AddressAbout us
Led by Professor Sarah Tabrizi (Director), Professor Gillian Bates (Co-Director) and Professor Ed Wild (Associate Director) and opened in 2015 in a dedicated, purpose-built space, the UCL Huntington’s Disease Centre, based in the Department of Neurodegenerative Disease, is uniquely placed world-wide to translate mechanistic insights to ‘first in human’ studies. It combines sophisticated cell-based systems with rigorously standardised preclinical target validation to prime mechanistically-driven drug development initiatives. The Centre integrates clinical and laboratory work with small proof-of-concept first in human studies in patients in the Leonard Wolfson Experimental Neurology Centre (LWENC) prior to initiating larger phase 2 and 3 clinical trials including novel huntingtin-lowering trials.
About the role
We are now recruiting a Clinical Research Fellow to join the Huntington’s Disease Centre to work on the Treat-HD project, an innovative study funded by Wellcome and led by Professor Sarah J Tabrizi, that seeks to further understand neurodegeneration using HD as a model disorder. This is an exciting opportunity to join a world leading research group who are leading the way in developing and testing novel therapies for HD patients. We have strong partnerships with biotech and pharmaceutical companies as well as collaborations with numerous international academic research groups.
You will primarily drive the clinical aims of our HD Young Adult Study (HD-YAS): to determine early systems-level pathology and impact on symptomatology in young adult HD gene carriers and to identify target engagement and efficacy markers for future therapeutic trials.
This key post within Professor Tabrizi’s team will provide unique research and clinical experience in neurogenetics, neurodegenerative diseases, Huntington’s disease, movement disorders, 3T and 7T neuroimaging, CSF biology and biomarkers and cognitive neuroscience.
You will also have the opportunity to become involved in the early phase gene therapy and antisense oligonucleotide treatment trials ongoing in HD. You will be an integral part of the HD Research Centre, participating in the multidisciplinary HD and neurogenetics clinics at the NHNN, both under the clinical supervision of Professors Sarah Tabrizi and Edward Wild. You will have the chance to study for a higher degree (MD or PhD), benefitting from academic support from world leaders in the field and access to our unique cohort with deep phenotyping across multiple domains including biofluids, high field neuroimaging and behavioural data.
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 2024 (although there is flexibility with the start date) and is funded by a combination of philanthropic and research grant funding for three years 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@ucl.ac.uk).
Informal enquiries regarding the role can be addressed to Professor Sarah Tabrizi (s.tabrizi@ucl.ac.uk).
A full job description and person specification for this role can be accessed below.
Closing date for applications: 23:59, Sunday 21 April 2024.
Interview date: Afternoon of Monday, 29 April2024.
About you
You’ll be a registered medical practitioner, permitted to practise in the UK at the commencement of post, have completed general medical training to ST2 or equivalent level, and possess a very high level of consideration and care for patients and research subjects. Experience of working in neurology and an interest in neurodegenerative diseases is essential, as is demonstrable proficiency in lumbar puncture and the ability to work co-operatively in a multidisciplinary setting. Experience of clinical/translational research and of working in Huntington’s disease is desirable.
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.
What we offer
The role is offered in the range of £43,619 - £67,652 per annum including London Allowance, on the CL, JDPS, 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
- Relocation scheme for certain posts
- 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.
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.
Our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
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 Silver 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.
