UCL seeks a Clinical Lecturer or Associate Professor in Neuropathology to support Queen Square Brain Bank research and diagnostic services.
The Queen Square Brain Bank [4] (QSBB), based in the Department of Clinical and Movement Neurosciences in the UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, houses one of the largest collections of brains with neurodegenerative diseases in the world. This unique tissue resource was established through generous donation by patients and with the support of their families. The QSBB initially focused on collecting cases of Parkinson’s disease [5] and other parkinsonian disorders. In 2002 a prospective collection of brain tissue from well-documented dementia cases was also started through a close collaboration with the Dementia Research Centre at the Institute of Neurology. The QSBB also prospectively collects cohorts from the PROSPECT study and MRC 1946 cohorts and other bespoke cohorts of neurodegenerative disease including chronic traumatic encephalopathy.
The Division of Neuropathology provides diagnostic services to the National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery (NHNN), part of University College London Hospitals NHS foundation trust, and a research infrastructure to the Institute of Neurology. The Division is one of the largest academic Neuropathology departments in the UK and has a substantial, high quality academic output. There are 9 consultant neuropathologists, of whom five are clinical academics with significant grant income and impressive publication output, both from independent and collaborative research, membership and advisory roles in national and international committees.
About the role
The QSBB is seeking a dynamic Neuropathologist to join the neuropathology research and diagnostic service at the QSBB and the RLW BRAIN Programme. This is a ten programmed activity (PA) post with UCL as the lead employer: 5 PA academic duties in the Department of Clinical and Movement Neurosciences and 5 PA clinical duties at the Division of Neuropathology at NHNN.
As an Honorary Consultant Neuropathologist, you are expected to have a substantial commitment to the diagnostic work at the Division of Neuropathology; this includes an appropriate contribution to the diagnostic neuropathological work, administration, training, and teaching carried out in the Division of Neuropathology. You will also be on the on-call neuropathology rota of the Division of Neuropathology, the frequency of which will be determined according to the requirements of the hospital.
You will participate in surgical neuropathology reporting, which is set out in a rotational arrangement between all consultants. We expect that you will take part in additional diagnostic subspecialty. There is a significant demand for adult muscle pathology (supporting current single-handed consultant), and contribution to this subspecialty would be expected. We also expect participation in other clinical and professional activities, such as clinical audit, quality improvement, clinical governance, educational supervision, contribution to digital pathology support in the Division, engagement with the British neuropathology Society and their committees.
The appointment is available immediately and will be made at Clinical Lecturer or Clinical Associate Professor level on the Consultant Clinician (with Honorary Consultant contract) pay scale.
An Honorary Consultant contract will be awarded by the UCLH NHS Foundation Trust, for which a DBS check will be required.
If you need reasonable adjustments or a more accessible format to apply for this job online, or have any queries regarding the application process, please contact the Institute of Neurology HR Team (ion.hradmin@ucl.ac.uk [6]).
A full job description and person specification for this role can be accessed below. To apply, please upload a current CV, complete the online application form, and use the supporting statement section or upload a cover letter to outline how you meet the essential and desirable criteria for the role. Please do not upload any additional attachments as these will not be considered by the selection panel.
About you
You will have a medical degree and higher academic degree (e.g., MD/MS or PhD), Specialist registration with a license to practise with the General Medical Council or be eligible for registration within six months of interview, and Fellowship of the Royal College of Pathologists (or equivalent). Wide experience in Neuropathology, specialist expertise in the neuropathology of neurodegenerative diseases, experience of teaching at undergraduate and postgraduate level, and knowledge of the requirements of the Human Tissue Act and ethical requirements of brain banking are also essential for this role.
Additionally, candidates wishing to be appointed at Clinical Associate Professor level will need to evidence significant achievements in original research, a proven ability to carry out high quality original research, and the ability to manage and supervise staff.
This role meets the eligibility requirements for a skilled worker certificate of sponsorship or a global talent visa under UK Visas and Immigration legislation. Therefore, UCL welcomes applications from international applicants who require a visa.
What we offer
Appointment will be made at the appropriate point on the Consultant Clinician pay scale [7] (£111,887 – £147,640 per annum inclusive of £2,162 per annum London Allowance) according to clinical seniority. An appointee taking up their first consultant-level post will be appointed to the bottom threshold of the scale.
As well as the exciting opportunities this role presents, we also offer 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
Visit https://www.ucl.ac.uk/work-at-ucl/reward-and-benefits [8] to find out more.
We will consider applications to work on a part-time, flexible, and job share basis wherever possible.
This appointment is subject to UCL Terms and Conditions of Service for Academic Staff. Please visit https://www.ucl.ac.uk/human-resources/policies/2021/jun/conditions-service-academic-staff [9] for more information.
Our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
The Institute prides itself on operating in an all-inclusive environment irrespective of personal, physical, or social characteristics. Teamwork is highly valued, individual strengths are recognised and celebrated, and we are committed to advancing the careers of everyone. 12% of Institute staff are actively working on Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) initiatives; visit our EDI website [10]for more information about our initiatives and priorities. The Institute also holds an Athena SWAN Gold award [11], in recognition of our commitment and demonstrable impact in advancing gender equality.
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+ and gender diverse people in all roles, and women in Grade 9 and 10 roles.
Available documents
To apply for this job please visit www.ucl.ac.uk [14].