THE UNIVERSITY OF NOTTINGHAM
RECRUITMENT ROLE PROFILE FORM
Job Title:
Clinical Research Fellow - Arthritis Research UK
School/Department:
School of Medicine - Division of Clinical Neuroscience, Radiological
and Imaging Sciences
Salary:
£31,301 – £54,199 per annum (pro rata), depending on skills and
experience
Job Family and Level: Clinical Academic
Contract Status:
This post will be offered on a fixed term contract for a period of one
year
Hours of Work:
Full-time (38.5 hours per week); however applications are also
welcome from candidates wishing to work part-time (minimum 28
hours per week). Please specify in your application if you wish to
work part-time and the number of preferred hours
Location:
Queen’s Medical Centre Campus
Reporting to:
Professor Dorothee Auer, Professor of Neuroimaging
Purpose of the New Role:
This is an academic post to undertake research into imaging markers to stratify pain treatment
in chronic knee OA pain patients. The project is part of a larger programme of work funded by
Arthritis Research UK (www.nottingham.ac.uk/ paincentre/). The main project focuses on
structural and functional neuroimaging markers of mechanisms underlying pain chronification,
such as central sensitization, pain augmentation and impaired central pain modulation. The
project is directly linked with a planned imaging based study into the mechanisms of efficacy of
acute opioid vs. placebo injection and subacute duloxetine vs. placebo treatment in patients
with chronic osteoarthritis pain. The post holder will be expected to support the recruitment
and clinical assessment of the research participant and undertake image analysis to identify
imaging predictors of treatment responsiveness.
The successful candidate will have a medical degree and previous clinical experience and a
strong interest in developing an academic career. The candidate must be confident with full
medical and neurological patient assessment. The post holder will have the opportunity to
register for an MRes, MPhil or MSc Course and will be supported to develop a personal
fellowship application to allow continuing of studies for a PhD.
Main Responsibilities
1.
2.
3.
% time
per year
Undertake research into neuroimaging to assess the effects of analgesic
interventions in patients with chronic knee OA pain, including preparation and
presentation of results at conference, and in peer reviewed publications.
To lead recruitment, documentation, clinical (including quantitative sensory
testing) and MRI investigation for the ARUK funded neuroimaging studies in
patients with chronic knee OA pain.
To closely co-operate with the Pain Centre and its members to support other
Recruitment
40%
30%
10%
4.
5.
6.
pain imaging studies by contributing to identification, recruitment, scanning
and follow up of patients as appropriate.
To contribute to other imaging studies (contrast supervision) in the Medical
Imaging Unit as appropriate.
Grant writing (fellowship application or contribution to other grants).
Any other duties as appropriate to grade and role of post holder.
Knowledge, Skills, Qualifications & Experience
Essential
Qualifications/
 Full GMC registration with a licence
Education
to practice
 F2 qualification
 Advanced life support certificate
 BMBS or equivalent
Skills/Training
 Confident to perform clinical
examinations, able to recognise
and manage adverse effects from
duloxetine
 Confident in handling adverse drug
effects in a multi- disciplinary team
Experience
 Some experience post qualification
of working in general medicine or
surgery
Statutory/Legal
 Satisfactory enhanced disclosure
from the Disclosure and Barring
Service
5%
10%
5%
Desirable
 MRCS, MRCP or FRCP
 Registered for a higher
research degree
 SPSS and EXCEL skills
 Statistical knowledge
 Able to organise and manage
multiple events
 Training in Research
Methodology
Decision Making
i)
taken independently by the role holder
Eligibility assessment for drug studies based on clinical and neurological examination
Safety of contrast injection
ii)
taken in collaboration with others
Safety to undergo MRI
Participant inclusion into studies
Assessment and classification of adverse effects
iii)
referred to the appropriate line manager by the role holder
Any decisions outside of clinical competence will be referred to Professor Dorothee Auer
All funding decisions
Because of the nature of the work for which you are applying, this post is exempted from the
provisions of Section 4 (2) of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 by virtue of the
Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975.
Candidates are therefore, not entitled to withhold information about convictions, which for
other purposes are “spent” under the provisions of the Act, and in the event of employment
any failure to disclose such convictions could result in dismissal or disciplinary action by the
University. Any information given will be strictly confidential and will be considered only in
relation to an application for positions to which the Order applies.
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