About the role

We are seeking a highly motivated Clinical Research Fellow to join an exciting UKRI-MRC funded project at the University of Leicester. This multidisciplinary project focuses on the impact of the respiratory microbiome on Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) phenotypes during pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) infection.

Specifically, the study aims to investigate how microbial communities in the lung influence the formation of “Differentially Culturable Mtb” (DCMtb)—a subpopulation of persister-like bacteria recently found to be prevalent in clinical TB samples and associated with macrophage infection.

This role will be based within a dynamic research team led by Dr Leah Cuthbertson, in collaboration with Dr Pranab Haldar and Professor Galina Mukamolova. The Clinical Research Fellow will be responsible for patient recruitment, sampling (including bronchoscopy), data collection and analysis, and will work closely with a post-doctoral research associate to deliver key project milestones. The successful candidate will take a leading role in clinical data acquisition and the preparation of scientific manuscripts.

About you

You are a qualified medical doctor with an MB BS or equivalent degree, currently holding full GMC registration and a license to practise in the UK. You will have completed MRCP (UK) or an equivalent qualification and are currently in Higher Specialty Training in Respiratory Medicine at ST4 level or above. You must be eligible to undertake a 3-year Out of Programme for Research (OOPR), with authorisation secured or obtainable to begin no later than February 2026, and have achieved an Outcome 1 at your most recent ARCP.

You will bring substantial clinical experience, including independent performance of at least 30 bronchoscopies. Your prior involvement in research—demonstrated through academic presentations, publications, prizes, or participation in a formal academic training pathway—shows a clear commitment to advancing clinical science. You will also have a sound awareness of research governance, ethics, and GDPR, and hold a valid Good Clinical Practice (GCP) certificate or be willing to obtain one. In addition, you will be proficient in using IT systems, including Microsoft Word, Excel, and Access, with evidence of this from prior experience or qualifications.

Above all, you are a motivated and collaborative individual with a strong interest in infectious disease research and a desire to contribute meaningfully to a high-impact study. Your excellent communication and analytical skills, combined with a keen attention to detail, will be key to your success in this role.

Additional information

Informal enquiries are welcome and should be made to Dr Leah Cuthbertson [email protected] or Dr Pranabashis Haldar – [email protected]

As part of the University’s ongoing commitment to professional development, this role will also be considered on a seconded basis for existing staff members. Please ensure this is discussed with your line manager prior to applying. More information regarding secondments can be found here.

The University of Leicester has been changing the world, and changing people’s lives, for 100 years. When you join us, you’ll become part of a community of Citizens of Change, which includes not only our staff and our current students but also thousands of Leicester graduates around the world.

As a diverse and forward-thinking employer, we embed the principles of equity, diversity and inclusion into everything we do. That includes not just our core missions of teaching and research, but also our support for staff, students and our local community through our values of Inspiring, Impactful and Inclusive.

We’re committed to the wellbeing of all our staff and to the sustainability of our environment, on our campus and beyond. We offer a competitive salary package, excellent pension scheme and a generous annual leave allowance, along with opportunities to develop your career in a supportive and collaborative environment.