Job description

Job responsibilities

This is an outstanding opportunity for an ambitious trainee surgeon to gain experience of delivering clinical research under the supervision of Mr. Edward St.John (Consultant Oncoplastic Breast Surgeon & Honorary Reader). This will be for a full-time post for 12 months, with the option of a second year for the appropriate candidate who wishes to pursue a higher degree (MD, self-funded or grant-funded).

This opportunity has arisen to support the expansion of the breast services research output. The Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust Breast Unit is one of 15 nationally accredited Oncoplastic Training Centres in the UK and is well supported by a highly regarded team of on-site breast and plastic surgeons. The Trust has a reputation for award-winning research and innovation. Over the past year, PHU teams have recruited 8,713 participants into clinical trials and this effort led to PHU being ranked the top recruiting Trust from 42 other large acute trusts, with over 170 open studies. There are strong academic links with support from the Portsmouth Technology Trials Unit, and the University of Portsmouth. The post holder will support research with the University and work with Professor Joanna Wakefield-Scurr (Professor in Biomechanics and Head of the Research Group in Breast Health, University of Portsmouth). A mixed-methods study of the effects of breast surgery and treatment on breast and body biomechanics

We have a strong, successful track record of delivering research studies and have supported MRes/MD/PhD research fellows for years with an aim for them to achieve their higher degrees and peer reviewed publications. We undertake numerous local and national research studies, and the fellow will be expected to contribute to these as well as the main project associated with this post.

Duties:

• Work as part of a team to co-ordinate, lead and deliver research trials within Portsmouth Hospitals NHS Trust.
• Responsible for coordinating, delivering and maintaining a high standard of day-to-day clinical treatment for all patients eligible for and recruited on to clinical trials.
• Recruit patients into clinical trials designated as portfolio studies by the NIHR and Wessex CRN.
• Provide support to study Principal Investigators, Clinical Research Leads and other research staff to deliver high quality clinical research.
• Provide clinical leadership and advice to junior members of the research team.
• As a member of the wider medical Research Fellow team, the post holder will contribute to providing some general medical cover and supporting Urgent Public Health studies as required.

Key Responsibilities:

Medical commitment

1-2 breast clinics per week in the Breast Unit, Queen Alexandra Hospital. A minimum of x1 day per week supporting central portfolio trials at Queen Alexandra or our Research Hub, John Pounds Centre.

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.
• 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 across all Portsmouth sites.

Job responsibilities

This is an outstanding opportunity for an ambitious trainee surgeon to gain experience of delivering clinical research under the supervision of Mr. Edward St.John (Consultant Oncoplastic Breast Surgeon & Honorary Reader). This will be for a full-time post for 12 months, with the option of a second year for the appropriate candidate who wishes to pursue a higher degree (MD, self-funded or grant-funded).

This opportunity has arisen to support the expansion of the breast services research output. The Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust Breast Unit is one of 15 nationally accredited Oncoplastic Training Centres in the UK and is well supported by a highly regarded team of on-site breast and plastic surgeons. The Trust has a reputation for award-winning research and innovation. Over the past year, PHU teams have recruited 8,713 participants into clinical trials and this effort led to PHU being ranked the top recruiting Trust from 42 other large acute trusts, with over 170 open studies. There are strong academic links with support from the Portsmouth Technology Trials Unit, and the University of Portsmouth. The post holder will support research with the University and work with Professor Joanna Wakefield-Scurr (Professor in Biomechanics and Head of the Research Group in Breast Health, University of Portsmouth). A mixed-methods study of the effects of breast surgery and treatment on breast and body biomechanics

We have a strong, successful track record of delivering research studies and have supported MRes/MD/PhD research fellows for years with an aim for them to achieve their higher degrees and peer reviewed publications. We undertake numerous local and national research studies, and the fellow will be expected to contribute to these as well as the main project associated with this post.

Duties:

• Work as part of a team to co-ordinate, lead and deliver research trials within Portsmouth Hospitals NHS Trust.
• Responsible for coordinating, delivering and maintaining a high standard of day-to-day clinical treatment for all patients eligible for and recruited on to clinical trials.
• Recruit patients into clinical trials designated as portfolio studies by the NIHR and Wessex CRN.
• Provide support to study Principal Investigators, Clinical Research Leads and other research staff to deliver high quality clinical research.
• Provide clinical leadership and advice to junior members of the research team.
• As a member of the wider medical Research Fellow team, the post holder will contribute to providing some general medical cover and supporting Urgent Public Health studies as required.

Key Responsibilities:

Medical commitment

1-2 breast clinics per week in the Breast Unit, Queen Alexandra Hospital. A minimum of x1 day per week supporting central portfolio trials at Queen Alexandra or our Research Hub, John Pounds Centre.

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.
• 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 across all Portsmouth sites.

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

• A GMC registered medical practitioner.
• Successful completion of medical training to IMY2 level or equivalent and pass achieved for part 2 written component of the MRCP examination.

Desirable

• Full Membership of the Royal College of Surgeons.
• Good Clinical Practice certificate.
• A specialist training number.
• A candidate wishing to pursue a career in breast surgery.

Skills and Knowledge

Essential

• An interest in clinical research.
• Demonstration of enthusiasm and interest in a career in a surgical specialty.
• To have a good understanding of breast surgery.
• 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.
• Evidence of interest in research with prior publications & presentations.

Qualifications

Essential

• A GMC registered medical practitioner.
• Successful completion of medical training to IMY2 level or equivalent and pass achieved for part 2 written component of the MRCP examination.

Desirable

• Full Membership of the Royal College of Surgeons.
• Good Clinical Practice certificate.
• A specialist training number.
• A candidate wishing to pursue a career in breast surgery.

Skills and Knowledge

Essential

• An interest in clinical research.
• Demonstration of enthusiasm and interest in a career in a surgical specialty.
• To have a good understanding of breast surgery.
• 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.
• Evidence of interest in research with prior publications & presentations.

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Certificate of Sponsorship

Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).

From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).

UK Registration

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).

Certificate of Sponsorship

Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).

From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).

UK Registration

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).

Employer details

Employer name

Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust

Address

Queen Alexandra Hospital

Southwick Hill Road

Cosham

Portsmouth

PO6 3LY

Employer's website

https://www.porthosp.nhs.uk/work-for-us/ (Opens in a new tab)