Clinical Research Fellow (Imaging in Mitochondrial Diseases)

The Centre for Neuromuscular Diseases (CNMD) provides comprehensive NHS clinical services for over 5,000 patients per year, which include a range of specialist neuromuscular clinics and nationally commissioned services. It provides the largest clinical neuromuscular services for children and 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.

The LifeArc and MDUK-funded Translational Rare Disease Centre to Treat Mitochondrial Diseases (LAC-TreatMito-UK) was established in September 2024 to deliver a national platform to translate novel treatment strategies and biomarkers into clinical trials. This platform will improve mitochondrial disease diagnosis nation-wide, connecting patient groups, knowledge and infrastructure to accelerate the clinical translation of new treatments.

This LAC-TreatMito-UK fellowship offers clinical training in neuromuscular diseases, focusing on primary mitochondrial disorders (PMD). You will undertake a research project in imaging related to the evaluation of PMD severity, progression, and response to treatments. You will be responsible for the successful design and implementation of the research to the highest academic standards, and to lead on writing up data for publication, and there will be the opportunity to apply for a PhD at UCL and undertake relevant research training.

You will be based within the NHS Highly Specialised Service (HSS) for Rare Mitochondrial Disorders team and will attend the weekly mitochondrial MDT meeting and fortnightly complex genetics MDT. You will also attend clinic where you will review patients as part of their routine clinic visit and consent them for research, including collection of in-depth phenotypic data and clinical and family history.

An honorary contract will be sought from UCLH NHS Foundation Trust, for which a DBS check will be required.

The post is available immediately and is funded by the LAC-TreatMito award to 31 August 2029 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 (ion.hradmin at ucl.ac.uk).

Informal enquiries regarding the role can be addressed to Professor Rob Pitceathly (r.pitceathly at ucl.ac.uk) and Dr Chiara Pizzamiglio (c.pizzamglio at ucl.ac.uk).

At the time this post commences, you must be a registered Medical Practitioner licenced to practise in the UK and have completed CMT/IMT training and MRCP (or the paediatric equivalent). You’ll have experience in clinical neurology, the ability to provide clinical supervision, and an understanding of research methodology with evidence of effective research carried out under direction. Excellent communication, interpersonal, and organisational skills, and the ability to act on your own initiative are also essential for this role.

The role is offered with salary in the range of £48,580 - £75,038 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 some great benefits; visit https://www.ucl.ac.uk/work-at-ucl/reward-and-benefits to find out more.

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