Clinical Research Fellow

This post will be funded by the £12M NIHR Biomedical Research Centre (BRC) in Inflammation and will specifically focus on the Inflammatory Arthritis theme within the Centre. The overarching aim of the Inflammatory Arthritis theme is to improve clinical outcomes for those with, and at risk of developing, rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and Sjogren's syndrome (SS) by developing diagnostic tests, drugs and novel therapies to predict, prevent and reverse disease pathology. The NIHR BRC works closely with the £7m Kennedy Trust funded Arthritis Therapy Acceleration Programme (A-TAP) that links Birmingham centres with Oxford along the M40 corridor to develop and accelerate early phase trials of new therapeutics in rheumatological diseases.

• To become proficient in the conduct of clinical trials and to share with other BRC fellows the day to day management of early phase trials in arthritis undertaken by the Centre.
• To ensure that, once recruited, patients are followed up at appropriate intervals and clinical samples are processed and despatched to the relevant laboratories according to Standard Operating Procedures. To work closely with laboratory technicians, post-doctoral scientists and trial co-ordinators to establish and undertake laboratory research to support the BRC-related projects and the RRG.
• To discuss research data and devise appropriate plans for data analysis in conjunction with experienced colleagues and bio-statisticians.
• To assist with trial set-up and obtaining necessary local and national approvals (ethics, MHRA) and contribute to site file and data management under guidance of the trials coordinators and lead investigators.
• To work closely with and support the Inflammation Research Facility and the Clinical Research Facility, including following necessary approval processes.
• To prioritise tasks within an agreed work schedule to ensure that projects are delivered in timely fashion accordance to the milestones in the BRC.
• To suggest and contribute to the development of research techniques, models and methods in collaboration with colleagues.
• To contribute to writing bids for future research grants.
• To disseminate research findings using appropriate and effective media such as publication, research seminars etc.
• To provide guidance to other staff and students.
• To contribute to the production of research reports and publications in high impact-factor journals
• To plan and develop research contributions to subject area using methodologies, critical evaluations, interpretations, analyses and other appropriate techniques.
• To contribute to events celebrating the public engagement of science/social sciences/humanities.
• Keep up to date with recent literature and advances in the field.
• To engage in continuous professional development.
• To undertake clinical work under an NHS honorary contract.
• To contribute to the enhancement of the University's international profile in line with the University's Strategic Plan.

Person Specification

• Candidates should be registered with the GMC with a License to Practice.
• Medical degree with preferred MRCP or equivalent.
• Applications for out of programme experience from enthusiastic pre-MRCP core trainees will also be considered (see below).
• We will accept applications for out of programme experience from enthusiastic post foundation year CT or ST1,2 (or IMT1, 2 and 3) trainees.
• Experience in Clinical Rheumatology is desirable.
• Preference may be given to Rheumatology Specialist applicants on the Specialty Training Programme for Rheumatology at ST3 level or above.
• Core clinical skills, including phlebotomy.
• Preferred: previous undergraduate experience of research via scholarship, funded holiday project or intercalated degree.
• Desirable: Clinical research experience within Rheumatology
• Desirable: basic experience of musculoskeletal ultrasound, however training can also be provided.
• Analytical and problem solving capability
• Ability to communicate complex information with clarity, both verbally and in writing
• Strong interpersonal skills, ability to get on well with colleagues.
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team
• Ability to work towards departmental and Institute objectives.
• Excellent IT skills

Closing Date: 24 Mar 2019

Additional Information

Informal Queries to Dr A Filer (a.filer@bham.ac.uk) or Dr Claire Potter (c.potter@bham.ac.uk