LifeArc Clinical Research Associate (Fixed Term)

This is a unique opportunity to study for a clinical PhD or carry out a period of postdoctoral research focused on translating scientific discoveries into new treatments for rare mitochondrial disorders as part of a new national rare disease centre funded by LifeArc and MDUK. 

The Cambridge Clinical Mitochondrial Research Group (MitoCAMB) studies the genetic basis and mechanisms of mitochondrial diseases and other rare inherited neurological disorders. Our research group is embedded within the Department of Clinical Neurosciences and the MRC Mitochondrial Biology Unit, University of Cambridge.  Our research programme aims to better understand the mechanisms of mitochondrial diseases and other neurodegenerative/neuromuscular diseases, and to develop new and effective treatments for affected patients through investigator-led experimental medicine studies, novel gene therapy approaches, and clinical trials. 

The group was recently awarded a £7.5 million LifeArc Translational Rare Disease Centres Award for the next 5 years with our partners at UCL, the University of Newcastle, the Lily Foundation and MDUK.  Together, we aim to establish a national platform to translate novel treatment strategies and biomarkers into clinical trials. This platform will improve mitochondrial disease diagnosis nation-wide, connecting patient groups, knowledge and infrastructure to accelerate the clinical translation of new treatments.  

We have an extensive pre-clinical discovery science programme focussed on understanding the genetic basis of undiagnosed mitochondrial and neurogenetic disorders using whole genome and single cell sequencing, animal and cellular models including human organoids, computational biology and informatics. Our laboratory research is translational, generating new insights that we develop for clinical impact through MitoCAMB.  

We are recruiting a Clinical Research Associate under the supervision of Professor Patrick Chinnery, Professor Rita Horvath and Dr Jelle van den Ameele.  The post-holder will have the opportunity to develop clinical, laboratory and computational skills that would underpin their own research either as a PhD student or a post-doctoral researcher, whilst supporting several ongoing and new academic-led and commercial studies/trials in mitochondrial and neurodegenerative diseases. The post-holder will also have the opportunity to participate in the mitochondrial/neurogenetics NHS clinic at Addenbrooke's Hospital.   

The successful applicant must have completed general medical training, hold MRCP or equivalent, and preferably be a registered medical practitioner permitted to practise in the UK or be willing to work towards this.  We encourage applications from any medical specialty and from any career grade. 

Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available for 3 years in the first instance. 

This is an integrated appointment between the University and Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust ("NHS Trust").  You will therefore also be issued with an Honorary Clinical Contract by the NHS Trust. You should be aware that if your contract with the NHS Trust is terminated your employment with the University will be terminated, and vice versa. 

Please ensure that you upload a covering letter, CV and a completed Additional Information for Clinical Researchers form in the Upload section of the online application. If you upload any additional documents which have not been requested, we will not be able to consider these as part of your application. 

Please include details of your referees, including email address and phone number, one of which must be your most recent line manager. 

The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society. 

Advert information