Clinical Research Fellow (Inherited Neuropathies)

The Department of Neuromuscular Diseases is a hub for clinical and research excellence across the spectrum of spinal cord and neuromuscular diseases. Our group of world‑leading clinical, genetic and basic science researchers focus their work on understanding the causes and biological mechanisms leading to neuromuscular disease and translating this knowledge into developing novel therapeutic solutions that are of direct benefit to neurological disorders such as motor neurone disease, Alzheimer’s disease and neuromuscular disease.

Based in the Department, the Centre for Neuromuscular Diseases (CNMD) combines neuromuscular translational research and comprehensive NHS clinical services and nationally commissioned services for a wide range of neuromuscular diseases. CNMD provides the largest clinical neuromuscular services for adults in Europe. It represents a UK national centre of excellence, setting standards for rare disease management and offering training opportunities for specialist clinicians and clinical scientists.

We are now recruiting a Clinical Research Fellow to join the Reilly research group in the CNMD. The Reilly group has developed a quantitative calf muscle Fat Fraction MRI protocol, the most responsive outcome measure (OM) in multiple forms of Charcot Marie Tooth disease. Technology advances using artificial intelligence in sequence acquisition and analysis mean we can now develop our protocol to be more accurate, reliable, sensitive and faster. This study will aim to optimise our MRI OM using these technological advances, set up six other CMT trial‑ready centres across the UK, and investigate the UK CMT landscape. You will support this study while working closely with our physicists, trial coordinators, data managers, geneticists, bioinformaticians, and clinicians.

As part of the role, you will receive comprehensive training in all aspects of neuropathies, including clinical evaluation, clinical outcome measures, MRI fat‑fraction analysis, and genetic analysis. You will assist in recruiting and clinically evaluating patients for the MRI studies at UCL, as well as be trained to use the AI programme for assessing fat‑fraction results from MRI scans. In addition, you will help coordinate with the six other UK centres to collate and manage the data collected across all sites. You will also help study the genetic architecture of CMT in the UK. As the main investigator into the study on the frequency and types of CMT in the UK, you will liaise with PIs and trial coordinators in the other six UK sites.

This post is suitable for a trainee who wishes to develop expertise in neuropathies, especially inherited neuropathies. There may also be the option to enrol for a PhD focused on MRI, genetics, or both aspects of the study. An Honorary Clinical contract will be sought from UCLH NHS Trust, for which a DBS check will be required. The post is available from 01 August 2026 (this start date is flexible) and is funded by Muscular Dystrophy UK for three years in the first instance, although we would also be happy to consider trainees looking for a one‑ or two‑year clinical research fellowship in neuropathy.

At the time this post commences, you must be a registered Medical Practitioner licenced to practise in the UK with good knowledge of confidentiality/GDPR, Good Clinical Practice, the NHS clinical governance framework, and clinical audit experience. You’ll have the ability to provide clinical supervision, communicate effectively and compassionately with patients from a diverse range of backgrounds and with diverse clinical and social needs, and demonstrate enthusiasm and ability to “go the extra mile” for patients and clinical care. Experience of having worked in the NHS and in clinical neurology, completion of CMT/IMT training and MRCP, and excellent presentation skills are desirable.

This role meets the eligibility requirements for a skilled worker certificate of sponsorship or a global talent visa under UK Visas and Immigration legislation. Therefore, UCL welcomes applications from international applicants who require a visa.

The role is offered with salary in the range of £51,140 - £78,670 per annum including London Allowance, on the CL, RDPS, or StR scale, dependent on NHS contract and/or stage of clinical training. As well as the exciting opportunities this role presents, we also offer great benefits, some of which are below:

• 41 Days holiday (27 days annual leave 8 bank holiday and 6 closure days)
• Additional 5 days’ annual leave purchase scheme
• Defined benefit career average revalued earnings pension scheme (CARE)
• Cycle to work scheme and season ticket loan
• On‑site gym
• Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption pay
• Employee assistance programme: Staff Support Service

We will consider applications to work on a part‑time, flexible, and job share basis wherever possible.

The Institute prides itself on operating in an all‑inclusive environment irrespective of personal, physical, or social characteristics. Teamwork is highly valued, individual strengths are recognised and celebrated, and we are committed to advancing the careers of everyone. 12% of Institute staff are actively working on Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) initiatives; visit our EDI website for more information about our initiatives and priorities. The Institute also holds an Athena SWAN Gold award, in recognition of our commitment and demonstrable impact in advancing gender equality. As London’s Global University, we know diversity fosters creativity and innovation, and we want our community to represent the diversity of the world’s talent. We are committed to equality of opportunity, to being fair and inclusive, and to being a place where we all belong. We therefore particularly encourage applications from candidates who are likely to be underrepresented in UCL’s workforce; these include people from Black, Asian and ethnic minority backgrounds, disabled people, LGBTQI+ and gender diverse people in all roles, and women in Grade 9 and 10 roles.