The Research Associate is an autonomous practitioner working within the multi-disciplinary research team. The main duties are to conduct research and contribute to the overall research performance of the NHNN and ION, carrying out activities leading to the publishing of work in high-quality journals. This role is to pursue excellence in research and to inspire others to do the same.

The post holder will take responsibility for the co-ordination and data collection for studies in Non-dystrophic myotonia (NDM) and Myotonic dystrophy (DM1). They will have their time equally split between the muscle channelopathy service and the myotonic dystrophy clinic.

Responsibilities will include collecting data from patients with myotonic disorders, organising sessions, and supporting them throughout. The post holder will have strong research organisational skills and knowledge relating to the conduct of clinical trials, the interventions and the relevant diseases. They will be expected to have excellent research method skills.

This post will be based within the specialist neuromuscular service at the Queen Square MRC Centre for Neuromuscular Diseases (CNMD).

The main duties of the role are to conduct high quality research and contribute to the research performance of the NHNN and ION, including:

Continue recruitment for research and oversee regular assessment of patients

Design and implement systems and processes for the practical delivery of studies

Review and synthesise existing research literature within the field

Organise, facilitate and synthesise the outputs of co-production activities

Conduct research and contribute to the overall research performance of the CNMD e.g. by bidding for funding and publishing in national academic journals

Develop research objectives and proposals for own or joint research including for funding

Engage effectively with industrial, commercial and public-sector organisations, professional institutions, & other academic institutions, to raise the CNMD’s profile, cultivate strategically valuable alliances, and pursue opportunities for collaboration across a range of activities.

Provide advice and support to participants in research studies and be identifiable as a point of contact

Promote effective communication with study participants regarding study protocols, participant information sheets and consenting procedures and abiding by GCP research practice

Disseminate study data, research outcomes and specialist knowledge via poster presentations, written publication and other media as appropriate at local, national and international conferences

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 Medicin e

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.

This vacancy has been advertised in accordance with the new NHS pay rate which will take effect from autumn 2024. Please note if your employment starts before the 24/25 pay scales are implemented you will be paid under the 23/24 pay scales and any backpay will be adjusted accordingly. Further information can be found at https://www.nhsemployers.org/articles/pay-scales-202425

For the full Person Specification and more information regarding the main responsibilities of this role, please refer to the attached Job Description.

Come and be a part of the best NHS trust in England to work for, according to our staff*

UCLH top trust to work at in England – for the second year running! : University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

• In the most recent NHS staff survey UCLH had the highest percentage of staff who said they would recommend us as a place to work, out of all general acute or acute/community NHS trusts in England – for the second year in a row.

UCLH top trust to work at in England – for the second year running! University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.

Once again, UCLH has received the highest score of all general acute and acute/community NHS trusts in England for staff that would recommend us as a place to work.