Job description

This will be a research post with a clinical component, working primarily in the field of Electrophysiology and Cardiovascular Cardiac Imaging. The post holder will work on a number of research projects under the supervision of Professor Aldo Rinaldi (Head of Cardiac Device Research Programme) and Professor Steven Niederer. The intention is that this fellowship would act as the first year of a PhD.  

 

The ideal candidates would be seeking a year’s clinical research experience which would allow them time to write grants and apply for further fellowships, which might lead to further academic work. 

 

This post will be offered on a fixed-term contract for 1 year with the potential for extension 

This is a full-time post (40 hours per week)

 

Key responsibilities

Whilst the main purpose of the post is research, the Fellow will be expected to take part in clinical activities of the department. Non-clinical duties, sufficient to maintain and develop pre-existing skills, are as described:  

 

Research:

•        Provide support in research projects outlined by your educational supervisors. 

•        Support in writing grant proposals. 

•        Collaborate with the research teams to ensure adherence to trial protocols and administrative requirements. 

•        Adhere to appropriate policies and legislation regarding clinical research e.g. informed consent, International Conference on Harmonisation (ICH) Good Clinical Practice (GCP). 

•        Take responsibility for accurate and complete data collection, updating and maintenance of databases and computerised systems. Ensure corresponding documentation is recorded in medical notes. Ensure appropriate records are kept for notification of patient accruals in accordance with Caldecott requirements.  

•        Work in conjunction with the Principal Investigators to ensure each trial protocol is adhered to by all members of the multi-disciplinary team, identifying and reporting any deviations. Ensure the imaging and follow up appointments required are arranged. 

•        Keep abreast of changing practices & regulations for randomised clinical trials in the UK and to feedback to research teams appropriately.  

•        Ensure that full compliance with confidentiality at all times is maintained.  

•        Work at all times according to regulations as described in ICH Good Clinical Practice (GCP), and to the most current guidance relating to research governance and research ethics in each Trust. 

•        Plan the care and support of participants according to study protocols. 

•        Ensure documentation is up to date with the most recent information readily available.  

•        Maintain patient information sheets/consent forms in the appropriate clinics and departments as per departmental protocols. 

•        Support the team in the development and maintenance of databases as appropriate. 

•        Ensure the study case report forms are completed in conformance with ICH GCP guidelines and within appropriate time guidelines.  

•        Systematically document patient information in the medical notes.  

 

Communication & Networking:

•        Good general communication skills are essential for recruitment of and interaction with study patients and for the interaction with clinical and research staff.  

•        It will be essential to form a good working relationship with referring clinicians.  

•        Routinely communicate complete and conceptual ideas to those with limited knowledge and understanding as well as to peers using high level skills and a range of media.  

•        Collaborate actively within and outside the Division to complete research projects and advance thinking.  

•        Participate in and develop external networks (e.g. identify sources of funding, generate income, obtain consultancy projects, build relationships for future activities).  

 

Decision Making, Planning and Problem Solving:

•        Decisions will be taken together with the Research PI to whom the postholder is primarily accountable.  

•        Develop new concepts and ideas to extend intellectual understanding.  

•        Resolve problems of meeting research objectives and deadlines.  

•        Develop ideas of application of generating income and promoting research areas.  

•        Develop ideas for application of research outcomes.  

•        Decide on research programmes and methodologies, in collaboration with colleagues and subject to the approval of the PI.  

•        Plan, co-ordinate and implement research programmes.  

 

Service Delivery:

•        The postholder will be involved in the delivery of the clinical cardiac MRI service.  

•        Provide specialist or professional advice and make recommendations within guidelines to support informed decision-making. 

•        Deal with queries of a specialist nature.  

 

Analysis & Research:

•        The postholder will be primarily responsible for the analysis of all data generated in these studies, following appropriate training. 

•        Develop research objectives, projects and proposals 

•        Conduct individual or collaborative research projects.  

•        Identify sources of funding and contribute to the process of securing funds.  

•        Extend, transform and apply knowledge acquired from scholarship to research and appropriate external activities.  

•        Write or contribute to publications or disseminate research findings using other appropriate media. 

•        Make presentations at conferences or exhibit work at other appropriate events.  

•        Assess, interpret and evaluate outcomes of research.  

 

Team Work, Teaching & Learning Support

•        The postholder will have no formal teaching commitment, but will be expected to contribute to the group’s educational events on a regular basis.  

•        Develop productive working relationships with other members of staff.  

•        Co-ordinate the work of colleagues to ensure equitable access to resources and facilities e.g. rota management of other clinical fellows. 

 

Sensory/Physical Demands & Work Environment:

•        This postholder requires the ability to place patients in the MRI scanner and if need to evacuate them from the MR environment in an emergency therefore must be MR Safe.  

•        The post requires the ability to focus on metal tasks for prolonged periods of time.  

•        Take responsibility for supporting a safe working environment in designated clinical areas and offices.  

•        Wear protective clothing and equipment as required to carry out the job.  

 

Pastoral Care

Show consideration in others. 

 

Clinical duties

•        The Fellow will be expected to contribute to the cardiac MR Service, which is part of the Division of Imaging Sciences.  This will require attendance at the clinical CMR lists (congenital and non-congenital), reporting and review sessions both within the Division and within the Trust.  

•        The postholder will be expected to compile a logbook in line with SCMR training and accreditation guidelines.  

•        Demonstrate autonomy as well as the ability to collaborate within a multidisciplinary team in identifying the needs of the participant and his/her family during various stages of the study.  

•        Ensure participant is treated according to the schedule set out in the protocol.  

•        Maintain good patient safety at all times.  

•        Keep clinical mandatory training up-to-date, in accordance with Trust requirements.  

•        Strive to continually develop oneself clinically and keep up to date with the latest clinical practice, as per Trust and KCL requirements.  

•        Adhere to GSTT and KCL policies and procedures at all times.  

•        Report any adverse events as per GCP and Trust policies.   

 

The above list of responsibilities may not be exhaustive, and the post holder will be required to undertake such tasks and responsibilities as may reasonably be expected within the scope and grading of the post.  

Skills, knowledge, and experience 

Essential criteria  

1.      MBBS or equivalent  

2.      GMC registered and licence to practice  

3.      Clinical experience in care of cardiac patients 

4.      Experience of working in a multi-disciplinary environment 

5.      Good verbal and written communication skills  

6.      Good computing skills  

7.      Ability to facilitate collaborative working relationships and excellent interpersonal skills  

8.      Excellent organisational/time management skills, ability to prioritise own workload and work effectively under pressure 

9.      Accurate document presentation and attention to detail 

10.    Demonstrates evidence of professional development 

11.    Demonstrates understanding of the importance of audit/quality 

12.    Proven knowledge of ICH GCP guidelines 

 

Desirable criteria

1.      MRCPCH/MRCP or equivalent  

2.      SCMR Level 2 or equivalent experience and knowledge (as outlined in SCMR guidance) 

3.      Post-CCT or higher specialist training  

4.      Experience in cardiovascular MR including attendance at courses 

5.      Experience of congenital cardiac imaging 

6.      ALS qualification