)
• Defined benefit career-average pension scheme
• Opportunities for flexible, part-time, or job-share working where possible
• Cycle-to-work and season ticket loan schemes
• Immigration and relocation support
• On-site nursery, gym facilities, and wellbeing services
• Enhanced family leave and employee assistance programmes
• Further details can be found on UCL’s staff benefits webpages.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

The Institute of Neurology is committed to creating a working environment where everyone feels valued and supported. Teamwork, respect, and recognition of individual strengths are central to our culture. The Institute holds an Athena SWAN Silver Award and has a strong record of engagement in equality, diversity, and inclusion initiatives.

UCL particularly welcomes applications from individuals who are underrepresented in academic medicine, including people from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds, disabled people, LGBTQI+ and gender-diverse individuals, and women at senior grades.

How to Apply

To apply, please submit:

• A current CV
• A supporting statement or cover letter outlining how you meet the essential and desirable criteria