Clinical Research Fellow (GRI)

Job Purpose

This role will allow the development of research skills and production of data which the postholder should use to develop a research thesis leading to an MD or PhD degree. The data may also be used to compete for external funding. Although research will form the major component of this post, participation in associated clinical duties and a small amount of teaching will be incorporated into the role.  Postholders will be expected to register and undertake a higher degree (MD/PhD).

Main Duties and Responsibilities

Qualifications

A1 MBChB or equivalent. Registered with General Medical Council (GMC) and licensed to practice (or able to be registered if overseas candidate).

A2 National Training number

Desirable:

B1 BSc or equivalent intercalated degree. B2 Evidence of distinction in career to date e.g. prizes, awards, bursaries.

Knowledge, Skills and Experience

C1 Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work collegially to achieve a common goal/Institute objectives

C2 Evidence of self-motivation, originality, innovation and the ability to work independently.

C3 Good organisational including the ability to manage research projects.

C4 Excellent communication both oral and written.

Experience

Essential

E1 Sufficient clinical experience in medicine or related specialties, relevant to the Institute.

E2 Previous experience in research is desirable.

E3 Previous experience in undergraduate teaching or postgraduate teaching is desirable.

General Information

Clinical Research Fellowships offer medical graduates the opportunity for training in a range of research methodologies relevant to modern biomedical research in Medicine and related specialities. Most Clinical Fellows will undertake research training to consolidate career prospects, by participating in relevant research, which will usually form part of a further qualification or Higher degree (MD, PhD). Registration for an MD will be strongly encouraged and the research will be planned with successful attainment of a degree in mind. The post should make individuals competitive for future NHS teaching hospital appointment or Academic Lecturer/Clinician Scientist awards.

Research Training

All Clinical Research Fellows will have a mentor assigned at the time of appointment. The mentor will usually become the supervisor for any matriculated Higher degree (see below). Clinical Research Fellows are encouraged to attend workshops and training in generic transferable skills organised by the College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences Graduate School. Full details of the programme are available at http://www.fom.gla.ac.uk/RDTC/ Regular attendance and contributions to research meetings of their group is expected.

Higher Degrees

Clinical Research Fellows will undertake study towards a Higher Degree, ordinarily an MD, in the University of Glasgow. In addition to an academic supervisor, all postgraduate students will have an independent adviser. Either the adviser or supervisor must be a member of full-time University academic staff.

Clinical Work

For registered medical practitioners an honorary grading will be sought from the relevant NHS Service. This will usually be at the grade of Honorary ST3 (or equivalent). Clinical activities may be limited to those required for research training such as recruitment to trials and conduct of clinical research. However, limited additional clinical experience will usually be available subject to the agreement of the supervisor and NHS Services Clinical Director, with in-patient and out-patient experience in Medicine and relevant Specialties. 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. Since the funding for this post does not include an element for clinical training or NHS service work, any such clinical work must be arranged to avoid impacting substantially on research time.

Funding Sources 

The duration of funding is as specified in the post-specific information. It will be awarded on the basis of individual career achievement to date and the likelihood of the fellow contributing to an effective, existing research team. Salary will be on ST3 equivalent scale. As noted above, there may be opportunities for additional salary supplements providing NHS cover in Medicine and related 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

The Clinical Research Fellow will be based at the University of Glasgow but may work at other clinical sites e.g Glasgow Royal Infirmary

Research Supervision

Details of the Institute and supervisorial pool can be found on the Institute’s webpages, as per the post specific information.

Teaching

Research fellows are encouraged to contribute to both problem-based learning and clinical teaching sessions for undergraduate medical students when research commitments allow.

Assessment of Progress

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

Future

Research fellows will either return to run-through training, be supported for further internal or externally funded fellowship to complete a MD or PhD, or may become eligible for an academic training post.

Terms and Conditions

Salary will be on the Clinical Research Fellow grade, £38,704 - £57,349 per annum.

This post is full-time and fixed term for 2 years.

Probationary Period

All members of staff are contracted to a 6 month notice period.

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.”

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 University of Glasgow fulfils its 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 child care 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.