Clinical Research Fellow | University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

University College London Hospital; City Of London; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading NHS trust in London is inviting applications for a Clinical Research Fellow in the Ataxia Centre. The post involves providing clinical and research support in a phase 1/2a trial, and participating in ongoing basic research. Candidates should hold a medical degree and have full GMC Registration, along with experience in neurology or general medicine. The role offers excellent training opportunities and involvement in important research.

Benefits

Interest-free season ticket loan

Subsidised social club including gym

Library access for staff

Large retail discounts

Qualifications

• Medical degree and full GMC Registration required.
• Previous experience in neurology or general medicine is essential.
• Excellent skill in performing lumbar punctures.

Responsibilities

• Provide clinical and research input into the Ataxia Centre's programme.
• Act as sub-investigator in a clinical drug trial.
• Participate in observational research and biomarker development.

Skills

Lumbar puncture proficiency

Interpersonal skills

Multidisciplinary teamwork

Neurology knowledge

Education

Medical degree

Full GMC Registration

Job description

Overview

Clinical Research Fellow – UCL/UCLH Institute of Neurology, Ataxia Centre. Applications are invited for a Clinical Research Fellow in the Ataxia Centre, UCL/UCLH Department of Neuroscience and Neurogenetics, UCL Institute of Neurology, under the supervision of Prof Paola Giunti. The post offers an exciting opportunity to gain experience of translational research as part of an internationally recognised multi-disciplinary team.

The postholder will be an essential member of the research team at the Ataxia Centre, providing clinical and research input into the Centre’s research programme into Ataxia and will work closely with the Principal Investigators (PIs), Clinical Research Fellows and Clinical Trials nurses. Their primary role will be as sub-investigator in a clinical drug trial: a phase 1/2a, open-label trial to investigate the safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamics of multiple ascending doses of intrathecally administered VO659 in participants with spinocerebellar ataxia types 1, 3. This study assesses the safety of this novel Antisense oligonucleotide (ASO) treatment in patients with these rare diseases. The position also offers the opportunity to participate in current basic and observational research including longitudinal studies of dominant and recessive ataxias and at-risk groups and healthy volunteers to identify reliable biomarkers of disease and develop new therapeutic targets.

Responsibilities

• Be an essential member of the Ataxia Centre research team, providing clinical and research input into the Centre’s programme on Ataxia.
• Work closely with the Principal Investigators, Clinical Research Fellows and Clinical Trials nurses.
• Act as sub-investigator in a phase 1/2a, open-label clinical drug trial to assess safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamics of VO659 in spinocerebellar ataxia types 1 and 3.
• Assess the safety of this ASO treatment in patients with these rare diseases.
• Participate in current basic and observational research, including longitudinal studies and biomarker development to identify reliable disease markers and potential therapeutic targets.

Qualifications

• Medical degree and full GMC Registration.
• Previous experience in neurology, or general medicine.
• Excellent skill in performing lumbar puncture.
• Good interpersonal skills, ability to work co-operatively in a multidisciplinary setting, and a track record of academic clinical excellence.

Benefits

• Interest-free season ticket loan for travel.
• Subsidised social club including gym.
• Library access for staff, free independent and confidential support for all staff.
• Large retail discounts, car leasing scheme, and on-site accommodation.

Additional Information

University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (UCLH) is one of the most complex NHS trusts in the UK, serving a large and diverse population. We provide academically led acute and specialist services to people from the local area, from throughout the United Kingdom and overseas. Our vision is to deliver top-quality patient care, excellent education, and world-class research.

We provide first-class acute and specialist services across eight sites: University College Hospital (Elizabeth Garrett Anderson Wing), National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, Royal National ENT and Eastman Dental Hospitals, University College Hospital Grafton Way Building, Royal London Hospital for Integrated Medicine, University College Hospital Macmillan Cancer Centre, The Hospital for Tropical Diseases, University College Hospital at Westmoreland Street. We are dedicated to the diagnosis and treatment of many complex illnesses and offer world-class support services including critical care, imaging, nuclear medicine and pathology.

For the full Person Specification and more information regarding the main responsibilities of this role, please refer to the attached Job Description.

Please note, due to anticipated high volumes of applications, this vacancy may close earlier than the listed closing date. You are advised not to delay submitting your completed application.

Come and be a part of the best NHS trust in England to work for, according to our staff. UCLH recognises the benefits of flexible working for staff – to find out more, visit: Flexible working. To discover more about what makes UCLH a great place to work, visit: Why Choose UCLH?

This advert closes on Monday 15 Sep 2025