Job summary
Applications are invited for Clinical Trials Fellows to support Research and Development (R&D) in The Lind Research Centre and other clinical trials settings at University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust (UHP), Devon, UK. Derriford Hospital is the tertiary centre for the South West Peninsula. Plymouth and the surrounding districts comprise a population of 450,000. There is easy access to the coast and Dartmoor national park, with a favorable climate.
The post provides an ideal opportunity for doctors interested in progressing their careers through research & clinical trials. The posts also offer an opportunity to gain an insight into research for those taking time out before progression in core or specialty clinical training. Our fellows in recent years have progressed on to specialty training or NIHR academic clinical fellowship posts in their specialty of choice
The post of Clinical Trials Fellow is for an experienced doctor (ideally with at least 2 years post foundation training)
Start date of the post(s) is August 2025 for a period of 12 months.
For further information please contact Mr Michael Visick, R&D Clinical Director by email michael.visick2@nhs.net or telephone 07827 832624
Main duties of the job
The post would involve provision of medical cover to a multitude of clinical trials, mostly running at the James Lind Research Centre. We have a large and varied trials portfolio spanning across a number of specialties, for example neurology, asthma, hepatology, diabetes, stroke and cardiology. Recently we have broadened our research offer to the community through our mobile research unit and now include large scale vaccine trials and trials in primary care, in collaboration with GP partners.
Note that the post does not usually support clinical trials in haematology or oncology since research is embedded into clinical teams in these specialties.
Clinical trials fellows may wish to develop clinical experience & education to enhance their career progression in their preferred specialty. In some instances, we may be able to work with service lines for the fellow to provide some clinical work to those specialty areas. Where candidates are interested in this possibility, advance planning is advised. The department will support time for those undertaking medical professional exams.
There is no regular on call component or acute medical rota contribution to this job, however occasional cover for planned overnight admission or weekend cover for participants in clinical trials may be required.
About us
We are a people business - where every member of staff matters and can make a difference. Patients are at the heart of everything we do. Joining University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust means becoming part of a team of dedicated staff, who are committed to leading the way through innovation, clinical excellence and great customer care. The Trust has great opportunities for career development in a highly progressive working environment. We offer all of this in a vibrant, modern city with a historic reputation for adventure. PLEASE NOTE THAT ALL COMMUNICATION WILL BE ELECTRONIC, PLEASE CHECK YOUR EMAIL ACCOUNT REGULARLY. If you have any issues with applying online and need additional support including reasonable adjustments with the application process please contact the recruitment team on 01752 432100. We recognise that work life balance is important for our colleagues and so we invite requests from applicants around less than full time/flexible working for our advertised roles. Please contact the recruiting manager to discuss this prior to your application submission. We commit to giving this full consideration in each case. We encourage people from diverse backgrounds to apply for our roles, as diversity strengthens our teams. It is sometimes necessary to close vacancies before the closing date. If you have not heard from us within 4 weeks of the closing date, please assume that you have not been shortlisted.
Job description
Job responsibilities
The applicant should have a good medical knowledge. A good understanding of the importance of research, methodology and accurate data collection is essential.The work mainly involves pre-existing studies in the NIHR portfolio; The post-holder will be working on a range of interventional (drug) trials and observational studies, based in the James Lind Research Centre, Derriford Hospital, where most study activity is conducted and in other appropriate clinical settings, including a mobile unit. Desk space is provided at the Research Office, Bircham Park, Derriford Hospital. The primary expectation is to recruit, consent, enrol and monitor patients according to each trial protocol, in keeping with the principles of Good Clinical Practice. Working within the research teams, which comprise consultants, research/specialist nurses and administrators, the post-holder will be expected to work in clinics. This may be alone (with trials team support), in parallel with clinics, or in joint clinics. Post holders will therefore require an excellent approach to working within teams, versatility and enthusiasm, as well as being able to work alone and make sound clinical decisions, with appropriate support.The post-holder will use interpersonal skills to liaise with key personnel from the Pharma industry, including trial monitors and trial coordinators, as well as a range of healthcare professionals from the supporting services at UHP. Organisation, efficient time management are essential skills, as is accurate record keeping with all activity requiring documentation to an auditable standard. Ultimately the post-holder is expected to increase recruitment into trials in support of the wider team.The post-holder will not be expected to make treatment decisions beyond their knowledge and training. They will, however, be expected to demonstrate the following: Accountability Initiative Multiprofessional team-working Analytical and judgment skills Planning and organisational skills Responsibility for policy/service development Responsibility for financial and physical resources Responsibility for information resources Information Management & Technology skills Management responsibility work within a clear research governance framework.
Other General Duties and Responsibilities of the Post Provision with colleagues of a service to UHP, with responsibility for the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of illness, and the proper functioning of the department. Cover for colleagues annual leave and other authorised absences. Any responsibility that relates to a special interest. Provide medical supervision of research staff Provide clinical care of patients participating in clinical trials. Liaison with other medical staff involved in care of trial patient e.g. GPs Responsibilities for carrying out teaching. Participating in medical audit, the Trusts Clinical Governance processes and in continuing Professional Development. A willingness to undertake additional professional responsibilities at local, regional or national levels. The post-holder must at all times carry out their duties with due regard to the Trusts Equal Opportunities Policy. A responsibility to ensure that all colleagues and patients receive the same treatment, care, and attention, regardless of race, religion, ethnic origin, gender, marital status, age, sexuality or disability. A responsibility to work co-operatively with colleagues and to respect and value their contribution to patient care.
It is the responsibility of all employees to maintain a safe and healthy environment for patients, visitors, and staff. The post-holder is required to comply with the appropriate Health and Safety Policies as may be in force. A responsibility to decline to undertake duties for which the post-holder has not been trained, or for which the post-holder does not believe they will be able to undertake safely. It is the responsibility of the post-holder to ensure that all duties are carried out to the highest possible standard and in accordance with the current quality initiatives within the area of work. All staff who have access to or transfer data are responsible for that data and must respect confidentiality and comply with the requirement of the Data Protection Act 1998, in line with the Trusts policies. Such information should not be released without the consent of the patient, client, staff member concerned unless required by a court order. The post-holder is responsible for data quality and complying with the policies, procedures and accountability arrangements throughout the Trust for maintaining accuracy and probity in the recording of the Trusts activities. The post-holder will be required to comply with the requirements of the Freedom of Information Act 2000 in line with Trust Policy. The post-holder is required to comply with Trust policy on the implementation of Working Time Regulations (1998, 2009 amendment) including declaration of hours worked and breaks taken by undertaking monitoring exercises when required and reporting any instances where the pattern of working hours may constitute a health and safety risk to the post-holder, patients, public and other Trust employees. The post-holder will not be subjected to any unlawful detriment by reporting any concerns under the Regulations. The post-holder will be responsible for undertaking the administrative duties associated with the care of patients and the administration of the department. The post-holder will be required to participate in the annual appraisal process. The post-holder will be required to complete annual updates in mandatory training. Travel as necessary between hospitals/clinics will be required but a planned and cost -effective approach will be expected. Any other duties that may be required from time to time.
Expectations of the Post-holder An appropriate Contract of Employment incorporating national terms and conditions (in accordance with national and local collective agreements). An appropriate agreed job plan that may be changed by mutual agreement between the doctor and the Service Line in accordance with the procedure for the agreement for the review of job plans and any recommendations following appraisal. Receive appropriate consultant supervision and mentoring. Adequate support and time allocation to allow doctors to participate in the Trusts appraisal process .
Job description
Job responsibilities
The applicant should have a good medical knowledge. A good understanding of the importance of research, methodology and accurate data collection is essential.The work mainly involves pre-existing studies in the NIHR portfolio; The post-holder will be working on a range of interventional (drug) trials and observational studies, based in the James Lind Research Centre, Derriford Hospital, where most study activity is conducted and in other appropriate clinical settings, including a mobile unit. Desk space is provided at the Research Office, Bircham Park, Derriford Hospital. The primary expectation is to recruit, consent, enrol and monitor patients according to each trial protocol, in keeping with the principles of Good Clinical Practice. Working within the research teams, which comprise consultants, research/specialist nurses and administrators, the post-holder will be expected to work in clinics. This may be alone (with trials team support), in parallel with clinics, or in joint clinics. Post holders will therefore require an excellent approach to working within teams, versatility and enthusiasm, as well as being able to work alone and make sound clinical decisions, with appropriate support.The post-holder will use interpersonal skills to liaise with key personnel from the Pharma industry, including trial monitors and trial coordinators, as well as a range of healthcare professionals from the supporting services at UHP. Organisation, efficient time management are essential skills, as is accurate record keeping with all activity requiring documentation to an auditable standard. Ultimately the post-holder is expected to increase recruitment into trials in support of the wider team.The post-holder will not be expected to make treatment decisions beyond their knowledge and training. They will, however, be expected to demonstrate the following: Accountability Initiative Multiprofessional team-working Analytical and judgment skills Planning and organisational skills Responsibility for policy/service development Responsibility for financial and physical resources Responsibility for information resources Information Management & Technology skills Management responsibility work within a clear research governance framework.
Other General Duties and Responsibilities of the Post Provision with colleagues of a service to UHP, with responsibility for the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of illness, and the proper functioning of the department. Cover for colleagues annual leave and other authorised absences. Any responsibility that relates to a special interest. Provide medical supervision of research staff Provide clinical care of patients participating in clinical trials. Liaison with other medical staff involved in care of trial patient e.g. GPs Responsibilities for carrying out teaching. Participating in medical audit, the Trusts Clinical Governance processes and in continuing Professional Development. A willingness to undertake additional professional responsibilities at local, regional or national levels. The post-holder must at all times carry out their duties with due regard to the Trusts Equal Opportunities Policy. A responsibility to ensure that all colleagues and patients receive the same treatment, care, and attention, regardless of race, religion, ethnic origin, gender, marital status, age, sexuality or disability. A responsibility to work co-operatively with colleagues and to respect and value their contribution to patient care.
It is the responsibility of all employees to maintain a safe and healthy environment for patients, visitors, and staff. The post-holder is required to comply with the appropriate Health and Safety Policies as may be in force. A responsibility to decline to undertake duties for which the post-holder has not been trained, or for which the post-holder does not believe they will be able to undertake safely. It is the responsibility of the post-holder to ensure that all duties are carried out to the highest possible standard and in accordance with the current quality initiatives within the area of work. All staff who have access to or transfer data are responsible for that data and must respect confidentiality and comply with the requirement of the Data Protection Act 1998, in line with the Trusts policies. Such information should not be released without the consent of the patient, client, staff member concerned unless required by a court order. The post-holder is responsible for data quality and complying with the policies, procedures and accountability arrangements throughout the Trust for maintaining accuracy and probity in the recording of the Trusts activities. The post-holder will be required to comply with the requirements of the Freedom of Information Act 2000 in line with Trust Policy. The post-holder is required to comply with Trust policy on the implementation of Working Time Regulations (1998, 2009 amendment) including declaration of hours worked and breaks taken by undertaking monitoring exercises when required and reporting any instances where the pattern of working hours may constitute a health and safety risk to the post-holder, patients, public and other Trust employees. The post-holder will not be subjected to any unlawful detriment by reporting any concerns under the Regulations. The post-holder will be responsible for undertaking the administrative duties associated with the care of patients and the administration of the department. The post-holder will be required to participate in the annual appraisal process. The post-holder will be required to complete annual updates in mandatory training. Travel as necessary between hospitals/clinics will be required but a planned and cost -effective approach will be expected. Any other duties that may be required from time to time.
Expectations of the Post-holder An appropriate Contract of Employment incorporating national terms and conditions (in accordance with national and local collective agreements). An appropriate agreed job plan that may be changed by mutual agreement between the doctor and the Service Line in accordance with the procedure for the agreement for the review of job plans and any recommendations following appraisal. Receive appropriate consultant supervision and mentoring. Adequate support and time allocation to allow doctors to participate in the Trusts appraisal process .
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- MBBS or equivalent
- Registered with the GMC Non-UK graduates must provide evidence of appropriate knowledge, training and experience, particularly in the case of acute medical conditions.
Desirable
Knowledge
Essential
- A sound knowledge of basic clinical sciences and the ability to apply this knowledge to clinical practice
- Completion of Foundation medical training
- At least 2 years of post-foundation medical experience
Desirable
- Experience of research including clinical trials
- Understanding of principles of audit, research and evidence-based medicine.
- Completion of Core Medical Training
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- MBBS or equivalent
- Registered with the GMC Non-UK graduates must provide evidence of appropriate knowledge, training and experience, particularly in the case of acute medical conditions.
Desirable
Knowledge
Essential
- A sound knowledge of basic clinical sciences and the ability to apply this knowledge to clinical practice
- Completion of Foundation medical training
- At least 2 years of post-foundation medical experience
Desirable
- Experience of research including clinical trials
- Understanding of principles of audit, research and evidence-based medicine.
- Completion of Core Medical Training
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).
