Clinical Research Fellow

Progressive multiple sclerosis (PMS) is a clear unmet need in MS therapeutics. The Optimal Clinical Trials Platform for Progressive Multiple Sclerosis (OCTOPUS), based in the Department of Neuroinflammation, is a multi-arm multi-stage (MAMS) adaptive platform trial that aims to speed up the development of re-purposed or novel treatments to slow or stop the accumulation of disability progression. Treatments tested within the platform will largely be focused on the broad mechanisms of neuroprotection and remyelination.

The trial has been co-designed by an Expert Consortium established by the MS Society. It is composed of experienced clinicians, clinical trial methodologists/statisticians, basic scientists, healthcare professionals, and people affected by MS. The Consortium's objective has been to design and develop all the key components of an efficient clinical trials platform for progression in MS, including treatment selection, methodology/design, outcome measures, and infrastructure for recruitment and engagement.

About the role

You will work closely with OCTOPUS Principal Investigator Professor Chataway and the UCL MRC Clinical Trials Unit in the day-to-day running of this project. This will include assisting with the UK-wide recruitment strategy, pre-screening of potential participants who have registered on the OCTOPUS expression of interest online portal, recruiting and consenting patients at UCL/H, assessing patients, collaborating with the wider team in data collection and processing and interpretation of the results, and contributing to patient and public engagement activities.

You will also be responsible for coordinating blood collection and analysis and contributing to data analysis.

An Honorary Clinical contract will be sought from UCLH, and any other Trusts where the postholder may provide input, for which a DBS check will be required.

The post is available from January 2026 and funded by the UK MS Society for three years or to 31 December 2028, whichever is earlier, in the first instance, although we will consider candidates looking for a post with a shorter duration (minimum one year) or a later start date .

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 ().

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.

About you

You will have a medical degree (MD, MC ChB or equivalent), be GMC registered with a license to practice (or be eligible for full GMC registration) and have MRCP (UK) or equivalent. Knowledge of Multiple Sclerosis, its presentation, diagnosis, and treatment, the ability to work co-operatively in a multidisciplinary team, and technical writing and presentation skills sufficient to write papers for academic publication and prepare abstracts and applications for future funding are also essential for this role.

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 £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
• On-site gym
• Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption pay
• Employee assistance programme: Staff Support Service

We will consider applications to work on a part-time, flexible, and job share basis wherever possible.

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; visitour 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.

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