Clinical Research Fellow - Department of Immunology and Immunotherapy - 108088 - Clinical

Position Details

Department of Immunology and Immunotherapy, School of Infection, Inflammation and Immunology, College of Medicine and Health

Location: University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham UK

Full time starting salary is normally in the range £47,551 to £79,898

Grade: Clinical

Full Time, Fixed Term contract up to 3 years 

Closing date: 25^th October 2026

Background

The University of Birmingham has recently been awarded a £5M research grant to conduct a randomised placebo-controlled trial of oral vancomycin, as a treatment for primary sclerosing cholangitis (the VITALITY study). 

Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) is an autoimmune liver condition that most often occurs in association with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Although rare (prevalence ~7 per 100,000), PSC represents a a major unmet need, with no licensed medical therapy proven to slow disease progression. Consequently, PSC is a lead indication for liver transplantation. Moreover, the disease recurs in approximately 30% of individuals post-transplant.

The presence and activity of IBD is also linked with the development and progression of PSC liver disease – early colectomy conferring lower risks of needing a liver transplant whereas colectomy before or at the time of transplant reduces the incidence of recurrent disease. Moreover, the abundance of certain gut microorganisms associated with poorer transplant-free survival. Adoptive faecal transfer studies have also shown that stool from people living with PSC is able to induce liver disease in germ-free mice.

To this effect, preliminary clinical trial results showed that the non-absorbable antibiotic, oral vancomycin, is able to induce remission in colitis activity amongst patients with PSC-IBD as well as improve liver blood tests.

The current project looks to build upon these early observations, by conducting a confirmatory validation study, wherein individuals with PSC-IBD will be treated with one of two dosages of oral vancomycin or placebo, as part of an international multicentre phase 2b/3 clinical trial.

By combining a multi-omic approach with high-level clinical data, the candidate will look to characterise specific biological pathways that will be able to predict response to oral vancomycin treatment in an attempt to refine its target product profile.

This vacancy is for a clinical research fellow (CRF) working as part of the VITALITY research team, within the institute of Inflammation, Infection and Immunity (III) at the University of Birmingham. The post will deliver a mixed job role working within the Birmingham Cancer Research UK Clinical Trials’ Unit (CRCTU) to deliver the trial, alongside the Institute of III to fulfil translational research objectives.

Role Summary

The post-holder will contribute to the creation of knowledge by undertaking a specified range of activities within an established research project, specifically a LifeArc funded Clinical Trial. The CRF will lead on delivery of this trial, driving trial setup and participant recruitment in collaboration with CRCTU and University Hospitals Birmingham. They will supervise and undertake sample collection including colonscopic biopsies, and blood and stool samples, and ensure that participant electronic case record forms (eCRFs) and clinical databases are updated throughout the study.

The post holder will benefit from the infrastructure and expertise in the institute as well as the track record of delivering patient cohort studies and clinical trials. This job role will be full time (100% FTE) for three years The post-holder will be expected to register for a higher degree and will be supported to apply for further development and additional funding if desired.

Main Duties

• To coordinate recruitment of participants; including identification, consent and performance of study-related procedures where relevant
• To assist with study set-up and obtaining necessary local and national approvals (ethics, MHRA) and contribute to site file and data management under guidance of the trials coordinators and lead investigators.
• To carry out a literature review of the topic area.
• To gain sufficient research data and experience that will enable completion of a higher degree (PhD or MD). To comply with the terms and conditions set out in the University of Birmingham’s graduate Programme of study. 
• To contribute to the enhancement of scientific understanding of pulmonary inflammatory disease mechanisms in accordance with the aims of the project grant.
• To undertake prescribed research tasks and collection of research data 
• To prioritise tasks within the agreed work schedule to ensure that projects are delivered in a timely fashion according to the timelines in the project grant.
• To suggest and contribute to the development of research techniques and methods in collaboration with colleagues.
• To contribute to writing bids for research grants.
• To disseminate research findings using appropriate and effective media such as publication, research seminars, etc.
• To provide guidance to other staff and students.
• To contribute to the production of research reports and high impact publications.
• To plan and develop research contributions to subject area using methodologies, critical evaluations, interpretations, analyses and other appropriate techniques.
• To participate in departmental and project-specific public engagement activities and initiatives
• Develop research objectives and proposals for own or joint research, with assistance of a mentor if required
• Analyse and interpret data
• Apply knowledge in a way which develops new intellectual understanding
• Disseminate research findings for publication, research seminars etc
• Undertake management/administration arising from research
• Contribute to Departmental/School research-related activities and research-related administration
• Contribute to enterprise, business development and/or public engagement activities of manifest benefit to the College and the University, often under supervision of a project leader
• Collect research data; this may be through a variety of research methods, such as scientific experimentation, literature reviews, and research interviews 
• Present research outputs, including drafting academic publications or parts thereof, for example at seminars and as posters 
• Deal with problems that may affect the achievement of research objectives and deadlines
• Promotes equality and values diversity acting as a role model and fostering an inclusive working culture.

Person Specification

Essential:

• MRCP /MRCS or equivalent 
• Full General Medical Council Registration with a Licence to Practice.
• Understanding and experience of research methods and processes.
• Medical degree.
• Possession of MRCP (or equivalent).

Desirable:

• Demonstrable research experience 
• Understanding and experience of research methods and processes 
• Research publications.

OH&DBS required

The University is committed to safeguarding and we promote safe recruitment practice, therefore all associated pre-employment checks will be undertaken before any appointment is confirmed. Due to the nature of the work undertaken in this role all successful applicants will be subject to a satisfactory Occupational Health and DBS clearance prior to appointment.

Further particulars can be found here

Informal enquiries to Lisa Powell, email: [email protected] 

Use of AI in applications: We want to understand your genuine interest in the role and for the written elements of your application to accurately reflect your own communication style. Applications that rely too heavily on AI tools can appear generic and lack the detail we need to assess your skills and experience. Such applications will unlikely be progressed to interview.

We believe there is no such thing as a 'typical' member of University of Birmingham staff and that diversity in its many forms is a strength that underpins the exchange of ideas, innovation and debate at the heart of University life. We are committed to proactively addressing the barriers experienced by some groups in our community and are proud to hold Athena SWAN, Race Equality Charter and Disability Confident accreditations. We have an Equality Diversity and Inclusion Centre that focuses on continuously improving the University as a fair and inclusive place to work where everyone has the opportunity to succeed. We are also committed to sustainability, which is a key part of our strategy. You can find out more about our work to create a fairer university for everyone on our website.