Clinical Research FellowUK Visa Sponsorship)

Job Description

About the Department

The Department of Neuromuscular Diseases is internationally recognised for excellence in both clinical care and translational research. Our work spans the full spectrum of spinal cord and neuromuscular disorders, bringing together clinicians, geneticists, neuroscientists, and data specialists with a shared goal: transforming scientific discovery into tangible benefits for patients.

Our research contributes directly to improved understanding and treatment of conditions such as Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (CMT), motor neurone disease, Alzheimer’s disease, and related neurological disorders. We operate within the governance frameworks that support high-quality, ethical clinical research in the UK, including those set out by the Health Research Authority (HRA)

The Role

We are inviting applications for a Clinical Research Fellow to join the research team led by Professor Mary Reilly, supported by a major four-year award from Muscular Dystrophy UK. The fellowship forms part of the TRANSFORM–CMT (Trial Readiness in Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease) programme.

This role focuses on advancing a cutting-edge MRI-based outcome measure that quantifies calf muscle fat fraction—currently the most sensitive and responsive biomarker in multiple forms of CMT. Recent advances in artificial intelligence and imaging technology provide an exciting opportunity to enhance the accuracy, speed, and reliability of this method, and you will play a key role in this next phase of development.

What You Will Do

As part of a highly collaborative, multidisciplinary team, you will:

• Contribute to the optimisation of AI-enhanced MRI fat-fraction outcome measures
• Clinically assess and recruit patients participating in MRI studies at UCL
• Receive structured training in inherited neuropathies, clinical outcome measures, and advanced imaging analysis
• Work closely with physicists, geneticists, bioinformaticians, clinicians, data managers, and trial coordinators
• Support coordination across six UK clinical centres, ensuring accurate and timely data collection
• Use AI-driven software to analyse imaging data and contribute to translational research outputs
• An Honorary Clinical Contract with UCLH NHS Trust will be sought, subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, in line with NHS employment standards

Training, Development, and Research Environment

This fellowship offers an exceptional learning environment for clinicians pursuing an academic research pathway. You will gain exposure to nationally coordinated clinical research aligned with NIHR clinical research standards

The post is funded for one year initially, with a strong expectation of extension for up to three years in total, subject to progress and funding confirmation.

About You

By the time the post begins, you must:

• Be a UK-registered medical practitioner with a licence to practise
• Have completed CMT/IMT training and obtained MRCP
• Demonstrate experience in clinical neurology and supervised clinical practice
• Show evidence of research activity conducted under senior academic direction
• Possess strong communication, organisational, and teamwork skills
• Be comfortable working independently while contributing to a collaborative research culture

Salary and Benefits

The role is offered at a salary range of £51,140 – £78,670 per annum, including London Allowance. Salary will be determined based on NHS contract type and stage of clinical training (CL, RDPS, or StR scale).

UCL also offers a comprehensive benefits package, including:

• 41 days of leave per year (annual leave, bank holidays, and closure days)
• Defined benefit CARE pension scheme
• Flexible working options, including part-time and job-share arrangements
• Immigration and relocation support
• On-site nursery and gym facilities
• Cycle-to-work and season ticket loan schemes
• Enhanced parental leave and wellbeing support

Visas and International Applicants

This role meets the eligibility criteria for Skilled Worker and Global Talent visas. UCL welcomes applications from international candidates who require visa sponsorship under UK Visas and Immigration regulations

Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion

The Institute of Neurology is committed to fostering a respectful, inclusive, and supportive workplace where individual strengths are recognised and valued. The Institute holds an Athena SWAN Silver Award and actively invests in Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion initiatives.

Our approach aligns with the Equality Act 2010, which underpins fair access and inclusive employment practices across the UK

We particularly encourage applications from candidates who are underrepresented in academic medicine and clinical research.

How to Apply

To apply, please submit:

• A current CV
• A supporting statement or cover letter demonstrating how you meet the essential and desirable criteria
• Please do not upload additional attachments, as these will not be reviewed.