Job Profile

Core job information

Job Title Clinical Research Fellow

Dept./School/Inst. Blizard Institute Section/Centre/Unit

Immunobiology, Liver Unit

Career Family Clinical Academic Grade Lecturer

Working hours per week

35 Appointment period

20 months

Reports to (job title) Dr William Alazawi Current location Whitechapel

Job purpose

To complete original research into the management of patients with chronic liver disease, particularly non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) alongside multidisciplinary clinical and research teams. NAFLD is the most common cause of chronic liver disease in the West, and increasingly, worldwide. western world Non-alcoholic fatty liver affects 20-30% of the population and of these approximately a sixth will develop the p[rogrssive form of the disease, non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and will be at risk of developing advanced liver disease, liver failure and liver cancer. However the determinants of progression remain poorly understood and as a result it is not possible to accurately identify those who are likely to progress, nor are there drugs licensed to treat this condition. At the Liver Unit in Queen Mary, University London, we conduct a programme of research that includes MRC-funded basic science, translational and clinical research projects. The local population served by Barts Health have high levels of ethnic diversity and social deprivation. Metabolic syndrome is highly prevalent, and large numbers of patients with NAFLD are being identified. The close integration between clinical and research teams facilitates cutting edge research. This post is a unique opportunity to join a thriving research group and to be involved in work that is likely to change the way in which patients with NAFLD are looked after. It is expected that the work will lead to a higher research degree.

The post holder will:- Work as part of a multidisciplinary team of clinicians, scientists, nurses and support staff,

delivering a programme of research relating to non-alcoholic fatty liver disease Work as part of a multidisciplinary clinical trials team, acting as sub-investigator on a number of

clinical trials relating to liver disease Contribute to the overall scientific endeavour of the Centre, and to take responsibility for areas of

the current projects, as demand requires. Work as part of the Institute’s research team, being mutually supportive and covering duties as

necessary during colleagues’ absences and at times of additional pressure, as directed.

Knowledge, Skills & Experience

Requirements Essential/Qualifications UK-registerable basic medical qualification

MBBS, MRCS or equivalent Essential Essential

Experience Medical training to SpR level Experience of managing patients with liver disease, in

particular NAFLD and viral hepatitis Experience in medical research Clinical research experience with current GCP certificate

Essential

Desirable Desirable Desirable

Knowledge, skills & Proven research skills with evidence of peer reviewed Desirable

abilities publications and presentations at international meetings Evidence of good team working, in particular ability to

interact positively with project co-workers Understanding of the research process Ability to organise and prioritise own work Good communication skills Presentation skills Computer literacy, including word processing, Excel and

literature searches Experience of molecular biology Statistical analysis Ability to interpret the scientific literature and

incorporate into project

Essential

Essential Essential Essential Essential

Essential Desirable Desirable

Desirable

Attitude & disposition Flexible and co-operative. Self-motivated Willingness to learn new skills Willing to be innovative and to deal with responsibilities of the Unit

Essential Essential Essential Essential

Other circumstances Desire to pursue a career in academic medicine Willingness to work on different sites and flexible (sometimes

long) hours as the work demands

Essential Essential

Main Duties and Responsibilities of the Role1. The principal duty of the post will be to undertake clinical research, developing the research

program as outlined.

2. To achieve a steady publications record of the kind that will enhance the Centre’s research reputation at national and international level and that well clearly demonstrate originality and scholarship.

3. To attend and participate in the Centre’s academic activities, eg laboratory and journal club meetings, research group meetings and weekly seminars.

4. To make research initiatives and original contributions to the research programme wherever possible, and to contribute freely to the team research environment in a manner conducive to the success of the research project as a whole.

5. To keep up to date with scientific, clinical and professional issues, in particular relating to developments in the specific subject area.

6. To ensure that all research is undertaken according to Good Clinical Practice (GCP), Good Laboratory Practice (GLP), Research Governance Framework (RGF), as well as College and Trust protocols.

Clinical:

[The posholder will hold an Honorary SpR contract with the Barts Health NHS Trust.]

7. To assist with the clinical management of patients under the care of this Centre under the supervision of Dr William Alazawi and the other hepatology consultants.

8. The post-holders must have an awareness and understanding of clinical governance issues, and will be expected to participate in Clinical Governance activities related to their clinical work.

Teaching:9. To contribute to the delivery of undergraduate and postgraduate curricula in accordance with the

Institute’s Teaching and Learning Service Level Agreement and as agreed by the Project Supervisor, the Centre Lead, the Institute Teaching Lead and the Institute Director. This may include contributing to course and examination organisation, and, when required, serving on strategic or tactical committees related to teaching.

10. The School runs a problem-based learning programme and the post-holders may be asked to act as facilitators to small groups of students. Appropriate training will be given as necessary.

11. To support the project medical and nurse co-ordinator in the education and training of other staff, as required.

Other:

12. To ensure they are fully aware of and comply with the College’s/Trust’s policies and procedures in relation to data protection, confidentiality, health and safety at work, COSHH regulations, infection control, safe handling of drugs, and all local safety rules regarding fire, chemical, radioisotope and gene manipulation hazards.

13. To identify own training needs and to remain up to date with current professional thinking.

14. The postholder must at all times carry out their responsibilities with due regard to the College's and Trust’s Equal Opportunities policy.

15. The duties of the post outlined above are not exhaustive, and the postholder will be expected to be co-operative and flexible, undertaking such administrative and other duties as may from time to time be reasonably expected of a member of research grade staff in a university.

16. These duties will be subject to review in line with the changing requirements of the Centre, Institute, School or College, and with the development needs of the postholder as identified through regular review/appraisal processes.

This job description sets out the duties of the post at the time it was drawn up. Such duties may vary from time to time without changing the general character of the duties or level of responsibility entailed. Such variations are a common occurrence and cannot of themselves justify a reconsideration of the grading of the post.

Working Environment

Knowledge of risks associated with managing patients with infectious diseases.

Freedom to Act & Decision Making

Judgements involving complex facts or situations, which require analysis, interpretation and comparison of data from both clinical and laboratory based research.

To ensure that patient care is conducted in accordance with good clinical practice.

To use forward planning and goal-setting to assure that the study proceeds to target.

To adopt flexible working practices where required.

Communication & Networking To work as part of a multidisciplinary team of clinicians, scientists, nurses and support staff,

developing good working relationships within the team, and making use of discussions with the project supervisor(s), and other team members as appropriate, to establish and maintain excellent communication links.

Providing, receiving and presenting complex information to a large group of staff/students/peers within the Research Centre, Institute, SMD, Trust and externally.

To review study progress with the project medical co-ordinator at least weekly or more often if

necessary.

Finance/Resource Management

No budgetary responsibilities.

People Management

No direct line management of staff.

Supervision and training of new members of staff in appropriate lab techniques, etc.

Supervision of clinical research assistants, nursing staff and medical students.

This job description sets out the duties of the post at the time it was drawn up. Such duties may vary from time to time without changing the general character of the duties or level of responsibility entailed. Such variations are a common occurrence and cannot of themselves justify a reconsideration of the grading of the post.

Organisation Chart