Cognitive Disorders Clinical Research Fellow

Cognitive Disorders Clinical Research Fellow

Closing date: 16 March 2026

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.

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.

Job responsibilities

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 holder's 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.

Person Specification Knowledge and Qualifications

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

Experience

• Experience in neurology, psychiatry, or general medicine
• Experience of working with patients with dementia
• Experience of administering neuropsychological tests or clinical rating scales

Skills and Abilities

• 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)
• Medical or scientific writing skills
• Scientific research skills and an understanding of research methodology
• Advanced Life Support Certificate

Communication

• 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

• Curious to learn new tasks and responsible for ongoing training

Responsibilities towards promoting Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

• Understanding of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
• 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.

Address

National Hospital for Neurology & Neurosurgery, UCLH

£65,048 a yearper annum + London weighting, pro ra ta.

Contract

Fixed term

Duration

12 months

Working pattern

Part time

Reference number

309-UCLH-7544

Job locations

National Hospital for Neurology & Neurosurgery, UCLH

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, gastrointestinal and oral disease. It has world class support services including critical care, imaging, nuclear medicine and pathology.

We are 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.