Clinical Research Fellow

Full Time FTC until 15/08/2022

 Role Purpose

•  Coordinate the clinical aspects of the VIBRANT study which aims to:
•  To investigate individuals with (Event of interest (EoI) – Vaccine breakthrough infection, reinfection or low vaccine response) for underlying health conditions through a clinical health screening questionnaire
•  To investigate individuals with EoI for potential unrecognised underlying health conditions through clinical blood testing through analysis of 200 VIBRANT cases selected for additional sample.
•  To undertake an exploratory in depth analysis of these 200 VIBRANT cases to identify immune signatures or biomarkers which are risk factors for EoI, with testing conducted within VIBRANT and SIREN Consortium members, and where necessary comparing cases with appropriately matched controls selected from parent cohort studies (chiefly PITCH).
•  To facilitate the collection of samples which will enable in depth analysis of host immune and genomic factors that enhance risk or COVID and other vaccine failure through the combined expertise of VIBRANT collaborators including HICC, UKHSA and other SIREN collaborators
•  To characterise individuals with EoI and identify potential causal mechanisms by collating and assessing prior immune and infection data (from parent studies) and relating this to the VIBRANT clinical health screening questionnaire: in particular assessing details on the event (symptom status, timing in relation to vaccination), antibody results from sequential pre- and post-event samples (Anti-S, anti-N and (where available) neutralising antibody) and T-cell/B-cell responses (where available):

Some of the Main Responsibilities

•  Coordinate the clinical aspects of this study with the support of Professor Richter
•  This includes reviewing the health questionnaires and presenting them to the steering group for decision to recruit to in depth study
•  Coordinate sample collection for the in depth study through the SIREN/PITCH consortium
•   Plan and develop research contributions to subject area using methodologies, critical evaluations, interpretations, analyses and other appropriate techniques.

Knowledge, Skills, Qualifications and Experience Required

Essential:

•  Candidates should be registered with the GMC with a License to Practice. 
•  Applicant should have a good grounding in general medicine and be post foundation level or equivalent. 
•  Demonstrate an existing interest in basic, translational of clinical research, as evidenced by contribution to at least one previous research publication or conference abstract at a national/international level.
•  Have good organisational and presentation skills
•  Have completed a Good Clinical Practice course by time of staring the study 

Desirable:

•  Demonstrate research experience such as a BSc Upper Second Class Honours, Masters or equivalent, or first author journal publication.
•  Understanding and experience of research methods and processes required for the study 
•  Completion of MRCP speciality certificate examination in gastroenterology (or equivalent).
•  Prior working experience in immunology or other pathology discipline, infectious diseases or vaccinology 

The University is committed to safeguarding and we promote safe recruitment practice, therefore all associated pre-employment checks will be undertaken before any appointment is confirmed.  Due to the nature of the work undertaken in this role all successful applicants will be subject to a satisfactory Occupational Health and DBS clearance prior to appointment.

Informal enquires to Prof Alex Richter ([email protected] )

To download the full job description and details of this position and submit an electronic application online please click on the Apply Online button below or visit our careers website; https://bham.taleo.net/careersection/external/jobsearch.ftl?lang=en&portal=101430233 , please quote Job Ref 98505 in all enquiries.