Clinical PhD Fellow (Rowling Scholar)

The University of Edinburgh - Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences - CMVM

Full Time: 40 hours per week

Fixed term: for 36 months

The Opportunity:

We are looking for an ambitious medically qualified individual (with current GMC registration) who wishes to start a career as a clinical academic in neurodegenerative disorders research by pursuing a PhD in a world-class research environment. The PhD fellow will be funded by the Anne Rowling Regenerative Neurology Clinic on the Rowling Scholars scheme (www.annerowlingclinic.org/careers/rowling-scholars-scheme). This prestigious scholarship offers a salary on a clinical scale while you study towards a PhD on discovery or translation in neurodegenerative disorders.

You will conduct an original research project that will be co-designed around your scientific vision. The details of the project will be mutually agreed after interview, will be in line with the research strategy of the Anne Rowling Regenerative Neurology Clinic, which places particular focus on multiple sclerosis (MS), motor neuron disease (MND), Parkinson’s and dementias. There will be opportunities for interested persons to contribute to work with broad applicability across these areas (e.g. in biomarker discovery and digital health).

The PhD Fellow will maintain clinical competencies by contributing to clinic lists and attending occasional NHS Lothian specialist neurology clinics at the Anne Rowling Clinic, as well as assisting with the delivery of research studies.

This post is full-time (40 hours per week) and is expected to start in August 2026, although there can be some flexibility.

Informal enquiries may be addressed to Professor Siddharthan Chandran (Siddharthan.Chandran@ed.ac.uk).

We would expect you to have Prior research experience, preferably a BSc or equivalent. This can be in basic (laboratory), translational or clinical research and be clinically qualified with a MBBS (or equivalent) with current GMC registration.

Please note PVG will be a requirement for this position.

An Honorary NHS contract will be sought for the successful post holder. You therefore must be eligible to hold an honorary contract with NHS Lothian, and must also be registered with the General Medical Council.

Salary will be determined on the basis of previous service in the NHS training grades. Normally you will be matched to your current incremental point or nearest equivalent. If you are currently a member of the NHS Pension Scheme and are employed in a clinical post it may be possible for you to remain a member of the NHS Pension Scheme.

A career with us has a range of other benefits that can be tailored to your lifestyle:

• Interesting work
• Good salary/pay rates

This post is full-time (40 hours per week); however, we are open to considering part-time or flexible working patterns. We are also open to considering requests for hybrid working (on a non-contractual basis) that combines a mix of remote and regular on-campus working.