STRATIFY Lupus Clinical Research Fellow(UK Visa Sponsorship)

Job Description

About Us

UCL is a world-leading university with outstanding facilities for biomedical and clinical science research. You will join Professor Ehrenstein’s team, a group focused on translational research in autoimmune rheumatic diseases — spanning laboratory science through to early phase clinical trials. Our partnership with UCLH Rheumatology, internationally recognised for clinical care and research in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), means you will work at the interface of cutting-edge science and patient care.

You will collaborate with research nurses, trial coordinators and consultants including Dr Muhammad Shipa and senior investigators, offering an exceptionally rich environment to develop clinical and research expertise across lupus and rheumatology.

The Role

You will contribute to STRATIFY-LUPUS, the first trial in the UK to use biomarker enrichment to stratify patients with SLE. Funded by Arthritis UK and the NIHR Efficacy and Mechanism Evaluation (EME) programme, this trial opens for recruitment in May 2026.

In this trial, patients with SLE who are due to receive B-cell depletion therapy and test positive for the serum biomarker IgA2 anti-DNA antibodies will be randomised to receive either:

• Belimumab after Rituximab, or
• Rituximab alone
• Your main responsibilities will include:
• Clinical Trial Conduct
• Support patient recruitment and consent through UCLH clinics and with referring hospitals in the region.

Collaborate with the UCLH rheumatology clinical trials team, including nurses and trial coordinators, to ensure trial processes run smoothly.

• Research Integration
• Work with a trial manager, data manager and statistician from the UCL Clinical Trials Unit.
• Liaise with the research assistant performing laboratory assays, helping integrate clinical and biomolecular data.

Gain experience across clinical trial operations, data interpretation and research reporting — laying groundwork for future fellowship or PhD applications.

• Professional Development
• Attend and present at scientific conferences — supported by funding.
• Optionally pursue academic outputs, including publications and future research funding applications.

The post is eligible to apply for Out of Programme Research (OOPR), and flexible working arrangements — including part-time clinical or educational commitments — may be discussed with the hiring team.

About You

We are seeking a medically qualified clinical fellow, ideally with postgraduate training in rheumatology (up to ST4 level). You must have:

• MBBS or equivalent medical degree
• Full GMC registration and Membership of the Royal College of Physicians (or equivalent)
• Completed General Professional Training
• Clinical experience caring for rheumatology patients, including outpatient management and inpatient care of people living with SLE

Experience with clinical trials or laboratory techniques is advantageous but not essential — training will be supported. This role provides a rare opportunity to strengthen clinical skills within a vibrant clinical research environment.

Why This Matters

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a complex autoimmune disease with variable presentation and significant impacts on quality of life. Research such as STRATIFY-LUPUS supports better understanding of treatment responses and moves care closer to precision medicine. For context:

• NHS guidance highlights the need for early diagnosis and tailored care pathways in long-term conditions like autoimmune disease.
• NIHR invests in trials to bridge laboratory discoveries and clinical benefits for patients.
• Clinical Trials Regulations in the UK ensure safety, ethics and quality in research involving patients.
• The UK Rare Diseases Framework recognises the importance of research into complex, multi-system conditions like lupus.
• Good Clinical Practice (GCP) standards underpin safe and ethical conduct in clinical trials.

What We Offer

In addition to a stimulating research environment, UCL provides a comprehensive benefits package:

• 41 days’ paid leave (27 annual leave days, 8 bank holidays, 6 closure days)
• Optional annual leave purchase scheme
• Defined benefit CARE pension
• Cycle to work and season ticket loans
• Immigration loan and relocation support (where eligible)
• On-site nursery and gym facilities
• Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption leave
• Employee support services and discounted medical insurance

Equality, Diversity & Inclusion

UCL is committed to building a diverse and inclusive community where all staff can thrive. We actively encourage applications from individuals who are underrepresented in research and clinical leadership, including people from ethnic minority backgrounds, disabled people and LGBTQ+ applicants.

Our department is recognised with an Athena SWAN Silver Award for advancing gender equality and creating an inclusive academic environment.

How to Apply

Applications should include:

• A CV (including training, clinical experience and publications)
• A cover letter detailing how your skills and experience match the essential criteria
• Shortlisted candidates will be invited for interview, currently scheduled for 31 March 2026.

If you have questions about the post, contact:

• Professor Ehrenstein’s team: Not provided
• UCLH Clinical Trials Office: Not provided