Clinical Research Fellow

Based in the Department of Neuromuscular Diseases and the Francis Crick Institute, the Fratta Lab is a translational neuroscience laboratory led by Professor Pietro Fratta, with a strong clinical base at the National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery (NHNN). The lab's research focuses on the molecular mechanisms of ALS, frontotemporal dementia, and related TDP-43 proteinopathies, with a particular emphasis on RNA biology, cryptic splicing, and the development of novel therapeutics. The work spans from fundamental discovery science through to clinical translation, most recently resulting in the founding of Trace Neuroscience, which is taking a gene therapy approach developed in the lab into clinical trials.

The Fratta Lab has discovered that TDP-43-induced cryptic peptides act as neoantigens that drive a cytotoxic T-cell response in ALS and inclusion body myositis (IBM), and that low-dose IL-2 treatment -which was recently shown to modify disease progression in ALS in the Phase IIb MIROCALS trial (Lancet, 2025) -may act, at least in part, by dampening this response.

This is a unique chance to lead the patient-facing components of this programme, recruiting and following patients with ALS and IBM through an IL-2 experimental medicine challenge, while also playing a central role in data analysis and the scientific leadership of the project. You will work within a highly collaborative international team spanning UCL, King's College London, and the University of Pennsylvania.

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

The role is available from 01 October 2026 and funded by the UK Medical Research Council (MRC) for 12 months in the first instance, with the possibility of extension to 36 months.

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 Pietro Fratta (p.fratta at ucl.ac.uk).

Application deadline: 23:59, Sunday, 05 July 2026.

To apply, please upload a current CV, complete the online application form, and use the supporting statement section or upload a cover letter to outline 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.

You will be a GMC-registered medical practitioner (or eligible for registration) with experience in neurology and a sound understanding of research methodology, with evidence of participation in high-quality clinical or translational research.

You will be highly organised and able to work both independently and collaboratively within multidisciplinary teams. You will have advanced IT skills and experience using standard clinical and research software systems. You will demonstrate a patient-centred approach and maintain high standards of ethical and professional practice across clinical care, research, and education.

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.

Customer advert reference: B02-10743

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