Recruitment to clinical studies will be assisted by a research midwife and there will be access to clinical tissue from the Edinburgh Reproductive Tissue Biobank.

This post would ideally suit a clinician from obstetrics and gynaecology or diabetes /endocrinology with an interest in gaining clinical research experience which will be valuable for future applications for more formal research training.

Job Purpose

A position exists for a full-time clinical research fellow within the MRC Centre for Reproductive Health at the University of Edinburgh. The post will be for 6 months duration and will involve work on obesity and stress hormones in pregnancy. The project is funded by Tommy’s. The clinical research fellow will work on an on-going project investigating the factors that regulate maternal/placental glucocorticoid metabolism and action with a focus the role of glucocorticoids in the pathogenesis of obese-pregnancy related disorders including delayed labour and stillbirth. During the post it is anticipated that the fellow will continue recruitment of pregnant women to an ongoing clinical study investigating pulsatility of stress hormones in pregnancy which is being conducted within the Wellcome Trust Clinical Research Facility and will also gain experience in carrying out mechanistic laboratory studies. Recruitment to clinical studies will be assisted by a research midwife and there will be access to clinical tissue from the Edinburgh Reproductive Tissue Biobank.

This post would ideally suit a clinician from obstetrics and gynaecology or diabetes /endocrinology with an interest in gaining clinical research experience which will be valuable for future applications for more formal research training.

Main Responsibilities

Approx. % of time
1. Subject recruitment. Conducting appropriate clinical investigations on subjects as part of study. Responsible for proper handling of samples and generated as part of study. 70%
2. Responsible for maintaining clinical records of subjects, case record files and results generated as part of study. 5%
3. Undertake, with full supervision, laboratory studies that utilise molecular and cellular techniques. Be closely involved with the documentation, analyses and presentation of all laboratory data generated in the context of the project. 5%
4. Work closely with, and in a complementary manner with others in the Tommy’s Centre 5%
5. Undertake any other reasonable tasks appropriate to Tommy’s research portfolio. 15%

Planning and Organising

The post-holder will plan and manage his/her own programme of research activity on an ongoing basis, to ensure that the research is conducted in accordance with the research timetable agreed with the PI. He/ she will have regular meetings with the PI and other supervisors to ensure progression of the project.

Key Contacts/Relationships

Internal: PI, Co-investigators and members of the immediate research team (other researchers, technical support), build internal contacts and links to share information, students
External: Collaborating researchers worldwide, external networks to share information and develop links as appropriate

Knowledge, Skills and Experience Needed for the Job

Applicants should have ideally 12 months post-medical (MBBS / MBChB) qualification. Experience in obstetrics and gynaecology or diabetes/ endocrinology is desirable. Prior experience with research and/or recruitment of subjects into clinical studies would be ideal but not essential: willingness to attend a GCP course is essential. Possession of Part I MRCOG or MRCP is desirable.

Dimensions

The post holder will work within the Tommy’s Research Group led by Professor Jane Norman and will also interact with other lead investigators in the team. The post holder will be expected to interact with the wider research community in the Queen’s Medical Research Institute and with NHS staff within Edinburgh Royal Infirmary.
Research subjects will be recruited from the community and specialist antenatal clinics around ERI.

Job Context and any other relevant information

Due to the short duration of the funding the applicant will not be expected to register for a PhD / MD degree with the University of Edinburgh.

Protection of Vulnerable Groups Scheme (PVG)

This post is subject to registration with the Protection of Vulnerable Groups scheme, for regulated work with children and/or vulnerable adults as appropriate. Employment in this post is conditional on the successful post holder being able to obtain/holding PVG scheme membership. The successful candidate will not be permitted to commence employment until this has been confirmed. Information provided will be kept confidential and individuals will not be discriminated against unnecessarily due to non relevant offending background. If you require further information on the PVG scheme please visit:www.disclosurescotland.co.uk.

NHS Honorary Contract

An Honorary NHS contract will be sought for the successful post holder. You therefore must be eligible to hold an honorary contract with NHS Lothian, and must also be registered with the [please choose appropriate Registered Body] General Medical Council / General Dental Council / Nursing & Midwifery Council if appropriate to the role.

It should be noted that the offer of appointment is subject to Occupational Health clearance prior to commencement of duty.

Salary

The role is grade Amn2 and attracts an annual salary of £32,156 to £47,647for 40 hours each week. Salary is paid monthly by direct transfer to your Bank or Building Society account, normally on the 28th of the month. Salaries for part-time staff are calculated on the full-time scales, pro-rata to the Standard Working Week.

This post is available on a fixed term basis, with a working pattern of 40 hours per week for 6 months.

If you are currently a member of the NHS Pension Scheme and are employed in a clinical post it may be possible for you to remain a member of the NHS Pension Scheme.

Eligibility to Work

In accordance with the Immigration, Asylum and Nationality Act 2006 the University of Edinburgh, as an employer, has a legal responsibility to prevent illegal working and therefore must check that all employees are entitled to work in the United Kingdom (UK).

To do so, the University of Edinburgh requires to see original documents evidencing right to work in the UK before commencement of employment and this is normally carried out at interview. Details will be provided in any letter of invitation to interview.

For further information on eligibility to work please visit our eligibility to work website

In the circumstances where the vacancy does not meet the Home Office and Visa Services advertising, salary and/or qualification level criteria for sponsorship the successful applicant must have the existing right to work in the UK.

Application Procedure

All applicants should apply online by clicking the “apply” button at the foot of this page. The application process is quick and easy to follow, and you will receive email confirmation of safe receipt of your application. The online system allows you to submit a CV and other attachments.

Closing date: 22 June 2015 at 5pm.

Interview date

You will be notified by email whether you have been shortlisted for interview or not.

Further details