Research Fellow

Job content

The post holder is expected to gain wide range of experience in both the clinical delivery of research, as well as the academic development of clinical studies. The appointee will have the opportunity to participate in the acute and long-term assessment and management of paediatric research participants with a wide range of disorders in both inpatient and outpatient settings.

The post holder will develop skills in the modern inter-disciplinary diagnosis and management of children with a variety of disorders. This includes the appropriate use and interpretation of advanced investigations (neuroimaging, electrophysiology, histopathology, molecular genetics and metabolic investigations), interact with a wide array of professionals at local, national and international level as well learn about the various treatment options including genetic treatments. The post holder will be trained in managing patients on complex study protocols, including essential safety and management steps to ensure the safe delivery of complex research studies including CTIMP studies.

Other regular departmental meetings which the fellow will be expected to attend include weekly CRF meetings, weekly educational meetings, the monthly CRF operational group meeting, and any relevant meetings related to their studies

• Acquire academic research skills (develop ideas into protocols, contribute to applications for funding, write and publish scientific papers).
• Participate in the recruitment and follow up of patients in ongoing and upcoming trials, including CTIMP studies.
• Publish and present high level scientific information including analysing, writing and presenting reports and scientific papers relevant to the work being carried out as part of translational research.
• Regular liaison with the Chief Investigators and Principal Investigators and senior members of the research teams to communicate on the ongoing research and next possible steps.
• Troubleshoot the delivery of studies to help improve the quality of study recruitment across the trust.

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The post will be based within both the Clinical Research Facility (CRF) at Alder Hey Children’s Hospital and the wider Clinical Research Division (CRD) within the Trust.

Liverpool is a leading UK centre for the development of drugs for children. The NIHR Alder Hey CRF for Experimental Medicine serves as a hub for conducting experimental medicine / early phase / late phase clinical trials / studies in neonates and children to ensure that Liverpool is seen as a key UK player for drug development in paediatrics. The CRF delivers the highest quality of care, safe, bespoke environment for children undertaking high risk/complex early phase trials & experimental medicine. This CRF has a strong portfolio of Experimental Medicine and early phase trials. The CRF supports early and late phase clinical trials across a range of clinical areas, including the Neonatal Unit at Liverpool Women’s Hospital. The CRF recruits to a significant number of industry studies, including a significant number of global first recruits.

The successful candidate will undertake paediatric research, in particular they will provide medical input to the studies hosted on the NIHR Alder Hey CRF, and support the research portfolio. They will therefore experience all aspects of the design, delivery, and analysis of early phase and experimental medicine trials held on the CRF, and across the hospital. They will also participate in activities related to the smooth and safe running of a paediatric CRF, such as developing standard operating procedures, delivering and participating in regular training (e.g. resuscitation), and participating in unit meetings. While not a formal training post, the CRF is the only paediatric CRF in the UK that has RCPCH sub-specialty training for GRID registrars in paediatric clinical pharmacology and the successful applicant will be included in this teaching programme. This post is part of a multidisciplinary team including clinicians, nurses, physician associates, pharmacy staff, research management staff and experienced investigators from across the hospital and university. The post holder will also be encouraged to conduct other research activity and will be supported in developing academic interests during their placement. Applicants will be supported to prepare applications for Research Fellowships and/or PhD proposals.