Ref Number
B02-10743
Professional Expertise
Clinical
Department
School of Life & Medical Sciences (B02)
Location
London
Working Pattern
Full time
Salary
See advert text
Contract Type
Fixed-term
Working Type
On site
Available for Secondment
No
Closing Date
05-Jul-2026
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.
Based in the Department 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.
We are seeking a Clinical Research Fellow to join an exciting MRC-funded experimental medicine programme investigating a newly identified link between TDP-43 pathology and the immune system.
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.
The role is ideally suited to a neurology trainee seeking to develop deep expertise in translational research at the interface of neurodegeneration and immunology within one of the UK's leading clinical neuroscience environments. It may also be possible to enrol for a PhD; this should be discussed with Professor Fratta.
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 ([email protected]).
Informal enquiries regarding the role can be addressed to Professor Pietro Fratta ([email protected]).
A full job description and person specification for this role can be accessed below. 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.
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.
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.
As well as the exciting opportunities this role presents, we also offer great benefits, some of which are below:
- 41 Days holiday (27 days annual leave 8 bank holiday and 6 closure days)
- Additional 5 days’ annual leave purchase scheme
- Defined benefit career average revalued earnings pension scheme (CARE)
- Cycle to work scheme and season ticket loan
- Immigration loan
- On-site nursery
- On-site gym
- Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption pay
- Employee assistance programme: Staff Support Service
- Discounted medical insurance
Visit https://www.ucl.ac.uk/work-at-ucl/reward-and-benefits to find out more.
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. Please visit https://www.ucl.ac.uk/human-resources/conditions-service-research-teaching-and-professional-services-staff for more information.
The Institute prides itself on operating in an all-inclusive environment irrespective of personal, physical, or social characteristics. Teamwork is highly valued, individual strengths are recognised and celebrated, and we are committed to advancing the careers of everyone. 12% of Institute staff are actively working on Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) initiatives; visit our EDI website for more information about our initiatives and priorities. The Institute also holds an Athena SWAN Gold award, in recognition of our commitment and demonstrable impact in advancing gender equality.
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. We are committed to equality of opportunity, to being fair and inclusive, and to being a place where we all belong.
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.
