Clinical PhD Fellow in Multiple Sclerosis

We are looking for an ambitious medically qualified individual (with current GMC registration) who wishes to start a career as a clinical academic in neurodegenerative disorders research by pursuing a PhD in a world-class research environment. The PhD fellow will be funded by the Anne Rowling Regenerative Neurology Clinic on the Rowling Scholars scheme. This prestigious scholarship offers a salary on a clinical scale while you study towards a PhD on discovery or translation in neurodegenerative disorders.

You will conduct an original research project that will be co-designed around your scientific vision. The details of the project will be mutually agreed after interview, but is expected to be in the area of human-based discovery and translation in multiple sclerosis. The project will be in line with the research strategy of the Anne Rowling Regenerative Neurology Clinic, which places particular focus on dementias, multiple sclerosis (MS), motor neuron disease (MND) and Parkinson’s. Although focused on MS, there will be opportunities for interested persons to contribute to work with broad applicability across these areas (e.g. in biomarker discovery and digital health).

This post is fixed-term for 36 months and full-time (40 hours per week) and is expected to start in August 2025, although there can be some flexibility. The salary for this role is at Grade AMN2: £48,288 - £68,710 per annum.

Your Skills And Attributes For Success

• Clinically qualified with MBBS (or equivalent) with full GMC registration.
• Prior research experience, preferably a BSc or equivalent. This can be in basic (laboratory), translational or clinical research.

An Honorary NHS contract will be sought for the successful post holder. You therefore must be eligible to hold an honorary contract with NHS Lothian, and must also be registered with the General Medical Council.

Salary will be determined on the basis of previous service in the NHS training grades. Normally you will be matched to your current incremental point or nearest equivalent. If you are currently a member of the NHS Pension Scheme and are employed in a clinical post it may be possible for you to remain a member of the NHS Pension Scheme.

As a valued member of our team you can expect:

• An exciting, positive, creative, challenging and rewarding place to work.
• To be part of a diverse and vibrant international community.
• Comprehensive Staff Benefits, such as a generous holiday entitlement, a defined benefits pension scheme, staff discounts, family-friendly initiatives, and flexible work options.

Championing equality, diversity and inclusion. The University of Edinburgh holds a Silver Athena SWAN award in recognition of our commitment to advance gender equality in higher education. We are members of the Race Equality Charter and we are also Stonewall Scotland Diversity Champions, actively promoting LGBT equality.

Prior to any employment commencing with the University you will be required to evidence your right to work in the UK. Further information is available on our right to work webpages.

The University is able to sponsor the employment of international workers in this role. If successful, an international applicant requiring sponsorship to work in the UK will need to satisfy the UK Home Office’s English Language requirements and apply for and secure a Skilled Worker Visa.

Key dates to note

The closing date for applications is 16 June 2025. Unless stated otherwise the closing time for applications is 11:59pm GMT.

About Us

As a world-leading research-intensive University, we are here to address tomorrow’s greatest challenges. Between now and 2030 we will do that with a values-led approach to teaching, research and innovation, and through the strength of our relationships, both locally and globally.

About The Team

Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences integrates laboratory and clinical research to study the causes, consequences and treatment of major brain disorders. CCBS comprises 64 Principal Investigators, including 21 Personal Chairs. Of these, 70% are active NHS clinicians, which grounds the Centre’s research aims close to unmet clinical need and facilitates the translation of research findings into real-world impact.