Clinical Research Fellow in Medical Oncology -Thoracic

Job overview

An exciting opportunity has arisen within the Research and Innovation Division at The Christie. We are looking to appoint a Clinical Research Fellow to the Lung research team within The Christie NHS Foundation Trust. This post presents an opportunity to join an established research team with a varied portfolio of clinical trials as a Clinical Research Fellow. The Lung disease research team is responsible for a varied portfolio of academic and commercial clinical trials. This is a 10 session SpR equivalent Trust Grade post. It is based at the Christie site in the department of Medical Oncology. This position is suitable for individuals who wish to gain specialist training and experience in the care of patients with Lung, and further training in early phase clinical trials. The Lung Team is a multi-disciplinary team of surgeons, oncologists and research staff. The team is a major contributor to clinical and translational research The post will offer experience in cutting edge research in personalised medicine and immunotherapy, Early Phase trials, and experience in managing complex cases in an academic tertiary care centre with an international reputation. In addition, there are ongoing projects in toxicity management, late effects and on the use of big data and interrogation of national data-sets. It is expected the successful applicant will publish a number of papers as a result of their attachment, and there will be an opportunity to develop novel research projects.

Main duties of the job

To work as a Clinical Research Fellow at the Christie under the supervision of a consultant clinician. This will involve close liaison with other members of the multidisciplinary team in particular research nurses and data managers. A major role of the post will be to implement evidence based best practice for patients who are being treated on clinical trials at the Christie and to develop and support associated clinical research. To work closely with and support the team in the management of patients with Lung. An important role of the Clinical Fellow will be to have direct involvement in the day-to-day clinical management of patients under the supervision of the consultant whether or not they are being managed within the confines of a clinical trial, and to attend relevant MDTs, radiology and educational meetings. The Clinical Fellow will be required to support research and NHS clinics, typically 4 clinics per week The post does not attract an on-call commitment.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The appointee will be based at The Christie and will provide senior input to clinics, wards and treatment delivery areas.

• Audit: Fellows play a key role in Clinical Audit as a member of The Christie Medical staff.
• Clinics: Research fellows in Medical Oncology usually attend a number of outpatient clinics per week (seeing new referrals, follow-ups and patients on clinical trials) and are expected to undertake the administrative duties associated with the care of these patients.
• Clinical Governance: Fellows are expected to participate in all relevant aspects of clinical governance, including maintaining up-to-date protocols, guidelines and clinical audit, under the supervision of the Consultants in the team.
• Education: There are numerous courses organised annually by The Christie Institute for Cancer Education Manchester In addition, there is an annual research event where all Medical Oncology fellows are encouraged to present their on-going research and a little about themselves. There are also weekly teaching sessions in practical life skills related to Medical Oncology, such as interview skills, oral presentation skills, curriculum vitae preparation, media training, career development etc.
• Professional Development: Fellows should also maintain a level of continuing professional development consistent with the recommendations of the Royal College of Physicians. Appropriate arrangements for study leave will be made in conjunction with colleagues. There is the potential to attend International meetings to present research work and fellows are expected to be involved in writing papers and reviews, and will also be required to undergo an annual appraisal.
• Protocol Development: Fellows may also assist with the revision and development of evidence-based clinical trial protocols for patients.
• Research: There are excellent opportunities for research within the Department. Fellows are encouraged to contribute to current research projects within the unit and/or set up new projects. The Manchester Cancer Research Centre has been established to bring together the expertise, ambition and resources of partner organisations, which include the University of Manchester, the Cancer Research UK Manchester Institute, Cancer Research UK, in addition to The Christie NHS Foundation Trust. The post holder is committed to delivering at least four of the following:
• Successfully complete a clinical audit.
• Actively participate in at least one national or international meeting (abstract presentation).
• Successfully publish at least two first-author peer-reviewed manuscripts.
• Aid income generation through assistance in development and writing of investigator-led studies/grant applications for research projects.
• Increase the international profile of the Disease Group, The Christie Institute for Cancer Education and The Christie Medical Oncology Fellowship programme.
• Representation from The Christie on international professional committees.

Continuing Professional Development The Trust supports the requirements for continuing professional development (CPD) as laid down by the GMC and surgical colleges and is committed to providing time and financial support for these activities.

Role Planning The Fellow will attend a maximum of four clinics per week, and multidisciplinary meetings. In addition, they will participate in clinical research meetings and any other relevant trial planning or trial set-up meetings. The Fellow will also spend time reviewing clinical data, writing abstracts/manuscripts, planning new studies and attending educational meetings.

Weekend working will consist of clinical activities that are scheduled in advance and reviewed where required as work schedules are reviewed, taking account of service needs.

On call Commitments

This role does not require participation in the on-call rota.

Applicant requirements

You must have appropriate UK professional registration.

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service.