CRUK TRACC Clinical Lectureships

Job Purpose

The main purpose of this post, which is funded by Cancer Research UK and NHS Education Scotland, is to provide a state-of-the-art research experience within a structured training environment for future academic cancer clinicians. Appointees will be expected to develop a programme of research in an area of cancer research that has potential to contribute to our knowledge of the disease and that may ultimately result in improved outcomes for cancer patients. This TRACC Clinical Lectureship post allows the development of a research project leading to the submission of a PhD degree after a minimum 3-year period as a Clinical Research Training Fellow. Although research will form the major component of this post, participation in associated clinical duties and teaching will be incorporated into the Job Plan.

The TRACC programme is run jointly between the Universities of Glasgow and Edinburgh. Candidates should apply though the University of Glasgow system, but this application route will not influence the university or research centre where the research will be undertaken. This job description is written in the standard manner for the University of Glasgow and is very similar to those of the University of Edinburgh.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

1. Plan, design and implement an appropriate research project, in conjunction with relevant investigators and collaborators leading towards a Higher Degree (i.e. a PhD).

2. Manage data handling and interpretation of research results and take the lead in writing papers for publication in appropriate peer-reviewed journals.

3. Accumulate a significant body of data of the standard required for submission for examination for a PhD.

4. Collaborate with colleagues and participate in team meetings/discussions and departmental research group activities.

5. Keep up to date with recent literature and advances in the field.

6. Present work at internal and external seminars and national/ international conferences as appropriate to enhance the profile of the research group.

7. Write and submit applications for Ethics and Research Management approval, as appropriate and in conjunction with principal investigators (PIs).

8. Supervise undergraduate and postgraduate student projects and contribute to the academic progress of students.

9. Undertake clinical work under an NHS honorary contract in the clinical discipline of the appointee, as detailed below.

10. Engage in continuous professional development.

11. Contribute to the enhancement of the University’s international profile in line with the University’s Strategic Plan - Inspiring People – Changing the World http://www.gla.ac.uk/about/strategy/people/   A similar contribution to the enhancement of the University of Edinburgh’s international profile is expected for those who will be based there.

These key tasks are not intended to be exhaustive but simply highlight a number of major tasks which the staff member may be reasonably expected to perform.

Knowledge / Qualifications

Essential:

A1. Primary medical qualification.

A2. GMC registration and licence to practice.

A3. Evidence of achievement of Foundation competences.

A4. Hold a UK National Training Number at the time of application or be awarded one which commences at the start date in August 2024.

A5. Demonstrable interest in cancer research.

Desirable:

B1. BSc, MSc or equivalent intercalated or primary degree.

B2. Evidence of distinction in career to date, e.g., prizes, awards, bursaries.

Skills

Essential:

C1. Ability to interrogate data systematically.

C2. Appropriate IT skills.

C3. Capacity for originality and innovation.

C4. Excellent communication skills (both written and oral).

C5. Good interpersonal skills and ability to work constructively with staff at all levels.

C6. Proven academic track record and desire to work as a clinical academic in the future.

C7. Enthusiasm for cancer research.

C8. Self-motivation and the ability to work as part of a team and independently.

C9. Ability to manage research projects.

Desirable: 

D1. Ability to deliver research that can be published in leading academic publications.

D2. Successful record of writing and presenting research.

D3. Proactive and efficient administrative ability.

Experience 

Essential:

E1. Evidence of previous research experience.

E2. Experience and/or interest in basic and/or translational and/or clinical cancer research.

E3. Ability to contribute to a defined project and develop research potential.

Desirable: 

F1. Experience in undergraduate and/or postgraduate teaching.

F2. Publication record.

Application: The three documents needed for upload are a copy of your current Curriculum Vitae, a cover letter describing how you meet the job specification (essential and desirable criteria), and a 300-word maximum personal statement specifying your motivation for applying to the TRACC programme in particular and your interests specifically in cancer research.

Job Features

The Post - General Information

Clinical academic training in a cancer-related discipline is the focus of this TRACC Clinical Lectureship. This post has 2 components, comprising clinical training with 20% protected research time during the Clinical Lectureship, and a period of 3 years (or longer if working less than full time) of Out of Programme Research to undertake a PhD during a Clinical Research Training Fellowship. Such Clinical Research Training Fellowships offer medical graduates the opportunity for training in a range of research methodologies relevant to modern biomedical research.  Clinical Research Training Fellows undertake research training to consolidate career prospects, by participating in relevant research, which forms part of a Higher Degree (in this case a PhD). Applications will be welcome from trainees who are working less than full time (LTFT), and the job plan will be adapted to suit such trainees. The post should make individuals strongly competitive for future Academic Clinical (Senior) Lecturer/Clinician Scientist awards. The TRACC Clinical Lectureships (including the embedded TRACC Clinical Research Training Fellowships) are specifically designed to train the future generation of cancer clinical academics.

TRACC Programme

This joint programme is funded by Cancer Research UK and NHS Education Scotland and is run together by the Universities of Glasgow and Edinburgh. It includes very strong support from basic scientists and is led by experienced academic clinicians:

Clinical Leads: Professors Iain McInnes (Gla) and Moira Whyte (Ed);

Training Leads: Professors Richard Wilson (Gla) and Charlie Gourley (Ed);

Deans of Medical Schools:  Professors Matthew Walters (Gla) and David Kluth (Ed):

Deans of Postgraduate Medicine (NHS Education for Scotland and Scotland Deanery): Professors Alan Denison and Adam Hill;

Academic Leads: Professors Owen Sansom (Gla) and Margaret Frame (Ed);

Research Strategy Lead: Professor Gareth Inman (Gla) and a dedicated TRACC Programme Operations Team with staff from both universities.

Research Training

Clinical Lecturers are encouraged to attend workshops and training in generic transferable skills organised by the University of Glasgow College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences Graduate School, and by the University of Edinburgh College of Medicine & Veterinary Medicine. Given the joint nature of this programme, there is access for TRACC Clinical lecturers/Clinical Research Training Fellows to full training opportunities available through both Universities.

As an example, full details of the University of Glasgow programme are available at: https://www.gla.ac.uk/colleges/mvls/graduateschool/currentstudents/postgraduateresearch/skillstraining/.

Regular attendance at, and contribution to, research group meetings is expected.

Higher Degrees

Clinical Research Training Fellows will undertake study towards a PhD in either the University of Glasgow or Edinburgh.

In addition to an academic supervisor, all postgraduate students will have an independent adviser and also mentorship through the TRACC programme.

Either the adviser or supervisor must be a member of full-time University academic staff.

Clinical Work

If a run-in period of up to 12 months is taken, the TRACC Clinical Lecturer will undertake 80% clinical work as part of their speciality training with 20% protected research time. Lecturers working LTFT will still have 20% protected research time e.g. if working 0.8 FTE, they will undertake 60% clinical work and 20% research time. An appropriate honorary grading will be sought from the relevant NHS Service. During the TRACC Clinical Research Training Fellowship, clinical activities may be limited to those required for research training such as recruitment to clinical trials and conduct of clinical/translational research. However, limited additional clinical work is possible (up to 10% of time), subject to the agreement of the supervisor, NHS Services Clinical Director and relevant Training Programme Director, with in-patient and out-patient experience in Medical, Surgical and relevant Specialties and the equivalent in laboratory-based specialities or in Public Health or General Practice. Where any clinical activities of a Service nature extend beyond the usual working week, confirmation in advance of any such responsibilities and agreement on additional payments must be obtained from appropriate NHS Services management. The individual will have a contract with the NHS Services via the appropriate directorate/division, which will specify the agreed amount of clinical work and the level of remuneration. Any such clinical work during the Clinical Research Training Fellowship must be arranged to avoid impacting substantially on research time. Following completion of their Clinical Research Training Fellowship and PhD, TRACC Clinical Lecturers complete clinical training in their chosen speciality, with ongoing 20% protected research time.  This period will be up until the date of CCT (plus 6 months period of grace if appropriate).

Funding Sources

This post will be funded as a TRACC Clinical Lectureship via NHS Education for Scotland which can include a preparatory 80% clinical and 20% research run-in period for up to 12 months as well as during the entire post-doctoral period through to CCT (and aperiod of grace if appropriate). The Entry Level Fellowship for 3 years (longer pro rata if working LTFT) is funded by Cancer Research UK as a pre-doctoral fellowship, and subject to their eligibility criteria. The TRACC Clinical Lectureship and Clinical Research Training Fellowship will be awarded on the basis of individual career achievement to date and the likelihood of the Clinical Lecturer contributing to an effective, existing research team. As noted above, there may be opportunities during the Clinical Research Training Fellowship for additional salary supplements providing NHS (e.g. on-call) cover in the relevant specialties by negotiation with local NHS management and subject to prioritisation of research. In relation to such supplements, the University will act as Paymaster only.

Research Training Base 

For those who decide to conduct their research in the University of Glasgow, the Clinical Research Training Fellow will usually be based in the Cancer Research UK Scotland Institute or the School of Cancer Sciences in the Garscube Estate or in the Paul O’Gorman Leukaemia Research Centre at the Gartnavel Hospital site in Glasgow. These are outstanding environments for Clinical Research Training Fellows with active postgraduate studentship programmes. However, Fellows may be based in a different agreed academic environment within the University of Glasgow, or in the Institute of Genetics and Cancer or one of the other research institutes or centres in the University of Edinburgh. Travel to collaborating sites may be required.

Research Projects

Upon acceptance into the TRACC Clinical Lectureship and Clinical Research Training Fellowship programme, TRACC Clinical Lecturers will select the host University, laboratory and supervisory team appropriate for undertaking their thesis project. They will be aided in this decision by the TRACC leadership team. Examples of indicative projects are available at http://www.beatson.gla.ac.uk/Education/Clinical-Research-Fellows/ and opportunities exist for collaborative projects, including in other cancer-related disciplines, with opportunities to spend time working with partner institutions.

Assessment of Progress

All those matriculated for Higher Degrees will be subject to the Postgraduate School of the appropriate College and University for progress monitoring. This is completed according to the regulations set down in the University Calendar. For the University of Glasgow, these include: • Written progress reports on projects on a monthly basis. • Research in Progress presentations, at least annually. • Reports/manuscripts of results of research work, as appropriate. • General assessment during clinical work and meetings. • Annual interview by independent assessors.

Future

After completion of their Clinical Research Training Fellowship and their period of doctoral research, TRACC Clinical Lecturers will either return to their run-through clinical training (again with 20% protected research time) or may become eligible for an alternate academic training post (such as the schemes competitively awarded in Scotland for joint 50% clinical training and 50% protected research time in the post-doctoral period).

Other

The School of Cancer Sciences (SCS) and CRUK Scotland Institute (CRUK SI) in the University of Glasgow, the Institute of Genetics and Cancer (IGC) in the University of Edinburgh and our joint CRUK Scotland Centre are committed to nurturing the next generation of leaders in cancer research and have created this specialised CRUK funded programme to train clinically qualified individuals from any specialty, who are enthusiastic about cancer research. Our programme offers outstanding PhD training in a supportive and inspiring environment; we particularly encourage applications from those interested in a future career as an academic clinician engaged in cancer research.  The UoG SCS, CRUK SI and the UoE IGC are highly regarded cancer research institutions, and world leading in key aspects of cancer biology. You will work alongside an outstanding group of cancer researchers and your training experience will centre on a 'hands on' research project in your supervisor's laboratory, leading to the submission of a PhD thesis. This training will be supplemented with mentorship, career advice and the acquisition of transferable skills. Although research will form the major component of this post, clinical duties and teaching can be incorporated into the Job Plan according to individual needs. Our purpose-built, state-of-the-art facilities are home to a community of investigators with a wealth of expertise, knowledge and experience. The collegiate and collaborative environment fosters a broad research portfolio. Research interests range from fundamental cancer biology and preclinical modelling through to advanced translational and clinical studies, including programmes in precision medicine, cancer growth/metabolism, metastasis/recurrence, early cancer detection and intervention as well as tumour-specific programmes in both solid tumours and blood cancers in adults and children. In particular, we are leading in our CRUK Scotland Centre key tumour sites including colorectal,  hepatobiliary and pancreatic cancers and in mesothelioma, but also have significant strength in other cancers including ovarian, brain, prostate and breast cancers and in haematological malignancies. Underpinning this work is state-of-the-art infrastructure, particularly in model systems (animals and cells), molecular and digital pathology, advanced imaging and in data analysis.

Progression through the scheme is subject to satisfactory performance but does not involve competitive interviews after initial appointment. 

Candidates for TRACC Clinical Lecturer posts must already hold a UK National Training Number (NTN) or must apply and be appointed to a specialty training position with a UK NTN in their chosen discipline no later than 7th August 2024.  For successful candidates who are based outside the Scotland Deanery, we will work with them, their current host Deanery/Local Education Training Board and the destination Scotland Deanery to facilitate an Inter Deanery Transfer. Candidates must have full GMC registration. 

Standard Terms & Conditions

Salary will be on the Clinical Academic pay scale (currently £43,504 - £64,461 per annum) (but increased in line with future national pay agreements). The post may carry an additional entitlement depending on “on-call” responsibilities. This banding payment is paid under a separate arrangement with the NHS for which the University acts as paymaster only. This post is justifiably fixed-term, as a training post, under the Fixed-term Employees (prevention of Less Favourable Treatment) Regulations 2002 and will end at a maximum of 6 months after the completion of specialist training (i.e. from award of CCT). The funding for the doctoral research part of the position is available for up to 3 years full time (longer on a pro rata basis for those working LTFT). Members of staff are normally eligible to contribute to the Universities' Superannuation Scheme (USS) and on appointment shall be deemed to be in membership of the scheme and contributions deducted accordingly, unless the University is advised in writing prior to the commencement of employment of a wish not to join. Further information regarding the scheme is available from the Superannuation Officer, who is also prepared to advise on questions relating to the transfer of Superannuation benefits. It may be possible, if the relevant NHS Superannuation Scheme Criteria are met, for appointees to remain in the NHS Superannuation Scheme while in this post. All research and related activities, including grants, donations, clinical trials, contract research, consultancy and commercialisation are required to be managed through the University's relevant processes (e.g., contractual and financial), in accordance with the University Court's policies.

Protecting Vulnerable Groups Scheme 

The post for which you are applying is considered ‘registered work’ in terms of the Protection of Vulnerable Groups Act. It requires the successful applicant to become a Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) Scheme member prior to appointment. This check is necessary to ensure that the Universities of Glasgow and Edinburgh fulfil their legal duties under the Act. If you are successful in your application, the offer of employment will be subject to PVG Scheme membership. Further information is available at: http://www.disclosurescotland.co.uk/pvg/pvg_index.html Please note it is a criminal offence to apply for a childcare position if you are on the Disqualified from Working with Children List. All research and related activities, including grants, donations, clinical trials, contract research, consultancy and commercialisation are required to be managed through the University's relevant processes (e.g., contractual and financial), in accordance with the University Court's policies.

We believe that we can only reach our full potential through the talents of all. Equality, diversity and inclusion are at the heart of our values. Applications are particularly welcome from across our communities and in particular people from the Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) community, and other protected characteristics who are under-represented within the University. Read more on how the University promotes and embeds all aspects of equality and diversity within our community https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/humanresources/equalitydiversity/.

We endorse the principles of Athena Swan https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/humanresources/equalitydiversity/athenaswan/ and hold bronze, silver and gold awards across the University.

We aim to be an inclusive programme and welcome applications from eligible candidates irrespective of gender or ethnic group and will adapt the programme for successful candidates who wish to work less than full time.

Planned interview date: 15 February 2024 (via zoom).

Application: The three documents needed for upload are a copy of your current Curriculum Vitae, a cover letter describing how you meet the job specification (essential and desirable criteria), and a 300-word maximum personal statement specifying your motivation for applying to the TRACC programme in particular and your interests specifically in cancer research.