associated projects
Surgical resection and brain tumours
Others in related specialties
Dr Gurdeep Mannu, CL in General Surgery
Dr Sarah Howles, CL in Urology
CL in Neurosurgery
Dr Chris McKinnon
PATHWAY TO A CLINICAL LECTURESHIP
My interest in neuroscience research began early in my medical training. As an undergraduate at Cambridge, I pursued an intercalated BA in Neuroscience and Experimental Psychology, spending summers in research labs at the University of British Columbia and Caltech. I loved the creativity of experimental design and the teamwork involved.
These experiences led me to the MBPhD programme at UCL, where my doctoral project explored mechanisms of protein degradation failure in neurodegenerative diseases. After completing my medical school and Foundation training, I undertook postdoctoral research at the University of Toronto on deep brain stimulation. I then returned to Oxford for an NIHR Academic Clinical Fellowship in Neurosurgery, before progressing to my current role as Clinical Lecturer.
WHAT DOES THE WORK INVOLVE?
I divide my time between the operating theatre, outpatient clinics, and translational neuro-oncology research.
Balancing clinical and academic work in a surgical specialty requires careful planning. During academic blocks, I maintain on‑call duties and a weekly elective list to keep my operative skills current. When on clinical rotations, I schedule regular academic days to sustain momentum on research projects.
My main project investigates the use of novel mass spectrometry techniques for rapid intra-operative classification of brain tumours. I am also Co‑Chief Investigator of RECURRENT‑GB, a newly funded NIHR trial investigating repeat surgical resection in recurrent glioblastoma. Teaching is also an important part of my role, from supervising medical and research students to mentoring neurosurgical trainees.
The clinical lectureship programme has enabled me to maintain and expand my academic activity while progressing through neurosurgical training. It has also provided valuable experience in how to secure grant funding and supervision of research students. I hope to continue this clinical academic trajectory in next stages of my career, combining surgical practice with research that directly benefits brain tumour patients.
WHY OXFORD?
Oxford offers an exceptional environment for clinical academic training, with access to world-class research facilities, highly experienced clinical academics, and a broad network of subject experts across the basic sciences. In addition, the OUCAGS team has a proven track record in training clinician scientists and provides outstanding training opportunities, including access to the Postgraduate Certificate / Diploma in Health Research *.
This combination of cutting-edge resources, mentorship, and structured academic support made Oxford the ideal place for me.
August 2025
Note
* From August 2025, OUCAGS is supporting NIHR ACFs to undertake either the Postgraduate Certificate in Health Research, or three individual modules in total selected from the Department of Continuing Education’s Evidence-Based Healthcare Programme and/or Translational Health Sciences Programme.