Clinical Research Fellow Endoscopy

Here at Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust, we are proud to provide expert, compassionate care for our local population. We are ranked as the third in the country for research, embedding education and training across the organisation. Our main hub is the Queen Alexandra Hospital, which is one of the largest hospitals on the south coast employing over 8,700 staff.

Our patients come from all walks of life and so do we. We hire great people from a wide variety of backgrounds because it makes our hospital stronger. If you share our values and our enthusiasm for getting it right for patients, colleagues, and our community, you will find a home at Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust.

This is an outstanding opportunity for an ambitious endoscopist (gastroenterologist or GI surgeon) to gain experience of delivering clinical research under the supervision of Professor Pradeep Bhandari. The department has a proven track record for research, being the top recruiting gastroenterology team for non-commercial studies last year and multiple previous fellows going on to achieve higher degrees (MD or PhD). The post also offers the chance to learn advanced therapeutic endoscopy techniques like EMR / ESD / FTRD and third space endoscopy. 

The post holder will be supported to develop an investigator led project subject to their interests and register for a higher degree if required and will also be expected to help deliver NIHR portfolio studies. As a member of the wider medical Research Fellow team, the post holder will contribute to providing general medical cover and supporting Urgent Public Health studies as required.  

Key Responsibilities: 

• Medical on call  
• Provide on-call cover (maximum frequency 1:6) as part of the general medical rota at Queen Alexandra Hospital. 

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 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 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.  

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 B
• Valid Advanced Life Support (ALS) certificate from a Resuscitation Council (UK) registered ALS courses
• JAG proficiency in basic endoscopy (Upper GI or colonoscopy)

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
• 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

Job holders are required to act in such a way that at all times the health and well being of children and vulnerable adults is safeguarded. Familiarisation with and adherence to the Safeguarding Policies of the Trust is an essential requirement for all employees. In addition all staff are expected to complete essential/mandatory training in this area.

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.