Senior/Junior Haematology Clinical Trials Research Fellow

Job overview

The Haematology and TYA services are seeking to appoint to a senior/junior Haematology Clinical Trials Research Fellow post to work alongside the research team and existing roles within the Palatine treatment centre.  In 2014 the Palatine treatment centre opened as a purpose-built facility for the Haematology and Transplant Unit and Teenage and Young Adult (TYA) services.  Many clinical and scientific staff members have contributed to research, education and clinical developments, making The Christie proud to be responsible for having ‘world firsts’ and playing a crucial role in the advancement of cancer treatments and care for over 100 years.  The stem cell transplant program at the Christie was established in 1982 since when it has undertaken almost 3000 procedures. The department currently performs 120-160 transplants per year. In 2018, the Christie was selected as one of 7 first wave UK centres for delivery of CAR-T therapy. The unit is fully accredited for treatment with JACIE and the first patients are being treated in 2019

Main duties of the job

The role offers an exciting opportunity to increase clinical research experience including the delivery of innovative early phase research in compliance with Good Clinical Practice & Trust policy. The post holder, with consultant oversight and alongside the research team, will be responsible for seeing new referrals, follow-ups & for managing the patient throughout all aspects of their trial experience. In addition, this post will allow the successful candidate unique opportunities to gain experience in clinical management of intensively treated Haematology Oncology patients including management of patients receiving novel cellular therapies (CAR-T cell therapy) and stem cell transplantation.  This is a 10 session non-training speciality registrar level role. The position is suitable for individuals in the second half/upon completion of their specialist training who wish to gain further experience in clinical research, including first-in-human trials.  LTFT applicants are eligible to apply as job share will be considered. Salary will be on the NHS scale in line with appropriate clinical experience. Interested candidates are encouraged to discuss this ahead of any application. Dependent on interest and experience, the post holder will be able to participate in the SpR on call rota, which will attract a banding supplement.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Clinical Trials

The position is suitable for individuals who wish to gain further experience in experimental medicine & Phase I trials, including first-in-human trials.

A diverse range of clinical research trials are in progress & following training, the post holder will participate in these studies as a co-/sub-investigator. These include Phase I trials of small molecule inhibitors, combination / multi-modality Phase I trials, and trials of CAR-T and bispecific antibodies. The post holder will be involved in managing all aspects of trial patients (both in outpatient & in-patients setting), across all areas of haematological malignancy, through new patient consultation, consent & screening patients & reviewing patients at follow-up appointments.

The post holder will attend Safety Review Committee meetings (usually remotely) to discuss trial patients. This will involve close liaison with Principal Investigators, referring consultant body across the north of England and Wales & other team members. The appointee will interface with external stakeholders such as CROs & pharmaceutical sponsors.

The appointee will undertake the administrative duties associated with the care of their patients. The appointee will be encouraged to be involved in the development & planning of new studies.

The Fellow will maintain a level of continuing professional development. There is the potential to present research work & the post holder will be expected to be involved in writing papers & reviews. The post holder will also be required to undergo an annual appraisal.

The Fellow will be expected to contribute to both undergraduate & postgraduate teaching, and aspects of clinical governance & audit.

Inpatient and day unit

The Haematology Fellow will join the existing Palatine ward Haematology clinical team ensuring that  all patients across the department have optimal daily clinical cover. Working as part of the existing ward team which includes 2 Haematology ST doctors, 1 TYA Oncology Senior clinical fellow, 1 Junior Oncology fellow and 3 x ward-based IMTs who cover the 31 bedded-ward. .  The haematology fellow will have a particular responsibility for supervision of patients on the new 4 inpatient bedded unit due to open early 2021 and the adjacent ambulatory care unit.  The Haematology service is supported by an attending consultant, with 2 scheduled consultant ward rounds per week and daily consultant level input as required.

Outpatients

There will be an opportunity to attend the Haematology departmental weekly teaching sessions and to participate in Haematology outpatient clinics focusing on patients enrolled in clinical trials.

Person requirements

Flexible working and cross-cover with existing Palatine Ward middle grade haematology roles (Haematology Specialist Registrars and the Trust Grade post) will be a requirement within this post.

The post holder will require good communication skills in order to work effectively/collaboratively within the broader teams, but also in order to engage and build up rapport with patients and their families undergoing complex oncology/Haematology treatments. The post holder will be flexible, adaptable and communicate positively at all times.  They will provide information at an appropriate level of understanding to ensure a patient and/or carer is fully informed at all stages of the pathway and will communicate with patients, families and carers with empathy and reassurance. They will need good time management/organizational skills to prioritize the patient workload.

Research, Audit and Quality Improvement

The post holder will develop knowledge of research governance, clinical governance, research ethics, and work within and comply with the principles of Good Clinical Practice (ICH GCP).

They will work to support clinical audits, report results and where necessary, to implement change. They may be required to disseminate relevant research findings to colleagues and members of the health professions via presentation and publication. They will work within and contribute to the Trust’s governance processes and framework.

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