Research Fellow in Neurology
University College London
About Us
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 diseases and translating this knowledge into developing novel therapeutic solutions that are of direct benefit to neurological disorders.
Our research groups use a powerful combination of modern non-invasive research technology, theoretical and computational approaches and a variety of cellular, animal and human models, while translational programmes include use of cell culture, molecular biology and transgenic approaches. We have numerous collaborative scientific and clinical research links across the Institute, UCL and particularly strong links with the National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery.
About the Role
We are seeking a Clinical Research Fellow to join our Motor Neuron Disease (MND) research group to lead a highly translational biomarker project funded by a Biogen Sponsored Research Agreement.
The group has developed a quantitative whole-body muscle MRI protocol designed to act as a highly responsive outcome measure in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). Technology advances using artificial intelligence in sequence acquisition and analysis now mean we can develop our protocol to be more accurate, reliable, sensitive, and faster.
This study will aim to optimise our MRI outcome measures using these technological advances, mapping disease progression, and correlating structural muscle changes with clinical phenotypes. You will play a pivotal role in monitoring patients receiving novel gene-targeted therapies, including the Tofersen cohort expansion.
The post is suitable for a neurology trainee who wishes to develop expertise in motor neuron disease, biomarkers, and clinical trials. There may also be the opportunity to enrol for a PhD focused on MRI and translational neuroscience.
While this role is anchored in ALS research, you will be embedded within the wider Centre for Neuromuscular Diseases. You will gain comprehensive exposure to a broad spectrum of neuromuscular pathology, managing a diverse cohort of patients for your MRI studies, including those with:
- Spinal and Bulbar Muscular Atrophy (SBMA)
- Inclusion Body Myositis (IBM)
- Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD)
- Distal Hereditary Motor Neuropathy (dHMN)
- Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (CMT)
- Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA)
- Asymptomatic genetic mutation carriers
An honorary contract will be sought from UCLH NHS Foundation Trust, for which a DBS check will be required.
The post is available from September 2026 and is funded by Biogen for three years in the first instance.
If you need reasonable adjustments or a more accessible format to apply for this job online, or have any queries regarding the application process, please contact the Institute of Neurology HR Team:
Email: ion.hradmin@ucl.ac.uk
Informal enquiries regarding the role can be addressed to:
Dr Oliver Ziff
Email: o.ziff@ucl.ac.uk
For a full job description please visit UCL’s online recruitment portal:
https://www.ucl.ac.uk/work-at-ucl/search-ucl-jobs
Search using vacancy reference B02-10825.
To apply, please upload:
- A current CV
- Complete the online application form
- Use the supporting statement section or upload a cover letter outlining how you meet the essential and desirable criteria for the role
Please do not upload any additional attachments as these will not be considered by the selection panel.
About You
You will be a GMC-registered medical practitioner who has completed Internal Medical Training (IMT), Core Medical Training (CMT), or equivalent, and has experience of working in clinical neurology within the NHS.
You will have:
- Excellent oral and written communication skills with the ability to present complex data clearly.
- Strong organisational and time management skills.
- The ability to manage complex clinical trials logistics.
- Exceptional interpersonal skills with the ability to work cooperatively in a multidisciplinary setting.
- Advanced IT proficiency.
- The ability to communicate effectively and compassionately with patients from a diverse range of backgrounds facing severe neurodegenerative diagnoses.
Previous experience in clinical/translational research, clinical trials or clinical audit and an interest or basic proficiency in coding, data science or medical image analysis is 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.
Salary
The role is offered 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.
What We Offer
As well as the exciting opportunities this role presents, we also offer great benefits.
For more information, visit:
https://www.ucl.ac.uk/work-at-ucl/reward-and-benefits
We will consider applications to work on a part-time, flexible, and job share basis wherever possible.
This appointment is subject to UCL Terms and Conditions of Service for Research and Professional Services Staff.
For more information, visit:
Our Commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
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.
12% of Institute staff are actively working on EDI initiatives. For more information, visit:
https://www.ucl.ac.uk/ion/equality-diversity-inclusion
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.