Position Overview & Specifications
Job Purpose
This role will allow the development of research skills and production of data which the postholder should use to develop a research thesis leading to an MD or PhD degree. The data may also be used to compete for external funding. Although research will form the major component of this post, participation in associated clinical duties and a small amount of teaching will be incorporated into the role. Postholders will be expected to register and undertake a higher degree [MD/PhD].
Main Duties and Responsibilities
1. Plan, design and implement projects or parts of projects, in conjunction with collaborators and grant holders as appropriate in order to secure further funding to continue research that leads to a higher degree [MD/PhD].
2. Write and submit applications for Ethics and Research Management approval, as appropriate and in conjunction with PIs.
3. Manage data handling and interpretation of research results and take the lead in writing papers for publication in appropriate peer-reviewed journals.
4. Prepare research reports, thesis, and submit at least one manuscript of material for publication in a peer-reviewed journal.
5. Collaborate with colleagues and participate in team meetings/discussions and departmental research group activities.
6. Present work at internal and external seminars and national/ international conferences as appropriate to enhance the profile of the research group.
7. To deliver teaching materials and supervise undergraduate/postgraduate student projects and contribute to the academic progress of students
8. Contribute to the organisation of project-related workshops, seminars or conferences.
9. Undertake some clinical work under an NHS honorary contract as detailed below.
10. To contribute to the enhancement of the University’s international profile in line with the University’s Strategic Plan Inspiring People, Changing the World.
Qualifications
Essential
A1. MBChB or equivalent.
A2. Registered with General Medical Council [GMC] and licensed to practice [or able to be registered if overseas candidate].
Desirable
B1. BSc or equivalent intercalated degree.
B2. Evidence of distinction in career to date e.g. prizes, awards, bursaries.
Knowledge / Skills
Essential
C1. Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work collegially to achieve a common goal/ Institute objective
C2. Evidence of self-motivation, originality, innovation and the ability to work independently
C3. Good organisational including the ability to manage research projects.
C4. Excellent communication both oral and written
C5. Sufficient clinical experience in medicine or related specialties, relevant to the Institute
C6. Previous experience in research is desirable
C7. Previous experience in undergraduate teaching or postgraduate teaching is desirable
General Information
Clinical Research Fellowships offer medical graduates the opportunity for training in a range of research methodologies relevant to modern biomedical research in Medicine and related specialities. Most Clinical Fellows will undertake research training to consolidate career prospects, by participating in relevant research, which will usually form part of a further qualification or Higher degree [MSc, MD, PhD]. If further funding can be obtained, registration for an MD will be strongly encouraged and the research will be planned with successful attainment of a degree in mind. The post should make individuals competitive for future NHS teaching hospital appointment or Academic Lecturer/Clinician Scientist awards.
Research Training
All Clinical Research Fellows will have a mentor assigned at the time of appointment. The mentor will usually become the supervisor for any matriculated Higher degree [see below]. Clinical Research Fellows are encouraged to attend workshops and training in generic transferable skills organised by the College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences Graduate School. Full details of the programme are available at http://www.fom.gla.ac.uk/RDTC/. Regular attendance and contributions to research meetings of their group is expected.
Higher Degrees
Clinical Research Fellows will undertake study towards a Higher Degree, ordinarily a PhD, in the University of Glasgow. In addition to an academic supervisor, all postgraduate students will have an independent adviser. Either the adviser or supervisor must be a member of full- time University academic staff. Candidates are responsible for the fees for the higher degree.
Clinical Work
For registered medical practitioners an honorary grading will be sought from the relevant NHS Service. This will usually be at the grade of Honorary ST3 [or equivalent]. Clinical activities may be limited to those required for research training such as recruitment to trials and conduct of clinical research. However, limited additional clinical experience will usually be available subject to the agreement of the supervisor and NHS Services Clinical Director,
with in-patient and out-patient experience in Medicine and relevant Specialties. Where any clinical activities of a Service nature extend beyond the usual working week, confirmation in advance of any such responsibilities and agreement on additional payments must be obtained from appropriate NHS Services management. The individual will have a contract with the NHS Services via the appropriate directorate/division, which will specify the agreed amount of clinical work and the level of remuneration. Since the funding for this post does not include an element for clinical training or NHS service work, any such clinical work must be arranged to avoid impacting substantially on research time.
Funding Sources
The duration of funding is as specified in the post-specific information. It will be awarded on the basis of individual career achievement to date and the likelihood of the fellow contributing to an effective, existing research team. Salary will be on ST3 equivalent scale. As noted above, there may be opportunities for additional salary supplements providing NHS cover in Medicine and related specialties [by negotiation with local NHS management and subject to prioritisation of research]. In relation to such supplements, the University will act as Paymaster only.
Research Training Base
The Clinical Research Fellow will be based at the University of Glasgow but may work at other clinical sites e.g. the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital.
Research Supervision
Details of the Institute and supervisorial pool can be found on the Institute’s webpages, as per the post specific information.
Teaching
There will be no regular commitment to teaching but research fellows are encouraged to contribute to both problem-based learning and clinical teaching sessions for undergraduate medical students when research commitments allow.
Assessment of Progress
- All those matriculated for Higher Degrees will be subject to the Postgraduate School of the College for progress monitoring. This is completed according to the regulations set down in the University Calendar.
- Written progress reports on projects on a monthly basis.
- Research in Progress presentations, at least annually, to the Institute.
- Reports/manuscripts of results of clinical trials undertaken, as appropriate.
- General assessment during clinical work and meetings.
- Annual interview by independent assessors.