Clinical Research Fellow

Clinical Research Fellow

College of MVLS

School of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Health

We are seeking to employ two Clinical Research Fellows on a 1 year fixed-term basis.

Summary

PHOENIX is a pilot two-group parallel randomised trial aimed at generating preliminary evidence on the effectiveness of a pharmacogenomics (PGx) intervention in reducing adverse drug reactions (ADR) and treatment failures in patients (hospitalised or attending secondary care specialist clinics). Additionally, it will provide early insights into health-economic impact of such PGx-guided care. Pharmacogenomic analysis will be conducted on DNA extracted from buccal swab samples taken at consent. This Trial will be performed according to the UK Policy Framework for Health and Social Care Research (2023).

The trial will recruit adult participants, admitted to wards or attending specialist outpatient clinics in Queen Elizabeth University Hospital (QEUH), Glasgow, where the selected PGx drugs are frequently prescribed: General Medicine (all specialities and receiving areas), Medicine for the Elderly, Cardiology, Stroke, Diabetes and Endocrinology, Infectious Diseases, Rheumatology, Neurology, General Surgery, Vascular Surgery, Urology, ENT and Orthopaedics.

General Information

Clinical Research Fellowships offer medical graduates the opportunity for training in a range of research methodologies relevant to modern biomedical research in Medicine and related specialities. Most Clinical Fellows will undertake research training to consolidate career prospects, by participating in relevant research. While this fixed term post does not offer a higher qualification, the post should make individuals competitive for future NHS teaching hospital appointment or for MD or PhD fellowships. If further funding can be obtained, registration for an MD will be strongly encouraged and the research will be planned with successful attainment of a degree in mind. Fellows are encouraged to attend workshops and training in generic transferable skills organised by the College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences Graduate School. Full details of the programme are available at this link .

Clinical Work

For registered medical practitioners an honorary grading will be sought from the relevant NHS Service. Clinical activities may be limited to those required for research training such as recruitment to trials and conduct of clinical research. However, limited additional clinical experience will usually be available subject to the agreement of the supervisor and NHS Services Clinical Director, with in-patient and out-patient experience in Medicine and relevant Specialties. Where any clinical activities of a Service nature extend beyond the usual working week, confirmation in advance of any such responsibilities and agreement on additional payments must be obtained from appropriate NHS Services management. The individual will have a contract with the NHS Services via the appropriate directorate/division, which will specify the agreed amount of clinical work and the level of remuneration. Since the funding for this post does not include an element for clinical training or NHS service work, any such clinical work must be arranged to avoid impacting substantially on research time.

Funding Sources

The duration of funding is as specified in the post-specific information. Salary will be on ST or equivalent scale in line with experience. As noted above, there may be opportunities for additional salary supplements providing NHS cover in Medicine and related specialties by negotiation with local NHS management and subject to prioritisation of research. In relation to such supplements, the University will act as Paymaster only.

Research Training Base

The Clinical Research Fellow will be based at the University of Glasgow and will work at the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital.

Research Supervision

Details of the Institute and supervisorial pool can be found on the Institute's webpages, as per the post-specific information.

Teaching

There will be no regular commitment to teaching.

This is a one-year time-sensitive clinical trial post where the candidates will get experience in randomised clinical trial methods and pharmacogenomics. They need not have prior experience in clinical trials, so this is extremely valuable experience that will make them competitive for a fellowship if they are interested in the future.

This is a full-time research post that will be focussed entirely on carrying out the PHOENIX clinical trial (A Randomised Controlled Trial of Pre-Emptive Pharmacogenomics in Acute Care Settings with Health Economic Evaluations). The candidates will get trained in clinical trial methodologies and they will not have any teaching commitments.

Job Purpose

The role will allow the development of research skills whilst supporting the PHOENIX Clinical Trial team based on the QEUH Campus. Playing a key role to support the delivery of the PHOENIX trial and working in collaboration with the clinical trial team; assist with patient-facing activities, and study documentation. An honorary NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde Contract will be required and applied for on appointment.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

1. Contribute to patient-facing clinical research activities associated with the PHOENIX trial which will include screening, obtaining informed consent and study visits.
2. To be responsible for completing the recruitment and patient follow-up actions in a timely manner ensuring protocol and targets are fully met as required.
3. Collaborate with colleagues and participate in team meetings/discussions and research group activities.
4. Collaborate with colleagues and participate in analysis of trial data, adjudicate outcomes and assess causality using standardised tools.
5. Manage data handling and interpretation of research results and contribute to writing papers for publication in appropriate peer-reviewed journals.
6. Present work at internal and external seminars and national/international conferences as appropriate to enhance the profile of the research group.
7. Contribute to the organisation of project-related workshops, PPIE events, seminars or conferences.
8. Undertake some clinical work under an NHS honorary contract as detailed below.
9. Contribute to the enhancement of the University's international profile in line with the University's Strategic Plan Inspiring People, Changing the World.

Qualifications/Knowledge

Essential:

1. MBChB or equivalent.
2. Full registration with General Medical Council GMC and licensed to practice.

Desirable

1. BSc or equivalent intercalated degree.
2. Evidence of distinction in career to date e.g. prizes, awards, bursaries.

Skills

Essential:

1. Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work collegially to achieve a common goal/School objective.
2. Evidence of self-motivation, originality, innovation and the ability to work independently.
3. Good organisational skills including the ability to manage research projects.
4. Excellent communication both oral and written.

Experience

Essential:

1. Sufficient clinical experience to undertake research is essential, speciality training experience is not essential. Applicants should be after Foundation Year 2, but before the award of CCT.
2. Completed Good Clinical Practice (GCP) - NIHR training or will complete by the start date.
3. Prior experience in clinical research/clinical trials evidenced by abstract presentations and/or publications is desirable.
4. Previous experience in research is desirable.

For informal enquiries about the role, please contact Professor Sandosh Padmanabhan,

Terms & Conditions

Salary will be on the Clinical Research Fellow scale £48,288 - £71,550 per annum.

This post is full time, fixed term for 1 year, with the proposed start date of August 2025 or earlier.

Although this activity constitutes part of the job, the management of the clinical activity will be the full responsibility of the NHS Organisation. In the unlikely event that the NHS Organisation withdraws the honorary contract, the University will not be able to continue this post and notice of termination will be served.

Disclosure Scotland

The post for which you are applying is considered to be a child care position in terms of The Protection of Children (Scotland) Act 2003. It requires the successful applicant to undergo a satisfactory Disclosure check through Disclosure Scotland prior to appointment. This check is necessary to ensure that the University of Glasgow fulfils its legal duties under the Act. If you are successful in your application, the offer of employment will be subject to a satisfactory Disclosure Report. The University will make a Disclosure application to Disclosure Scotland, which will reveal any past criminal convictions (spent or unspent) or inclusion on the Disqualified from Working with Children List. Any non-conviction information held locally by the police may also be disclosed should this be considered relevant to the position.

Please note it is a criminal offence to apply for a child care position if you are on the Disqualified from Working with Children List.

It is the University of Glasgow's mission to foster an inclusive climate, which ensures equality in our working, learning, research and teaching environment.

Closing Date: 27 Μarch 2025 at 23:45