Clinical Research Fellow

Clinical Research Fellow

College of MVLS

School of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Health

Background

BHF CorMicA-PCI is a systems medicine study of angina after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). This is a interdisciplinary BHF programme grant involving scientific work-packages (WPs): 1) Clinical, 2) Systems medicine, and 3) Health Economics.

WP1) Cohort study - In 4 UK centres, 600 patients with angina will undergo stress/rest perfusion cardiovascular MRI (CMR) with inline pixel-mapping of myocardial blood flow (MBF, ml/min/g) then coronary physiology measured during PCI. Patient reported outcome measures will be collected in real-time during follow-up. The primary outcome is angina occurring after PCI, defined by a Seattle Angina Questionnaire Angina Frequency (SAQ-7-AF) score <90. Patients who report angina will then be invited to take part in a case-control study involving stress perfusion CMR (MBF culprit artery territory, primary outcome) in up to 200 patients reporting residual angina and 50 consecutive asymptomatic controls (all post-PCI). Clinically-indicated coronary angiography including physiology tests including acetylcholine testing will be undertaken as clinically appropriate.

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 a higher degree e.g. 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 in the Graduate School and undertake a higher degree [MD/PhD].

Main Duties and Responsibilities

1. Plan, design and implement projects or parts of projects, in conjunction with collaborators and grant holders as appropriate in order to secure further funding to continue research related to this project that leads to a higher degree [MD/PhD].

2. Maintain Ethics and Research Management approvals, as appropriate and in conjunction with PIs.

3. Lead on patient recruitment including screening, informed consent and participation in and compliance with the protocol, in line with Good Clinical Practice.

4. Contribute as a research team member to help ensure the timelines of the project are met

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

6. Prepare research reports, thesis, and submit at least one manuscript of material for publication in a peer-reviewed journal.

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

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

9. To deliver teaching materials and supervise undergraduate/postgraduate student projects and contribute to the academic progress of students

10. Contribute to the organisation of project-related workshops, notably patient and public involvement events, and scientific seminars or conferences.

11. Undertake some clinical work under an NHS honorary contract as detailed below.

12. To contribute to the enhancement of the University’s international profile in line with the University’s Strategic Plan Inspiring People, Changing the World.

Qualifications

Essential:

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

A2 MRCP

Desirable:

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

Knowledge, Skills and Experience

Essential:

C1 Experience in clinical cardiology

C2 Good Clinical Practice (current) accreditation

C3 Experience in Coronary Physiology analysis and Coroventis software

C4 Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work collegially to achieve a common goal/ Institute objective

C5 Evidence of self-motivation, originality, innovation and the ability to work independently

C6 Good organisational including the ability to manage research projects.

C7 Excellent communication both oral and written

C8 Sufficient clinical experience in medicine or related specialties, relevant to the Institute

C9 Previous experience in research is desirable

C10 Previous experience in undergraduate teaching or postgraduate teaching is desirable

C11 Research experience with cardiovascular MRI 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 [MSc, MD, PhD]. If further funding can be obtained, 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 a PhD, 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 and the NHS Golden Jubilee hospital. They will be expected to visit the sites participating in this study, hence UK site visits are anticipated.

Research Supervision 

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

Teaching 

There will be no regular commitment to teaching but 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 3 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.