Clinical Research Fellow in Neurosciences

Clinical Research Fellow in Neurosciences University Hospital Southampton NHS Trust

University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust is delighted to offer a fantastic opportunity to work with us.

Please see below for detailed job description of the role.

Main duties of the job

This fellowship is a great training opportunity for those looking to augment their neurology experience or wishing to develop a clinical and/or research interest in the clinical neurosciences (neurology). The start date is 10th March 2025, and the post is until 5th August 2025.

You will join a leading clinical and research team carrying out trials in patients with neurodegenerative and neuroinflammatory conditions such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, progressive supranuclear palsy, and multiple sclerosis. You will be a sub-investigator for a full range of studies from phase 1 first in human to phase 3 and registry studies. Additionally, you will be encouraged to write publications, carry out your own research, and present at national and international conferences. The fellow will join the CRN Wessex Research Fellow programme, within the Southampton Academy of Research (SoAR), to gain the necessary skills to deliver high-quality portfolio research activity throughout their future career. In addition, you will benefit from clinical training in a busy tertiary neurological centre with a broad range of specialist clinics and services.

About us

As one of the largest acute teaching Trusts in England, we offer learning and development opportunities to help you achieve the career you aspire to. UHS is rated 'Good' by the CQC and in the latest national NHS Staff Survey, we were in the top 10 acute trusts for staff engagement and for staff recommending the hospital as a place to work or receive care.

We support flexible working and will consider requests taking into account the needs of the service. UHS employees are able to access a range of NHS discounts, are entitled to a minimum of 35 days paid holiday (pro rata), and we offer a generous pension scheme.

Southampton is an attractive place to live and work situated on the south coast, with an international airport and direct trains to London. The New Forest National Park and beaches of the Jurassic coast are also right on our doorstep. The city offers living costs 20% lower than London and 14 schools rated outstanding by Ofsted.

Job responsibilities

The post will be primarily research but will include full participation in the on-call rota, and as such, allowance will be given to completing clinical time to facilitate that role.

The Wessex Neurological Centre is a tertiary centre of excellence providing neurological care in a variety of neurology subspecialties, serving a population catchment of 3.5 million. Exposure will be broad, across neurology, providing a good basis for training. Activities will include looking after inpatients as part of consultant-led teams and participating in audit, the weekly academic programme, and continuing professional education.

The research will involve: (1) being a sub-investigator and recruiting to a range of studies from phase 1 first in human studies to phase 3 platform studies or registry studies in neurodegenerative or neuroinflammatory conditions, (2) planning and executing the post-holder's clinical research career development, which could involve designing one's own research project, gathering preliminary data, and/or preparing a fellowship funding application. The post-holder is expected to participate in the CRN Wessex Research Fellow Education Programme, which includes quarterly Wessex-wide research fellow meetings, participation in the competency-based approach to training and development opportunities. Progress reports will help development and include details of research recruitment, grant applications, publications, and achievement of research fellow competencies.

What we're looking for

We are looking for a GMC-registered medical doctor, with an interest in neurology. The candidate should have successfully completed IMT and MRCP and be able to independently carry out lumbar punctures to a high standard. You should be able to manage acute medical emergencies and have the ability to prioritise tasks, work across different specialties and teams, recognize your own abilities and limitations, and communicate effectively with team members, patients, and their carers. Prior experience of research would be an asset, but this post is also ideal for those seeking their first clinical research experience.

Additional Information

Appointment will be made under local contractual terms and conditions of service for Trust appointed (non-training) fellow doctors and dentists. Successful candidates will have an educational framework equivalent to training grade doctors, and there will be a named educational supervisor assigned at the start of the post.

The opportunity for Continued Professional Development (CPD) is highly supported and encouraged by the Trust, with options available to take study leave. All licensed doctors must meet the GMC requirements for revalidation, and there will be an annual appraisal to support this process.

Grades for Trust appointed (non-training) fellows will be paid a basic salary at a nodal pay point linked to the grade, at the rate set out in the National Medical and Dental pay circular.

Basic salary detailed below plus any additional remuneration (as applicable) for hours set out in the doctors work schedule (e.g., additional hours, weekend allowance, and any hours which attract enhanced pay)

Basic Salary MT04 £61,825 Basic Salary MT05 £70,425

Salary will be assessed based on experience and skills. Eligibility criteria for appointment to a Nodal Point 5: Have a minimum of 6 years of Specialty training; Hold relevant higher specialty exam (e.g., FRCP, FRCA, FRCS); A portfolio of evidence that demonstrates they meet the criteria for progression (in line with the Curriculum for the specialty similar to deanery trainee).

Travelling expenses will not be paid for attending interview. Please note that GMC registration (with a licence to practice) and right to work in the UK are essential for this role.

Successful applicants will already have GMC registration or will be able to demonstrate they are eligible.

Applicants requiring Tier 2 sponsorship should ensure they meet the Home Office application criteria prior to submitting an application. Interviews will be held on 26th February 2025. Job Reference: 188-MD30125 - This vacancy closes on or before 18th February 2025.

Should you have any queries, please use the contact details below to get in touch.

Person Specification Qualifications, Training & Experience

• MBBS or equivalent medical qualification
• GMC registration with a licence to practise
• MRCP or equivalent
• Appropriate knowledge base, and ability to apply sound clinical judgement to problems
• Post Graduate -BSc (or other intercalated degree) or other higher degrees (e.g. PhD)
• Undergraduate Awards
• GCP training

Qualifications, Training & Experience

• Successful completion of a Foundation Programme and intermediate medical training programme or equivalent
• Additional experience in Neurology
• Previous experience in Neurology at ST 3 level (or equivalent)
• Experience of neurology outpatient clinics
• Statistical or data-based research

Aptitudes and skills

• Evidence and ability to work effectively in multi-professional teams
• Understanding of equality and diversity and how this affects patients, visitors, and staff
• Evidence and ability to communicate and liaise effectively with patients and colleagues (verbal and written communication skills in English).
• Demonstrate good organisational skills including the ability to prioritise effectively and meet deadlines
• Demonstrate the ability to be calm, compassionate, and able to respond efficiently to various circumstances, which may change rapidly
• Evidence of participation in undergraduate and postgraduate teaching
• Competent to carry out a Lumbar Puncture independently to a high standard

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

University Hospital Southampton NHS Trust

Depending on experience £61,825 - £70,425 Assessed on experience & qualifications per annum