Job summary
This post represents an exciting opportunity to work in a busy eye department learning clinical & research skills. It is an ideal post in which to gain ophthalmology experience with a research focus, and to apply for a National Training number. For those with ophthalmology experience, this is an excellent opportunity to gain focused clinical trials experience in an NIHR clinical research network-sponsored post.
The Trust has a reputation for award-winning research and innovation. PHU teams have recruited over 8000 participants into clinical trials and this effort led to PHU being ranked the top recruiting large acute trusts, with over 123 open studies. We are seeking a self-motivated and driven individual to join our cohort of research fellows with a special interest in Ophthalmology. The post is available for 12 months in the first instance with a review to extend beyond this if the individual fulfils requirements of the research fellow programme.
Main duties of the job
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 studies as part of the project.
You will work closely with the lead clinicians in the Ophthalmology department under the supervision of Mr Jim Kirwan and wider team of trial staff to set up, deliver and develop research studies. The post will offer time spent in glaucoma clinic to identify and recruit patients into trials, sessions for seeing research participants and completing research related administrative tasks, clinical sessions (eye casualty, minor ops or laser), and departmental teaching/study. There has been an excellent track record of previous post-holders successfully applying to ophthalmology specialty training or pursuing academic careers within the region.
As a member of the wider medical Research Fellow team, the post holder may be required to provide some general cover and supporting Urgent Public Health studies within our vaccine research hub.
About us
The Trust is committed to driving excellence in care for our patients and communities and was rated good by the Care Quality Commission report published 2020 and became a University Hospital. We are ranked as the third in the country for research; embedding education and training across the organisation and we continuously strive to achieve our core values which are at the heart of everything we do. The Trusts main hub is the Queen Alexandra Hospital, starting life as a military hospital over a century ago and now one of the largest hospitals on the south coast and you may have seen us on the TV series Nurses on the Ward. The Trust provides comprehensive secondary care and specialist services to a local population of 675,000 people across South East Hampshire. The Trust employs over 8,000 staff and are #ProudtobePHU; our patients come from all walks of life and so do we. We hire great people from a wide variety of backgrounds, not just because its the right thing to do, but because it makes our hospital stronger. If you share our values and our enthusiasm for providing outstanding care and support for patients, colleagues and our community you will find a home at PHU. In recruiting for our team, 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, veterans
status, colour, religion, disability, sexual orientation and beliefs.
Job description
Job responsibilities
- Work as part of a Ophthalmology research team to co-ordinate, lead and deliver research trials.
- Responsible for coordinating, delivering and maintaining a high standard of day-to-day clinical treatment for all patients eligible for and recruited on to clinical trials.
- Recruit patients into clinical trials designated as portfolio studies by the NIHR and Wessex CRN.
- Provide support to study Principal Investigators, Clinical Research Leads and other research staff to deliver high quality clinical research.
- Provide clinical leadership and advice to junior members of the research team.
- As a member of the wider Research Fellow team, the post holder will contribute to providing low intensity general medical cover and supporting Urgent Public Health studies as required including at our John Pounds Research hub for a minimum of x1 day per week as agreed with the departmental leads.
Research Fellow Role
- 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 organisations 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.
- 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 as per the schedule, to describe delivery on Research Network Portfolio trials, quality improvements made, show knowledge transfer and progress on academic studies.
- Providing medical support for Urgent Public Health Research and other high priority NIHR research under the direction of the Wessex CRN fellowship programme across all Portsmouth sites.
Job description
Job responsibilities
- Work as part of a Ophthalmology research team to co-ordinate, lead and deliver research trials.
- Responsible for coordinating, delivering and maintaining a high standard of day-to-day clinical treatment for all patients eligible for and recruited on to clinical trials.
- Recruit patients into clinical trials designated as portfolio studies by the NIHR and Wessex CRN.
- Provide support to study Principal Investigators, Clinical Research Leads and other research staff to deliver high quality clinical research.
- Provide clinical leadership and advice to junior members of the research team.
- As a member of the wider Research Fellow team, the post holder will contribute to providing low intensity general medical cover and supporting Urgent Public Health studies as required including at our John Pounds Research hub for a minimum of x1 day per week as agreed with the departmental leads.
Research Fellow Role
- 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 organisations 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.
- 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 as per the schedule, to describe delivery on Research Network Portfolio trials, quality improvements made, show knowledge transfer and progress on academic studies.
- Providing medical support for Urgent Public Health Research and other high priority NIHR research under the direction of the Wessex CRN fellowship programme across all Portsmouth sites.
Person Specification
Skills & 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.
- The ability to interact well intellectually and personally with colleagues and patients.
- The ability to communicate with patients clearly.
- The ability to complete work on time and work to deadlines.
- Self-motivation, initiative and the ability to work both independently and as part of a busy team.
- Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
- Evidence of prioritising and organisational skills and the ability to meet tight deadlines.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills including presentation and report writing skills.
- Good attention to detail.
Desirable
- Critical appraisal and analytical skills for interpreting qualitative and quantitative information.
- Previous experience working within the NHS.
Qualifications
Essential
- A GMC registered medical practitioner.
- Successful completion of medical training to IMY2 level or equivalent and pass achieved for part 2 written component of the MRCP examination.
- Valid Advanced Life Support (ALS) certificate from a Resuscitation Council (UK) registered ALS courses.
Desirable
- Full Membership of the Royal College of Physicians of the United Kingdom.
- Good Clinical Practice certificate.
Person Specification
Skills & 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.
- The ability to interact well intellectually and personally with colleagues and patients.
- The ability to communicate with patients clearly.
- The ability to complete work on time and work to deadlines.
- Self-motivation, initiative and the ability to work both independently and as part of a busy team.
- Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
- Evidence of prioritising and organisational skills and the ability to meet tight deadlines.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills including presentation and report writing skills.
- Good attention to detail.
Desirable
- Critical appraisal and analytical skills for interpreting qualitative and quantitative information.
- Previous experience working within the NHS.
Qualifications
Essential
- A GMC registered medical practitioner.
- Successful completion of medical training to IMY2 level or equivalent and pass achieved for part 2 written component of the MRCP examination.
- Valid Advanced Life Support (ALS) certificate from a Resuscitation Council (UK) registered ALS courses.
Desirable
- Full Membership of the Royal College of Physicians of the United Kingdom.
- Good Clinical Practice certificate.
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.
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see
NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
Additional information
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.
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see
NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
