University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

Cognitive Disorders Clinical Research Fellow

The closing date is 16 March 2026

Job summary

University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust invites candidates to apply for an exciting opportunity as a full-time Clinical Research Fellow post based at the Dementia Research Centre, at the National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery.

We are looking for an enthusiastic, committed individual with excellent communication and clinical skills to join our clinical research team at the Dementia Research Centre. This centre is internationally renowned for performing groundbreaking research into dementia, with particular focus on familial dementias and translational research. Early phase clinical trials are a high priority: in particular, looking for disease modification therapies using cutting edge methods such as immunotherapy and gene silencing. Alongside the interventional trials, we run longitudinal cohort studies in normal ageing (1946) genetic FTD (GENFI) and AD (DIAN) looking for biomarkers of early disease and to better understand the pathophysiology. We work closely with basic science colleagues at the Dementia Research Institute and collaborate on multiple translational projects.

This post would suit someone who is looking to enhance their understanding of research in dementia without initial commitment to a PhD.

o Applicants must have a relevant medical degree and be fully registered with the GMC by the expected start date (ASAP). A good knowledge of neurology and an interest in research are essential.

Main duties of the job

The successful candidate will be primarily involved in clinical trials as part of the DRC clinical trials unit led by Cath Mummery. This is a multidisciplinary team with extensive experience in first in human, highly complex trials. The candidate will be able to take part in the cognitive disorders clinics and other educational opportunities at the DRC. They will also have the opportunity to get involved in other aspects of research.

About us

University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (UCLH) is one of the most complex NHS trusts in the UK, serving a large and diverse population. We provide academically led acute and specialist services, to people from the local area, from throughout the United Kingdom and overseas. Our vision is to deliver top-quality patient care, excellent education, and world-class research.

We provide first-class acute and specialist services across eight sites:

  • University College Hospital (incorporating the Elizabeth Garrett Anderson Wing)

  • National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery

  • Royal National ENT and Eastman Dental Hospitals

  • University College Hospital Grafton Way Building

  • Royal London Hospital for Integrated Medicine

  • University College Hospital Macmillan Cancer Centre

  • The Hospital for Tropical Diseases

  • University College Hospital at Westmoreland Street

We are dedicated to the diagnosis and treatment of many complex illnesses. UCLH specialises in women's health and the treatment of cancer, infection, neurological,gastrointestinaland oral disease. It has world class support services including critical care, imaging, nuclearmedicineandpathology.

Weare committed to sustainability and have pledged to become a carbon net zero health service, embedding sustainable practice throughout UCLH. We have set an ambitious target of net zero for our direct emissions by 2031 and indirect emissions by 2040.

Details

Date posted

02 March 2026

Pay scheme

Hospital medical and dental staff

Grade

Doctor - other

Salary

£65,048 a year per annum + London weighting, pro-rata.

Contract

Fixed term

Duration

12 months

Working pattern

Part-time

Reference number

309-UCLH-7544

Job locations

National Hospital for Neurology & Neurosurgery, UCLH

Queen Square

London

WC1N 3BG


Job description

Job responsibilities

For the full Person Specification and more informationregardingthe main responsibilities of this role, please refer to the attached Job Description.

Please note, due toanticipatedhigh volumes of applications, this vacancy may close earlier than the listed closing date. You areadvised not to delaysubmittingyour completed application

MAIN DUTIES:

To work closely and co-operatively with other members of the group to deliver the highest standards of clinical care to patients and study participants To work closely with other members of the DRC and external collaborators and sponsors to ensure that the highest quality clinical data are collected. To work with the clinical trials team and LWENC staff to ensure delivery to target in drug trials, to work with the clinical trials lead, other PIs and Clinical Research Fellows to recruit and screen potential research subjects and ensure the on-going maintenance of clinical and research records. To be trained in intra-thecal administration of gene silencing therapies and administer as part of trial protocol. To treat infusion related reactions and other medical emergencies; ideally to have an advanced life support certificate. To assist with a cognitive clinic a week under consultant neurologist supervision. To attend patient support groups and be involved in community engagement as required. To undertake analysis of imaging and other data sets and contribute to scientific writing. To assist in the preparation of materials (e.g., slides, diagrams) for presentation and/or publication by members of the DRC. To assist in the development of the dementia research programme, promoting on-going studies, monitoring recruitment rates and encouraging referrals. To support the recruitment team screening the right patient for the right study and to manage disappointing outcomes for patients, such as screen fails or early trial terminations. Provision of teaching on topics related to the post holders work as requested by the line manager. Contributing to the departments multidisciplinary research projects within the strategy. Preparing and analysing data for publications for dissemination of research and for presentation at international conferences as well as internal meetings at UCL, and meetings with external collaborators. Ensuring the highest standard of record keeping, maintaining accurate, complete, and up to date records. Ensuring confidentiality is maintained as applicable. Attending and contributing to Departmental, Institutional, and other meetings as appropriate. Acting at all times in accordance with the highest professional standards and ensuring that these are maintained in the delivery of all aspects of research. All staff are required to act professionally, co-operatively, and flexibly in line with the requirements of the post.

This post is based within the Cognitive disorders department at the National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery (NHNN) which is the largest division within the Specialist Hospitals Board. The NHNN is an internationally renowned hospital for clinical practice and world-class clinical research in neurosciences. It is also closely associated with the Institute of Neurology (ION). Together, the NHNN and ION are regarded as the premier neurosciences centre in the UK. In addition to Neurology and Neurosurgery, the NHNN provides comprehensive services in Neurorehabilitation, Neuro-critical care, and Neuropsychiatry. The NHNN receives secondary, tertiary, and quaternary referrals from across the UK and internationally.

The UCL Dementia Research Centre (DRC) is a key part of UCL ION and a hub for clinical research into various forms of dementia. Our work focuses on identifying and understanding the disease processes that cause dementia, the factors that influence these disease processes, and how best to support people with dementia and their families. In addition to our research, we also provide a cognitive disorders clinic within the National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery; research is embedded into the clinic so that all patients have the opportunity to participate.

Come and be a part of the best NHS trust in England to work for, according to our staff*

*UCLH top trust to work at in England- In the most recentNHS staff surveyUCLH had the highest percentage of staff who said they would recommend us as a place to work, out of all general acute or acute/community NHS trusts in England for the third year in a row.

UCLH recognises the benefits of flexible working for staff To find out more, visit:Flexible working.

To discover more about what makes UCLHa great placeto work, visit:Why Choose UCLH?

Job description

Job responsibilities

For the full Person Specification and more informationregardingthe main responsibilities of this role, please refer to the attached Job Description.

Please note, due toanticipatedhigh volumes of applications, this vacancy may close earlier than the listed closing date. You areadvised not to delaysubmittingyour completed application

MAIN DUTIES:

To work closely and co-operatively with other members of the group to deliver the highest standards of clinical care to patients and study participants To work closely with other members of the DRC and external collaborators and sponsors to ensure that the highest quality clinical data are collected. To work with the clinical trials team and LWENC staff to ensure delivery to target in drug trials, to work with the clinical trials lead, other PIs and Clinical Research Fellows to recruit and screen potential research subjects and ensure the on-going maintenance of clinical and research records. To be trained in intra-thecal administration of gene silencing therapies and administer as part of trial protocol. To treat infusion related reactions and other medical emergencies; ideally to have an advanced life support certificate. To assist with a cognitive clinic a week under consultant neurologist supervision. To attend patient support groups and be involved in community engagement as required. To undertake analysis of imaging and other data sets and contribute to scientific writing. To assist in the preparation of materials (e.g., slides, diagrams) for presentation and/or publication by members of the DRC. To assist in the development of the dementia research programme, promoting on-going studies, monitoring recruitment rates and encouraging referrals. To support the recruitment team screening the right patient for the right study and to manage disappointing outcomes for patients, such as screen fails or early trial terminations. Provision of teaching on topics related to the post holders work as requested by the line manager. Contributing to the departments multidisciplinary research projects within the strategy. Preparing and analysing data for publications for dissemination of research and for presentation at international conferences as well as internal meetings at UCL, and meetings with external collaborators. Ensuring the highest standard of record keeping, maintaining accurate, complete, and up to date records. Ensuring confidentiality is maintained as applicable. Attending and contributing to Departmental, Institutional, and other meetings as appropriate. Acting at all times in accordance with the highest professional standards and ensuring that these are maintained in the delivery of all aspects of research. All staff are required to act professionally, co-operatively, and flexibly in line with the requirements of the post.

This post is based within the Cognitive disorders department at the National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery (NHNN) which is the largest division within the Specialist Hospitals Board. The NHNN is an internationally renowned hospital for clinical practice and world-class clinical research in neurosciences. It is also closely associated with the Institute of Neurology (ION). Together, the NHNN and ION are regarded as the premier neurosciences centre in the UK. In addition to Neurology and Neurosurgery, the NHNN provides comprehensive services in Neurorehabilitation, Neuro-critical care, and Neuropsychiatry. The NHNN receives secondary, tertiary, and quaternary referrals from across the UK and internationally.

The UCL Dementia Research Centre (DRC) is a key part of UCL ION and a hub for clinical research into various forms of dementia. Our work focuses on identifying and understanding the disease processes that cause dementia, the factors that influence these disease processes, and how best to support people with dementia and their families. In addition to our research, we also provide a cognitive disorders clinic within the National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery; research is embedded into the clinic so that all patients have the opportunity to participate.

Come and be a part of the best NHS trust in England to work for, according to our staff*

*UCLH top trust to work at in England- In the most recentNHS staff surveyUCLH had the highest percentage of staff who said they would recommend us as a place to work, out of all general acute or acute/community NHS trusts in England for the third year in a row.

UCLH recognises the benefits of flexible working for staff To find out more, visit:Flexible working.

To discover more about what makes UCLHa great placeto work, visit:Why Choose UCLH?

Person Specification

Knowledge and Qualifications

Essential

  • o Eligible for full registration with the GMC at time of appointment and hold a current licence to practise
  • Completed general medical training

Experience

Essential

  • Experience in neurology, psychiatry, or general medicine

Desirable

  • Experience of working with patients with dementia
  • Experience of administering neuropsychological tests or clinical rating scales

Skills and Abilities

Essential

  • Capable in lumbar puncture
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills
  • Strong problem-solving abilities
  • Meticulous and accurate in all aspects of work
  • IT proficiency at advanced user level (MS Office suite, web-based systems, databases, file management etc)

Desirable

  • Medical or scientific writing skills
  • Scientific research skills and an understanding of research methodology
  • Aptitude for data analysis
  • Advanced Life Support Certificate

Communication

Essential

  • Good interpersonal skills with an ability to work co-operatively in a multidisciplinary setting
  • A very high level of consideration and care for patients, their carers, and families

Personal and People Development

Essential

  • Curious to learn new tasks and responsible for ongoing training

Responsibilities towards promoting Equality Diversity and Inclusion

Essential

  • Understanding of Equality , Diversity and Inclusion

Desirable

  • Community engagement to improve inclusion
Person Specification

Knowledge and Qualifications

Essential

  • o Eligible for full registration with the GMC at time of appointment and hold a current licence to practise
  • Completed general medical training

Experience

Essential

  • Experience in neurology, psychiatry, or general medicine

Desirable

  • Experience of working with patients with dementia
  • Experience of administering neuropsychological tests or clinical rating scales

Skills and Abilities

Essential

  • Capable in lumbar puncture
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills
  • Strong problem-solving abilities
  • Meticulous and accurate in all aspects of work
  • IT proficiency at advanced user level (MS Office suite, web-based systems, databases, file management etc)

Desirable

  • Medical or scientific writing skills
  • Scientific research skills and an understanding of research methodology
  • Aptitude for data analysis
  • Advanced Life Support Certificate

Communication

Essential

  • Good interpersonal skills with an ability to work co-operatively in a multidisciplinary setting
  • A very high level of consideration and care for patients, their carers, and families

Personal and People Development

Essential

  • Curious to learn new tasks and responsible for ongoing training

Responsibilities towards promoting Equality Diversity and Inclusion

Essential

  • Understanding of Equality , Diversity and Inclusion

Desirable

  • Community engagement to improve inclusion

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Certificate of Sponsorship

Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).

From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).

UK Registration

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).

Additional information

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Certificate of Sponsorship

Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).

From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).

UK Registration

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).

Employer details

Employer name

University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

Address

National Hospital for Neurology & Neurosurgery, UCLH

Queen Square

London

WC1N 3BG


Employer's website

https://www.uclh.nhs.uk (Opens in a new tab)

Employer details

Employer name

University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

Address

National Hospital for Neurology & Neurosurgery, UCLH

Queen Square

London

WC1N 3BG


Employer's website

https://www.uclh.nhs.uk (Opens in a new tab)

Employer contact details

For questions about the job, contact:

Assistant General Manager

Karen Green

karen.green21@nhs.net

Details

Date posted

02 March 2026

Pay scheme

Hospital medical and dental staff

Grade

Doctor - other

Salary

£65,048 a year per annum + London weighting, pro-rata.

Contract

Fixed term

Duration

12 months

Working pattern

Part-time

Reference number

309-UCLH-7544

Job locations

National Hospital for Neurology & Neurosurgery, UCLH

Queen Square

London

WC1N 3BG


Supporting documents

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