Clinical Research Fellow in Cardiac Electrophysiology

Job description

The exciting opportunity has arisen to appoint a clinical research fellow in the Arrhythmia and Electrophysiology Research Group at King’s College London / St Thomas’ Hospital. The work will involve basic and translational research into arrhythmia mechanisms and interventional treatments for arrhythmias. The post holder will be a member of the Electrophysiology research group and be expected to collaborate closely with clinical and non-clinical researchers working on similar projects.  

 

The post is suitable for Specialty Trainees in Cardiology who wish to undertake higher research and gain additional experience in electrophysiology, imaging and computational cardiology research relevant to sub-specialty training. Applicants will be required to take an Out of Programme Research (OOPR) period from their current training programmes. 

 

This post will be offered on a fixed-term contract for 1 year (starting September / October 2023), during which the successful candidate will be supported to develop clinical research training fellowship applications to the British Heart Foundation and Medical Research Council. 

 

This post will be offered on a fixed-term contract for 1 year (starting September / October 2023) 

This is a full time post

 

Key responsibilities

Whilst the main purpose of this 1-year post is to contribute to the pre-clinical and clinical research activities of the group during the post, we are seeking an outstanding candidate wishing to pursue a higher research degree (PhD) who is highly motivated to complete a full clinical research training fellowship (CRTF) application to support their ongoing research and research training. The group and department has a long track record in successful CRTF applications and will provide full support to the successful candidate in the preparation of such applications. 

 

In addition to their research and research training activities, the appointee will be expected to take part in the clinical activities of the group relevant to their research. These include atrial magnetic resonance imaging lists and outpatient specialist electrophysiology clinics. There will be clinical duties related to the research projects including care of in-patients and out-patients at Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust, in Cardiology. Non-clinical duties, sufficient to maintain and develop pre-existing skills, are as described: 

 

Research:

•       Contribute to research projects outlined by your educational supervisors. 

•       Contribute to writing grant proposals. 

•       Collaborate with the research teams to ensure adherence to study/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 study/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. 

•       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. 

•       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.  

•       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.  

 

Decision Making, Planning and Problem Solving:

•       Develop new concepts and ideas to extend intellectual understanding.  

•       Resolve problems of meeting research objectives and deadlines.  

•       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 responsible for the analysis of 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 require 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 mental 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.  

 

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.       MRCPCH/MRCP or equivalent 

3.       GMC registered 

4.       ALS qualification 

5.       Clinical experience in care of cardiac patients 

6.       Good verbal and written communication skills 

7.       Good computing skills 

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

9.       Excellent organisational/time management skills, ability to work to clinical and scientific deadlines and prioritise own workload 

10.   Ability to work independently without close supervision 

11.   Ability to travel between sites 

 

Desirable criteria

1.       Previous research-orientated degree at undergraduate level 

2.       Experience of preparing IRAS/REC documentation 

3.       Experience of cardiac magnetic resonance imaging and/or electrophysiology 

4.       Completion of or undertaking core cardiac training