Clinical Research Fellow (Mitochondrial Diseases)

UCL; London; On-site; GBP 48,000 - 76,000; Full time

Job description

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 have the opportunity to register for a PhD at the UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology focusing on biomarkers and outcome measures of primary mitochondrial diseases, mainly through advanced muscle MRI techniques and genotype/phenotype studies. You will gain experience in inpatient consultations and outpatient care for patients with suspected PMD, supervised by renowned neurologists and academics. The post emphasises developing independent clinical and imaging skills and involves multidisciplinary collaboration across various specialties.

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. You will have a particular focus on phenotyping genetically complex patients, especially those without a molecular diagnosis.

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

The post is available from 01 August 2025 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).

You will be a registered Medical Practitioner licensed to practise in the UK and have completed CMT/IMT training and MRCP, or the paediatric equivalent. You’ll have an understanding of research methodology with evidence of effective research carried out under direction and be able to provide clinical supervision. 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 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.