Job summary
Tommy's
Clinical Research Fellow post in Obstetrics
Applications
are invited for the Tommy's Clinical Research Fellow post at the Leeds Teaching
Hospitals Trust in conjunction with the University of Leeds. The post is
available from Aug 2025.
The
research areas concerns the microarchitecture of the cervix and preterm birth
(supervisors Dr Nic Orsi, Mr Nigel Simpson). An example of previous work may be
found below. Progression towards a higher degree would be expected and
encouraged.
Previous
research experience is desirable but not essential. It will incorporate the
span of bench, clinical, and data-led studies which should appeal to a wide
range of trainees with pre-existing abilities and interests, but especially
those considering a future in preterm birth prevention.
The
successful applicant will be involved in the full range of clinical activities
in preterm prevention (pre-pregnancy counselling, preterm prevention clinics,
transvaginal ultrasound scanning of the cervix, placement of high vaginal and
transabdominal cerclages), leading to independent practice in this area. As
such it may appeal more to a trainee at ST6+ level.
Main duties of the job
The
post is split between research (six sessions) and clinical (four sessions) as
well as a full on-call rota commitment. The post also includes a commitment to
undergraduate teaching and examinations as a member of the academic team. The
terms and conditions of the post will be those of the NHS terms and conditions
for medical and dental staff.
Please
refer to attached job description and person specification.
About us
The
maternity service is based at St James University Hospital (approximately
4,500 deliveries per year) and Leeds General Infirmary (approximately 4500
deliveries per year). Each site has a
delivery suite, antenatal and postnatal wards, antenatal day care unit, fetal
assessment unit, obstetric ultrasound department, maternity assessment centre
and outpatient clinics. There is a tertiary level fetal medicine unit at LGI,
where the Level 3 neonatal unit is also situated.
The
gynaecology service is predominantly based at St James University Hospital
(Chancellor Wing) and includes general, urogynaecological, recurrent
miscarriage, endometrial ablation, fertility control, complex contraception,
menopause, perineal and ambulatory gynaecology clinics such as
hysteroscopy,), vulval and colposcopy.
Leeds
Teaching Hospitals is committed to our process of redeploying 'at risk'
members of our existing workforce to new roles. As such, all our job adverts
are subject to this policy and we reserve the right to close, delay or remove
adverts while this process is completed. If you do experience a delay in the
shortlisting stage of the recruitment cycle, please bear with us while this
process is completed, and contact the named contact if you have any
questions.
Job description
Job responsibilities
This
post was established by Leeds Teaching Hospitals Trust in conjunction with
Tommy's and The University of Leeds, to encourage more senior trainees to
become involved in research activity and to develop specialist interest.
Applications
are now invited for a Clinical Research Fellow (Trust doctor) in Obstetrics
ST6+ level.
The
specific research area relates to the microarchitecture of the cervix and its
role in preterm birth.
Previous
research experience is desirable but not essential. The proposed research
incorporates the span of bench, clinical, and data-led studies which should
appeal to a wide range of trainees with pre-existing abilities and interests.
We
are seeking highly motivated, enthusiastic individuals with the potential to
excel in both their clinical and research training and who have the ambition
to obtain a higher degree. The post is for up to 3 years with 60% of the
working week dedicated to research and 40% to clinical service. There is an
on-call commitment as 2nd on call for obstetrics and gynaecology on a 1 in 10
basis. The post holder is employed by Leeds Teaching Hospital Trust (LTHT)
with an honorary contract with the University of Leeds.
Applications
are now invited for a Clinical Research Fellow (Trust doctor) in Obstetrics
ST6+ level.
The
specific research area relates to the microarchitecture of the cervix and its
role in preterm birth.
Previous
research experience is desirable but not essential. The proposed research
incorporates the span of bench, clinical, and data-led studies which should
appeal to a wide range of trainees with pre-existing abilities and interests.
INFORMATION
ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT
Research
institution in which training will take place
The
research work will be carried out in the Section of Obstetrics &
Gynaecology within the School of Medicine, University of Leeds.
The
Sections work covers a range of themes ranging from understanding disease
aetiology through to the application of our findings in translational
clinical trials and currently includes the following areas of research:
Prediction/prevention of adverse
pregnancy outcome - much of our work in this area aims to integrate
complementary research themes so as to integrate clinical, metabolomic,
proteomic, and genetic biomarkers in the pre-symptomatic detection of
obstetric complications
Gynaecological cancer - we cover
two principal themes; the bulk of our work revolves around the
pathophysiology of endometrial cancer using genomic, transcriptomic,
proteomic and lipidomic approaches. Much of our emphasis is placed on
understanding the role of the tumour microenvironment in carcinogenesis. We
are also interested in the role of microRNAs, predictive markers for response
to novel targeted therapies, and the process of epithelial-mesenchymal
transition in ovarian cancer
Interaction between nutrition and
pregnancy outcome: we work closely with the Nutritional Epidemiology group in
order to better understand the impact of nutrition on the incidence of
pregnancy complications. Much of our research in this area has focussed on
maternal caffeine and anti-oxidant intake
Endothelial biology: studying the
role of mechanosensing channels in placental vasculature within the
world-leading cardiovascular research group in the Leeds Institute of
Cardiovascular and Metabolic Medicine
Reproductive Medicine: including
pioneering in vitro maturation research and studying implantation biology
Our
work is collaborative and links in with other leading national and
international groups. We particularly value the practical contribution of our
research in driving our teaching and clinical practice in order to improve
womens healthcare.
Job description
Job responsibilities
This
post was established by Leeds Teaching Hospitals Trust in conjunction with
Tommy's and The University of Leeds, to encourage more senior trainees to
become involved in research activity and to develop specialist interest.
Applications
are now invited for a Clinical Research Fellow (Trust doctor) in Obstetrics
ST6+ level.
The
specific research area relates to the microarchitecture of the cervix and its
role in preterm birth.
Previous
research experience is desirable but not essential. The proposed research
incorporates the span of bench, clinical, and data-led studies which should
appeal to a wide range of trainees with pre-existing abilities and interests.
We
are seeking highly motivated, enthusiastic individuals with the potential to
excel in both their clinical and research training and who have the ambition
to obtain a higher degree. The post is for up to 3 years with 60% of the
working week dedicated to research and 40% to clinical service. There is an
on-call commitment as 2nd on call for obstetrics and gynaecology on a 1 in 10
basis. The post holder is employed by Leeds Teaching Hospital Trust (LTHT)
with an honorary contract with the University of Leeds.
Applications
are now invited for a Clinical Research Fellow (Trust doctor) in Obstetrics
ST6+ level.
The
specific research area relates to the microarchitecture of the cervix and its
role in preterm birth.
Previous
research experience is desirable but not essential. The proposed research
incorporates the span of bench, clinical, and data-led studies which should
appeal to a wide range of trainees with pre-existing abilities and interests.
INFORMATION
ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT
Research
institution in which training will take place
The
research work will be carried out in the Section of Obstetrics &
Gynaecology within the School of Medicine, University of Leeds.
The
Sections work covers a range of themes ranging from understanding disease
aetiology through to the application of our findings in translational
clinical trials and currently includes the following areas of research:
Prediction/prevention of adverse
pregnancy outcome - much of our work in this area aims to integrate
complementary research themes so as to integrate clinical, metabolomic,
proteomic, and genetic biomarkers in the pre-symptomatic detection of
obstetric complications
Gynaecological cancer - we cover
two principal themes; the bulk of our work revolves around the
pathophysiology of endometrial cancer using genomic, transcriptomic,
proteomic and lipidomic approaches. Much of our emphasis is placed on
understanding the role of the tumour microenvironment in carcinogenesis. We
are also interested in the role of microRNAs, predictive markers for response
to novel targeted therapies, and the process of epithelial-mesenchymal
transition in ovarian cancer
Interaction between nutrition and
pregnancy outcome: we work closely with the Nutritional Epidemiology group in
order to better understand the impact of nutrition on the incidence of
pregnancy complications. Much of our research in this area has focussed on
maternal caffeine and anti-oxidant intake
Endothelial biology: studying the
role of mechanosensing channels in placental vasculature within the
world-leading cardiovascular research group in the Leeds Institute of
Cardiovascular and Metabolic Medicine
Reproductive Medicine: including
pioneering in vitro maturation research and studying implantation biology
Our
work is collaborative and links in with other leading national and
international groups. We particularly value the practical contribution of our
research in driving our teaching and clinical practice in order to improve
womens healthcare.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- MB BS (or equivalent) MRCOG (Part 1)
- In possession of NTN/ST4+ or equivalent
- Be eligible for full registration with, and hold a current licence to practise from, the GMC at intended start date
- Eligibility to work in the UK.
- Advanced Life Support Certificate from the Resuscitation Council UK or equivalent (as required to complete Foundation competences) by intended start date
- All applicants to have demonstrable skills in written and spoken English adequate to enable effective communication about medical topics with patients and colleagues demonstrated by one of the following:
- Applicants have undertaken undergraduate medical training in English.
- OR
- Achieved the minimum score of 7 across all 4 of the following categories in the academic International English Language Testing System (IELTS) in a single sitting within 24 months at time of application Listening, Speaking, Reading and Writing. (An overall minimum score of 7.5)
- OR
- Achieved the minimum Grade B across all 4 of the following categories in the Occupational English Test (OET) in medicine in a single sitting within 24 months at time of application Listening, Speaking, Reading and Writing. (You must provide your candidate number) If applicants believe they have adequate communication skills, but do not have evidence in one of the above forms, they must provide alternative supporting evidence of language skills
Experience
Essential
- Evidence of achievement of foundation competences, in line with GMC standards / Good Medical Practice; including:
- Satisfactory OSATs as appropriate for stage of training
- Clear, logical thinking showing an analytical/scientific approach
- Able to demonstrate proficiency in a range of medical procedures as an indication of manual dexterity and hand-eye coordination
- Familiarity with UK health system and NHS
- make the care or your patient your first concern
- provide a good standard of practice and care
- take prompt action if you think that patient safety, dignity or comfort is being compromised
- protect and promote the health of patients and of the public
- treat patients as individuals and respect their dignity
- work in partnership with patients
- work with colleagues in the ways that best serve patients interests
- be honest and open and act with integrity
- never discriminate unfairly against patients or colleagues
- never abuse your patients trust in you or the publics trust in the profession.
- Demonstrates awareness of the basics of managing medical/surgical conditions, including emergencies.
- Appropriate knowledge base and ability to apply sound clinical judgement to problems
- Evidence of competence in management of emergencies and in-patients through continuous work-based assessments, and portfolio evidence
- Evidence of achievement of ST4 competencies in medicine or Surgery (as defined by the curricula relating to Core Medical training or Core Surgical Training)
- Ability to apply sound clinical knowledge and judgement to problems
- Ability to prioritise clinical need
- Ability to maximise safety and minimise risk
- Recognition of, and ability to undertake the initial management of, an acutely ill patient
- Demonstrates understanding of research, including awareness of ethical issues
- Demonstrates understanding of the basic principles of audit, clinical risk management, evidence-based practice, patient safety, and clinical quality improvement initiatives
- Demonstrates knowledge of evidence-informed practice
- GCP
- Demonstrate current ALS certification or equivalent
- Please see the full person specification
Desirable
- Attendance clinical training courses
- Competent to work without direct supervision where appropriate
- Additional clinical skills (i.e. obstetric or gynae ultrasound)
- Research and audit skills:
- Evidence of relevant academic and research achievements, e.g. degrees, prizes, awards, distinctions, publications, presentations, other achievements
- Evidence of involvement in an audit project, a quality improvement project, formal research project or other activity which:
- focuses on patient safety and clinical improvement
- demonstrates an interest in and commitment to the specialty beyond the mandatory curriculum
- Teaching:
- Evidence of interest in, and experience of teaching
- Evidence of feedback for teaching
- Instructor status (or a recommendation for instructor status) in an advanced life support course (ALS, ATLS, EPLS, APLS) or equivalent course
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- MB BS (or equivalent) MRCOG (Part 1)
- In possession of NTN/ST4+ or equivalent
- Be eligible for full registration with, and hold a current licence to practise from, the GMC at intended start date
- Eligibility to work in the UK.
- Advanced Life Support Certificate from the Resuscitation Council UK or equivalent (as required to complete Foundation competences) by intended start date
- All applicants to have demonstrable skills in written and spoken English adequate to enable effective communication about medical topics with patients and colleagues demonstrated by one of the following:
- Applicants have undertaken undergraduate medical training in English.
- OR
- Achieved the minimum score of 7 across all 4 of the following categories in the academic International English Language Testing System (IELTS) in a single sitting within 24 months at time of application Listening, Speaking, Reading and Writing. (An overall minimum score of 7.5)
- OR
- Achieved the minimum Grade B across all 4 of the following categories in the Occupational English Test (OET) in medicine in a single sitting within 24 months at time of application Listening, Speaking, Reading and Writing. (You must provide your candidate number) If applicants believe they have adequate communication skills, but do not have evidence in one of the above forms, they must provide alternative supporting evidence of language skills
Experience
Essential
- Evidence of achievement of foundation competences, in line with GMC standards / Good Medical Practice; including:
- Satisfactory OSATs as appropriate for stage of training
- Clear, logical thinking showing an analytical/scientific approach
- Able to demonstrate proficiency in a range of medical procedures as an indication of manual dexterity and hand-eye coordination
- Familiarity with UK health system and NHS
- make the care or your patient your first concern
- provide a good standard of practice and care
- take prompt action if you think that patient safety, dignity or comfort is being compromised
- protect and promote the health of patients and of the public
- treat patients as individuals and respect their dignity
- work in partnership with patients
- work with colleagues in the ways that best serve patients interests
- be honest and open and act with integrity
- never discriminate unfairly against patients or colleagues
- never abuse your patients trust in you or the publics trust in the profession.
- Demonstrates awareness of the basics of managing medical/surgical conditions, including emergencies.
- Appropriate knowledge base and ability to apply sound clinical judgement to problems
- Evidence of competence in management of emergencies and in-patients through continuous work-based assessments, and portfolio evidence
- Evidence of achievement of ST4 competencies in medicine or Surgery (as defined by the curricula relating to Core Medical training or Core Surgical Training)
- Ability to apply sound clinical knowledge and judgement to problems
- Ability to prioritise clinical need
- Ability to maximise safety and minimise risk
- Recognition of, and ability to undertake the initial management of, an acutely ill patient
- Demonstrates understanding of research, including awareness of ethical issues
- Demonstrates understanding of the basic principles of audit, clinical risk management, evidence-based practice, patient safety, and clinical quality improvement initiatives
- Demonstrates knowledge of evidence-informed practice
- GCP
- Demonstrate current ALS certification or equivalent
- Please see the full person specification
Desirable
- Attendance clinical training courses
- Competent to work without direct supervision where appropriate
- Additional clinical skills (i.e. obstetric or gynae ultrasound)
- Research and audit skills:
- Evidence of relevant academic and research achievements, e.g. degrees, prizes, awards, distinctions, publications, presentations, other achievements
- Evidence of involvement in an audit project, a quality improvement project, formal research project or other activity which:
- focuses on patient safety and clinical improvement
- demonstrates an interest in and commitment to the specialty beyond the mandatory curriculum
- Teaching:
- Evidence of interest in, and experience of teaching
- Evidence of feedback for teaching
- Instructor status (or a recommendation for instructor status) in an advanced life support course (ALS, ATLS, EPLS, APLS) or equivalent course
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).
