Clinical Research Fellow in Neurology​/Translational Neuroscience

Clinical Research Fellow in Neurology/Translational Neuroscience

Join to apply for the Clinical Research Fellow in Neurology/Translational Neuroscience role at The University of Sheffield
. This role offers a 24‑month appointment with flexible start within 2026, under the supervision of Professor Christopher McDermott.

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a highly motivated clinical trainee with a background in data science, to join our Motor Neurone Disease/Neurodegeneration clinical research programme. You will be part of the NIHR Sheffield Biomedical Research Centre Junior Academy and analyse large clinical datasets to develop prediction models for MND that can be translated into the clinic.

• Design, develop and refine prediction models for the clinical course of MND.
• Prepare papers for journals / presentations or at national / international conferences.
• Read academic papers, journals and textbooks and attend conferences.
• Contribute to research group planning.
• Coordinate and liaise with other members of the research group over work progress; supervise research team/activities if required.
• Continuously monitor and check results with daily planning to accommodate new developments.
• Plan several months in advance to meet deadlines for journal publications and to prepare presentations and papers for conferences.
• Carry out other duties, commensurate with the grade and remit of the post.

• Contribute to undergraduate and postgraduate teaching programmes.
• Develop specific research interest to achieve the status of a national/international expert.
• Contribute to the conduct of experimental medicine studies in neurodegeneration.
• Secure peer‑reviewed competitive funding for research projects.
• Publish research findings in high ranking scientific and specialty journals.
• Aim to obtain funding for a senior research fellowship towards the end of training.
• Gain experience in giving academic seminars and lectures.
• Develop time‑management skills and achieve a balance between clinical, research and teaching duties.

Essential

• MBBS or equivalent medical qualification.
• Track record of research productivity (publications and presentations).
• Evidence of innovation in teaching.
• Demonstrated interest in research with some previous experience; commitment to further research and audit.
• Strong evidence of academic potential from qualifications, honours, prizes, awards, etc.
• Experience with advanced machine learning models for time‑to‑event prediction tasks.

Desirable

• Experience in motor neuron disease/neurodegeneration research.
• Knowledge of large clinical datasets and genomics.
• Prior grant writing experience.

Grade:
Clinical Academic Trainee
Duration: 24 months with a start date flexible within 2026
Line manager:
Professor Christopher Mc Dermott
Direct reports:
None

Johnathan Cooper‑Knock
Email: j.
Phone:

The selection process will take place within 3 weeks of the closing date. We will notify candidates within a week of the closing date if they have progressed to the selection stage. If you require support or adjustments to participate, contact Jen Newton at foh‑ (0114 222 8712).

• A minimum of 41 days annual leave (pro‑rata) with the ability to purchase more.
• Flexible working opportunities, including hybrid working for some roles.
• Generous pension scheme.
• Wide range of discounts and rewards on shopping, eating out and travel.
• Staff networks – support and personal development (e.g., Race Equality, LGBT+, Women’s and Parent’s networks).
• Recognition awards for outstanding performance.
• Development opportunities and learning & mentoring schemes.
• Family‑friendly policies and paid time off for parenting, caring emergencies, menopause, fertility treatment.

We are a Disability Confident Employer. If you have a disability and meet the essential criteria for this job you will be invited to take part in the next stage of the selection process. An enhanced DBS check will be needed; possession of a criminal record is not an automatic bar to employment.

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