STRATIFY Lupus Clinical Research Fellow Full-time

Stratify Lupus Clinical Research Fellow

UCL is one of the top Universities in the world with superb facilities for biomedical sciences and its translation to human disease. The successful candidate will join Professor Ehrenstein's group which focusses on translational research in autoimmune rheumatic disease spanning laboratory-based research to early phase clinical trials. Work within the Professor Ehrenstein's team aims to translate advances in the understanding of autoimmune rheumatic diseases into improved diagnosis and therapy. Close links to UCLH, which is world renowned for research into and care for patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), provides an excellent interface between science and medicine. This partnership facilitates recruitment of patients into observational and interventional clinical trials supported by the UCLH rheumatology clinical trial team. Dr Muhammad Shipa works as a principal research investigator and consultant rheumatologist, and collaborates closely with Prof Ehrenstein including on this project. Working within our core group of principal research investigators, research nurses and lupus consultants provides an unparalleled opportunity to deepen knowledge in this complex field from basic science to clinical trials.

STRATIFY-LUPUS is the first biomarker enrichment trial for patients with SLE funded by Arthritis UK and NIHR EME due to open for recruitment in May 2026. Patients with SLE who are due to receive B cell depletion as part of their standard of care and are positive for a serum biomarker (IgA2 anti-DNA antibodies) will be randomised to receive either belimumab after rituximab, or rituximab alone. The post holder will be involved in the clinical aspects of trial conduct and particularly patient recruitment at UCLH, as well as liaising with local hospitals to enhance referrals to UCLH for potential participants in collaboration with the local clinical trial team which includes research nurses and a trial coordinator. A trial manager, data manager and statistician at The UCL Clinical Trial Unit support this multi-centre trial. A research assistant will perform the laboratory analyses of the samples, and the post holder will help to integrate the clinical and laboratory aspect of the project. The post holder will gain experience in the conduct of lupus clinical trials, and some laboratory training and research potentially generating data towards a publication and a PhD fellowship application if desired. There is funding support for attendance at conferences to present research. The post (eligible to apply for OOPR, out of programme research) is available for 1 year in the first instance from October 2026. Additional opportunities: There is potential flexibility for applicants to undertake this role at 50% and combine it with an educational role (also 50%) at UCLH, which could be an alternative to pursuing a PhD application. Alternatively, the role could be combined with another position at UCL/UCLH if the applicant has separate funding. Please note that funding for the educational role is not yet confirmed but should be by the time of the interview on 31 March 2026. Applicants with existing 50% funding and seeking to combine roles are also welcome to discuss options. This post is available for one year and eligible for sponsorship.

We are seeking a highly motivated medically qualified clinical fellow (maximum Grade ST4 limited by funding). The successful candidate will have a medical degree (MBBS or equivalent) and be on a training program in rheumatology or applying for a training program. GMC full registration, Membership of the Royal College of Physicians and completed General Professional Training, or equivalent are essential. The candidate must have some experience in rheumatology including conducting rheumatology outpatient clinics and looking after inpatients with SLE. Knowledge of clinical trials and laboratory skills are desirable but not essential.

This is an exciting opportunity to join a multidisciplinary team working across the Division of Medicine. As well as the exciting opportunities this role presents, we also offer some 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

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+ people Our department holds an Athena SWAN Silver award, in recognition of our commitment and demonstrable impact in advancing gender equality.