Job Description

This is a unique opportunity to study for a clinical PhD focused on translating scientific discoveries into new treatments for mitochondrial optic neuropathies as part of a new national rare disease centre funded by LifeArc and MDUK.


The Cambridge Clinical Mitochondrial Research Group (MitoCAMB) studies the genetic basis and mechanisms of mitochondrial diseases and other rare inherited neurological disorders. Our research group is embedded within the Department of Clinical Neurosciences and the MRC Mitochondrial Biology Unit, University of Cambridge. Our research programme aims to better understand the mechanisms of mitochondrial diseases and other neurodegenerative/neuromuscular diseases, and to develop new and effective treatments for affected patients through investigator-led experimental medicine studies, novel gene therapy approaches, and clinical trials.


The group was recently awarded a 7.5 million LifeArc Translational Rare Disease Centres Award for the next 5 years with our partners at UCL, the University of Newcastle, the Lily Foundation and MDUK. Together, we aim to establish a national platform to translate novel treatment strategies and biomarkers into clinical trials. This platform will improve mitochondrial disease diagnosis nationwide, connecting patient groups, knowledge and infrastructure to accelerate the clinical translation of new treatments.


We have an extensive pre-clinical discovery science programme focussed on understanding the genetic basis of undiagnosed mitochondrial and neurogenetic disorders using whole genome and single cell sequencing, animal and cellular models, including human organoids, computational biology and informatics. Our laboratory research is translational, generating new insights that we develop for clinical impact through MitoCAMB and the Cambridge Clinical Vision Laboratory (CCVL).


We are recruiting a Clinical Research Training Fellow to work under the supervision of Professor Patrick Yu Wai Man. The post-holder will have the opportunity to develop clinical, laboratory, and computational skills that would underpin their own research as a PhD student, whilst supporting several ongoing and new academic-led and commercial studies/trials in mitochondrial optic neuropathies.


The post-holder will be expected to participate in the neuro-ophthalmology and neurogenetics NHS clinics at Addenbrooke's Hospital led by Professor Yu Wai Man.


The successful applicant must have completed general medical training, have gained the Membership of the Royal College of Ophthalmologists (or equivalent), and working towards completion of specialty training (from ST5 to ST7).


Enquiries for further information are welcome and should be sent to Professor Patrick Yu Wai Man at: py237@cam.ac.uk

Fixed-term:

The funds for this post are available for 3 years in the first instance.


This appointment requires an Honorary Clinical Contract.


Click the 'Apply' button below to register an account with our recruitment system (if you have not already) and apply online.


This is an integrated appointment between the University and Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust ("NHS Trust"). You will therefore also be issued with an Honorary Clinical Contract by the NHS Trust. You should be aware that if your contract with the NHS Trust is terminated your employment with the University will be terminated, and vice versa.


Please ensure that you upload a covering letter, CV and a completed Additional Information for Clinical Researchers form in the Upload section of the online application. If you upload any additional documents which have not been requested, we will not be able to consider these as part of your application.


Please include details of your referees, including email address and phone number, one of which must be your most recent line manager.

Closing date:

18th June 2025

Interview date:

23rd June 2025


Please quote reference ZE46255 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.

The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.

The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.