Closing date: 23 July 2026

Job summary
Applications are invited for an outstanding Academic Clinical Research Fellow to join the nationally recognised Multiple Sclerosis and Neuroinflammation Service at University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust (UHCW) under the supervision of Dr Tarunya Arun, Consultant Neurologist and Clinical Associate Professor at Warwick Medical School. This is a unique integrated academic and clinical fellowship designed for highly motivated clinicians who aspire to develop a career in academic neurology. The post combines protected research time with specialist clinical training in multiple sclerosis, neurosarcoidosis and other neuroinflammatory disorders, providing an excellent foundation for future doctoral and post-doctoral fellowship applications. The successful candidate will join a thriving research environment with strong links between UHCW, Warwick Medical School, the NIHR, Warwick Clinical Trials Unit and national neuroscience research networks.

Main duties of the job
The successful applicant will be expected to undertake doctoral-level research leading to registration for an MD or PhD at Warwick Medical School and to make satisfactory progress towards completion of a higher degree during the appointment. The fellowship provides the opportunity to contribute to internationally recognised research programmes in multiple sclerosis, neurosarcoidosis and neuroinflammation, while developing an independent academic portfolio.
Research activities will include:

• Supporting NIHR Portfolio and investigator-led studies in neuroinflammation
• Undertaking participant eligibility assessments, informed consent, clinical assessments and safety monitoring.
• Contributing to protocol delivery, imaging review, data quality and research governance.
• Working closely with the multidisciplinary research team, including research nurses, trial coordinators and Warwick Clinical Trials Unit.
• Developing an independent research programme aligned with the candidate's academic interests.
• Generating preliminary data to support competitive fellowship and grant applications.
• Presenting research at national and international scientific meetings.
• Preparing manuscripts for publication in peer-reviewed journals.

The fellowship is intended to support the development of future clinical academics and therefore places a strong emphasis on scientific output, doctoral training and research leadership.

About us
University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire (UHCW) NHS Trust, rated as good by the Care Quality Commission, is one of the largest teaching Trusts in the UK. We are extremely proud of our skilled employees across our hospital sites in Coventry and Rugby, with high quality patient care positioned at the heart of everything we do. Boasting some of the most modern facilities in Western Europe, the Trust is renowned for being at the forefront of research and innovation as part of its blossoming reputation as a national and international leader in healthcare. By joining our exciting journey, you will form part of a passionate, talented team and will be able to access a wide range of learning and development opportunities. There has never been a better time to join our team.

Details
Pay scheme: Hospital medical and dental staff
Grade: Doctor - other
Salary: £67,325 a year per annum
Contract: Fixed term
Duration: 23 months
Working pattern: Full-time
Reference number: 218-T2-SCF-T&N-8124567
Job locations: University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust, Coventry, CV2 2DX, United Kingdom

Person Specification
Qualifications and Training
Essential

• Meets all essential criteria

Desirable

• Meets all desirable criteria

Clinical Experience
Essential

• Experience in neurology or a neuroscience-related specialty
• Ability to independently assess neurological patients
• Excellent clinical judgement and communication skills

Desirable

• Experience within a specialist Multiple Sclerosis or Neuroimmunology service
• Experience participating in clinical trials or NIHR portfolio studies

Academic Experience
Essential

• Demonstrable interest in clinical neuroscience research
• Evidence of critical appraisal and scientific writing
• Commitment to undertaking an MD or PhD

Desirable

• Previous research experience in neurology or neuroscience
• Peer-reviewed publications
• National or international conference presentations
• Experience preparing ethics applications, protocols or grant applications

Knowledge
Essential

• Understanding of Good Clinical Practice and research governance
• Understanding of evidence-based medicine and clinical research methodology
• Knowledge of medical audit and quality improvement

Desirable

• Knowledge of multiple sclerosis, neuroinflammation or neuroimmunology
• Familiarity with clinical trial regulations and NIHR portfolio studies

Skills and Abilities
Essential

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to work independently while contributing to multidisciplinary research teams
• Excellent organisational and time-management skills
• Ability to manage competing clinical and research priorities
• Competent IT skills

Desirable

• Experience analysing clinical datasets
• Experience using REDCap, OpenClinica or equivalent research databases
• Statistical or epidemiological skills

Commitment to Trust Values
Essential

• Demonstrates behaviours consistent with UHCW Values in Action

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.

Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website. From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants.

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website.

Employer contact
For questions about the job, contact:
Consultant Neurologist
Tarunya Arun
Tarunya.Arun@uhcw.nhs.uk