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 leading clinicians, geneticists, imaging specialists, and laboratory scientists to investigate disorders affecting the spinal cord and peripheral nervous system.

Our work spans the full research pathway—from understanding disease mechanisms to developing outcome measures and therapies that directly improve patient care. This includes a strong focus on inherited neuropathies and neurodegenerative conditions such as Charcot–Marie–Tooth disease (CMT), motor neurone disease, and Alzheimer’s disease.

About the Role

We are seeking 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 TRANSFORM–CMT (Trial Readiness in Charcot–Marie–Tooth Disease) programme.

This role sits at the interface of clinical neurology, advanced MRI imaging, and data science. The postholder will contribute to the development of a next-generation quantitative calf muscle fat-fraction MRI outcome measure, currently the most sensitive and responsive biomarker across multiple CMT subtypes.

Recent advances in artificial intelligence–assisted MRI acquisition and analysis provide an opportunity to significantly improve accuracy, reproducibility, and efficiency. You will play a key role in optimising and validating this approach for use in future clinical trials.

Key Responsibilities

• Support the optimisation and validation of MRI fat-fraction outcome measures using AI-enabled imaging tools
• Recruit, consent, and clinically assess patients participating in MRI research studies at UCL
• Undertake structured clinical assessments of patients with inherited neuropathies
• Receive training in MRI fat-fraction analysis, genetic interpretation, and clinical outcome measures
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams including physicists, trial coordinators, data managers, geneticists, bioinformaticians, and clinicians
• Coordinate data collection and harmonisation across six collaborating UK centres
• Contribute to high-quality research outputs and trial-readiness initiatives
• An Honorary Clinical Contract will be arranged with UCLH NHS Trust, subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check

Training and Development

This fellowship offers comprehensive exposure to:

• Inherited neuropathy clinics
• Advanced quantitative MRI methodologies
• AI-based image analysis
• Multicentre clinical research coordination
• Translational trial-readiness research
• It is an ideal role for clinicians seeking to build a strong academic profile in neuromuscular disease research.

Eligibility and Person Specification

By the start of the post, applicants must:

• Be a GMC-registered medical practitioner licensed to practise in the UK
• Have completed CMT/IMT training and hold MRCP
• Have experience working in clinical neurology
• Demonstrate understanding of clinical research methodology
• Show evidence of research activity conducted under supervision
• Possess excellent communication, organisational, and interpersonal skills
• Be able to work independently while contributing effectively to multidisciplinary teams

Visa and International Applicants

This role meets eligibility requirements for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker route or Global Talent Visa, in line with UK Visas and Immigration guidance

UCL warmly welcomes applications from international candidates who require visa sponsorship.

Salary and Benefits

Salary will be offered within the range of £51,140 – £78,670 per annum, inclusive of London Allowance, and aligned with the Clinical Lecturer (CL), RDPS, or StR scale, depending on NHS contract and training stage.

Benefits include:

• 41 days’ annual leave (including bank holidays and closure days)
• Option to purchase additional annual leave
• Membership of a defined benefit CARE pension scheme
• Cycle to Work scheme and season ticket loan
• Immigration loan support
• On-site nursery and gym facilities
• Enhanced family leave policies
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Discounted medical insurance
• Flexible, part-time, and job-share arrangements will be considered wherever feasible.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

UCL is committed to fostering an inclusive and supportive working environment where everyone can thrive. We actively promote equality of opportunity and value the diverse perspectives of our staff and students.

We particularly encourage applications from groups that are under-represented within higher education and academic medicine, in line with the Equality Act 2010

The Institute holds an Athena SWAN Silver Award and has a strong, active Equality, Diversity and Inclusion programme.

How to Apply

Please submit:

• A current CV
• A completed online application form
• A supporting statement or cover letter clearly demonstrating how you meet the essential and desirable criteria

Additional attachments will not be considered.