Clinical Professor in Experimental Medicine

Job description

The Faculty of Life Sciences & Medicine at King's College London seeks to appoint to a senior Faculty position an outstanding clinical investigator with an internationally recognised programme of work in experimental medicine and a proven record of scientific leadership.

Human experimental medicine - including the development of advanced therapies - is a major strategic priority within the Faculty. It includes a wide range of internationally leading programmes across numerous clinical disciplines (e.g., cancer, cardiovascular, dermatology, immunology, imaging, women’s health, genetics and more). Our current research in experimental medicine spans human studies that translate basic discoveries, investigation of disease mechanisms in humans, risk stratification, early detection, precision therapies and monitoring, and the initial development of new therapies. This work is supported by an outstanding array of infrastructure platforms and facilities (see below). Moreover, our Academic Health Sciences Partnership with 3 major London NHS Trusts (forming King’s Health Partners) provides a superb ecosystem with seamless bi-directional collaboration across the clinical-research interface as well as supporting a strong focus on commercialisation and clinical impact. Strengthening translational research capabilities across the whole research pathway is a key strategic priority for King’s Health Partners. Our environment was rated top in the UK for clinical medicine in the 2021 Research Excellence Framework (REF) exercise. Subsequent to REF, there has been further strengthening of the environment through the integration of the Royal Brompton & Harefield NHS Foundation Trust hospitals into King’s Health Partners as part of Guy’s & St Thomas’ NHS Trust.

As the appointee to this post, you will pursue a personal programme of internationally recognised work that complements existing activities. It is also envisaged that you will play a significant leadership role in the strategic growth of our ambitions in this area. The post holder will be based within one of the six Schools in the Faculty (based on their research focus) but with a role that extends across the Faculty and beyond.

Candidates will have an excellent track record of experimental medicine research as well as proven scientific leadership, for example through leadership of multi-disciplinary teams or a large network. In this position, you are expected to contribute to the strategic growth of world-class research teams that work synergistically across the academic-clinical-industry interface, identifying and growing promising early career researchers, and supporting the involvement of clinical colleagues in research. We also wish to maximise the relevance of our work to our highly diverse catchment population in inner city London as well as more widely.  The post holder will engage with students, delivering education in experimental medicine and innovation, educating and inspiring the leaders of the future.

Our world-class infrastructure and platforms include:

• NIHR Clinical Research Facilities on all main hospital campuses including an adult MHRA Phase I accredited unit at the Guy’s hospital site; adult, paediatric and imaging units at the St Thomas’ Hospital site; adult general and neuropsychiatric units at the King’s College Hospital site; cardiorespiratory unit at the Royal Brompton Hospital site. Embedded Advanced Therapies Manufacturing (GMP) Platforms (including a Gene Therapy Innovation Hub and cell therapy hub) focused on pre-clinical therapy development. Cell and Gene Therapy Catapult at Guy’s. World leading in vivo imaging including nine advanced MRI systems (0.064T, 0.55T. 1.5T, 3T, 7T), PET, PET/CT, PET/MR, cyclotron and radiochemistry facilities. The newest addition is a total body PET scanner which will be fully installed and tested for use in 2024. Robotic high content high-throughput screening facility. Artificial Intelligence Centre for Value Based Health. A bespoke platform for research on electronic health records.

Additional excellent infrastructure is based within several externally funded research centres such as the Cancer Research UK City of London Cancer Centre, GSK KCL oncology hub, BHF Centre of Research Excellence, Wellcome Trust Medical Engineering Centre and the EPSRC Digital Health Hub.

This post will be offered on an indefinite contract

This is a full-time  post

•  As a principal investigator, the post holder is expected to deliver research excellence in experimental medicine including high quality publications and supervision of PhD students. In addition, the expectation is that the post holder will: Secure large-scale research grant funding to support an internationally leading research programme. This will include productive collaborations within academia, the NHS and industry. Provide leadership in establishing a positive and supportive work environment. Attract and nurture the most promising early career researchers. Take a leadership role in the strategic development of the Experimental Medicine research agenda, including funding opportunities and initiatives, business development opportunities, and leading large-scale infrastructure/network awards in the area of experimental medicine. Work as part of a diverse leadership team to drive forward an ambitious vision for experimental medicine aligned to the Faculty’s ambitions. Contribute to the teaching of undergraduate and/or postgraduate students in topics related to experimental medicine and according to the post holder’s area of expertise. As a clinical academic, it is expected that the post holder will undertake some clinical activities which are aligned with their research interests. They will hold an Honorary Consultant contract with the relevant Trust(s). 

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.

Essential criteria

1. Clinically qualified and CCT in a relevant area, with evidence of clinical innovation, excellence and eminence PhD (or equivalent higher degree) in a relevant subject Previous significant academic leadership (e.g., Senior Investigator, lead of large network, Director or similar) Evidence of an international recognition of creative practice in the delivery of high quality education, enhancing the student experience and pedagogy at a high level An internationally-recognised and established research track record Outstanding record of attracting research funding Past successful interactions in an integrated clinical-academic environment between University/Research Institute and Hospital Evidence of the ability to lead and function within a multi-disciplinary team and to plan and prioritise workload

Further information

 We particularly welcome applications from female and minority ethnic candidates as they are under-represented within the university at this level. We understand that flexible working arrangements or career breaks may be necessary in certain circumstances and welcome the opportunity to discuss this possibility upon appointment and throughout the contractual period.