Clinical Research Fellow in Cystic Fibrosis Trials

Job overview

Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust is seeking to appoint a Clinical Research Fellow in Cystic Fibrosis (CF) to be based at the Royal Brompton Hospital.

This post offers an exciting opportunity to join our CF Clinical Trials Team which has a very active and expanding clinical trials portfolio. The post is ideally suited for a paediatric or adult respiratory trainee wishing to a) gain a full understanding of the CF clinical trials pipeline, b) become trained and experienced in all aspects of clinical trial conduct including Good Clinical Practice, Research Ethics, Informed Consent, specialised outcome measures (which may include sweat testing, nasal potential difference and lung clearance index), and 3) develop independent research of their own. Trainees with an interest in CF through experience in gastroenterology, endocrinology, or other CF-related complications, will also be considered. The successful candidate will work alongside the multidisciplinary team.

The post holder will focus on clinical trials and research in cystic fibrosis, including all duties relating to the successful running of clinical trials across the age range. For an appropriate candidate, there may be the opportunity to plan an independent research project for development into a higher research degree, such as a MD (Res). The post is suitable for applicants with a range of experience; the key is enthusiasm, and training in the required role will be provided.

Main duties of the job

The appointee will focus on clinical trials and research in cystic fibrosis, although there may also be opportunities for involvement in other Chronic Suppurative Lung Diseases such as bronchiectasis and primary ciliary dyskinesia. Roles include:

• Assisting the team in the identification of suitable patients to approach and assessing eligibility
• Studying for and obtaining Good Clinical Practice (GCP) Certification and Consent Training
• Attending Investigator Meetings, Initiation visits for new trials and assisting with preparation for and conduct of monitoring/ close-out visits and regulatory inspections
• Preparing for and attending monthly team review meetings
• Performing clinical assessments adhering to trial protocols
• Reviewing laboratory test results
• Reviewing and grading adverse events; communicating closely with the consultants on these
• Liaising with sponsors and Clinical Research Organisations

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Clinical/research The appointee will have an opportunity to gain experience of adult and paediatric respiratory medicine by attending clinics and ward rounds on a supernumerary basis. They will also have the opportunity to develop their own research/quality improvement projects and contribute to other research within the department. For post-holders undertaking such activities, we will support abstract submissions to national and international conferences for further exposure to CF related research.

On Call

None; there may be opportunities for ad hoc cover of absences to be provided by a suitable qualified and experienced post-holder (optional).

Education and Training

Both Adult and Paediatric departments have regular teaching activities which the Fellow would be encouraged to attend. There are weekly respiratory seminars run through the Respiratory Clinical Research Facility.

The National Heart and Lung Institute has excellent facilities for studying and an extensive library with all the current journals and textbooks.  The National Heart and Lung Institute is part of Imperial College, which greatly enhances the facilities available for studying and research.

Numerous postgraduate courses are held in the National Heart and Lung Institute and the CF Department takes an active part.  Postgraduate students are attached to the Department and receive tutorials and ward rounds from members of the Department.

GMC Registration

You are required to be fully registered with the General Medical Council and to produce such evidence as may be requested.