Full-time fixed term post for 12 months - MT04

The Trust has a reputation for award-winning research and innovation. Last year our research teams recruited over 16,000 participants into clinical trials and this effort led to PHU being ranked the top recruiting large acute trusts.

We are seeking a self-motivated and driven individual to join our Endoscopy Research Unit. 

This is an outstanding opportunity for an ambitious trainee gastroenterologist to gain experience of delivering clinical research under the supervision of Professor Pradeep Bhandari. 

In addition to helping deliver NIHR portfolio studies, the post holder will be supported to develop an investigator led project subject to their interests and register for a higher degree if required.

We have a strong, successful track record of delivering research studies and have supported MRes/MD/PhD research fellows with an aim for them to achieve their higher degrees and peer reviewed publications. We undertake numerous local and national research studies, and the fellow will have the opportunity to contribute to these.

It is anticipated that the successful candidate will achieve publications in peer reviewed journals and presentations at national and international meetings. In addition, they will conduct multi-centre portfolio studies and unique original research as part of the project. You will work closely with the lead clinicians and wider team of trial staff to set up, deliver and develop research studies. As part of our University Hospital partnership, we also work closely with University of Portsmouth Colleagues and members of the public to co-produce grant applications and study protocols. 

Duties will include:

• Supporting the coordination, management and delivery of clinical trials and studies according to protocols.  
• Supporting the Principal Investigator and/or the Departmental Research Lead in submitting applications for NHS, Regulatory, Ethics and Governance permissions to conduct Clinical Trials within the Trust.  
• Identifying, screening and assessing the suitability of local patients to take part in research, according to specified inclusion/exclusion criteria.
• Ensuring trial specific investigations and sampling are undertaken as per the Protocol to establish eligibility and to ensure safe entry into trials. 
• Providing specialist information to patients about taking part in Clinical Trials, including the risks and benefits of participation in specific protocols.
• Initiating and facilitating the process of gaining their informed consent. 
• Acting as primary contact for participants and to be a source of information for these patients and their relatives and for the local Clinical teams, with respect to trial activities. 
• Liaising with other clinical departments, support departments and external organizations to ensure the successful delivery of trials. 
• Maintaining accurate documentation in an auditable format, and accurately record data as required by each Trial. 
• Identifying barriers to recruitment and performance, communicating these to the wider team, and help facilitate their resolution. 
• Working to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPS) for research activity and provide ongoing review and development of these SOPS. 
• Ensuring all activities undertaken meet the standards set out in the Principles of Good Clinical Practice (ICH-GCP, 1996) and National Research Governance Framework for Health & Social Care (DH, 2005). Enforce all applicable standards (e.g. ‘Medicines for Human Use (Clinical Trials) Regulations 2004’) for research. 
• Undertaking research projects in Gastroenterology. The post holder will be encouraged to register for an MD thesis or similar and present their findings at national meetings as well as publishing in peer reviewed journals.  
• Assisting with running current multi-centre clinical research trials – recruitment, consenting, performing procedures as per protocol.
• On completion of the trial data analysis, publishing of results and writing papers. 
• Write grant applications for future studies, as identified. 
• Actively participate in the research team meetings, including current research fellows, research nurses and department consultants. 
• Attend Research Fellow meetings, to describe delivery on Research Network Portfolio trials, quality improvements made, show knowledge transfer and progress on academic studies   

Qualifications

Essential  

• Successful completion of medical training to IMY2 level or equivalent. 

• A pass achieved for part 2 written component of the MRCP examination or MRCS Part 2. 

• Valid Advanced Life Support (ALS) certificate from a Resuscitation Council (UK) registered ALS courses 

Desirable 

• MSc or FRCS Intercollegiate/Full Membership of the Royal College of Physicians of the United Kingdom 

• Good Clinical Practice certificate 

• Peer reviewed publications 

Skills and Knowledge 

Essential 

• An interest in clinical research  

• Demonstration of enthusiasm and interest in a career in a medical specialty 

• To be competent in managing common medical emergencies 

• To have a good understanding of general medicine 

Desirable 

• Critical appraisal and analytical skills for interpreting qualitative and quantitative information 

• Previous experience working within the NHS 

We welcome the unique contributions that you can bring in terms of your education, opinions, culture, ethnicity, race, sex, gender identity and expression, nation of origin, age, languages spoken, veteran’s status, colour, religion, disability, sexual orientation, and beliefs.