Faculty of Medicine and Health
School of Medicine
Leeds Institute of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Medicine
Division of Cardiovascular & Diabetes Research
Part Time (80% fte)
Fixed Term (Available from 1 June 2015 to 31 May 2016)
Research Nurse
A Research Nurse is required to work within the Theme Thrombosis research group in
collaboration with the Leeds Vascular Institute; as our previous study (the Leeds Aneurysm
Development Study) is evolving into a new and exciting project - the Leeds Ageing Aorta
Research Tissue Bank. You will be joining an established aneurysm research group consisting of
surgeons, scientists and laboratory technicians.
You will work closely with the PIs on the projects and as part of the multidisciplinary research
team, contributing to the application for grants to support the further development of the research
programme. You will work to develop links with the consultants, nurses and administrators in
participating hospital and community departments and establish effective communication
strategies. You will be also be required to participate in the recruitment of patients and control
subjects to academic research projects, and where necessary, follow up the patients during the
course of the study. You will be involved in ensuring that any research undertaken safeguards the
well being of the patients and volunteers and is conducted within ICH Good Clinical Practice
Guidelines for Research.
You will be an NMC registered nurse with post registration experience in Cardiology, Vascular
Surgery or Haematology. With strong communication and interpersonal skills, you will have
excellent organisational skills with evidence of managing your own workload effectively; being
proactive and prioritising to meet tight deadlines. Evidence of strong IT skills with experience of
using a range of spreadsheet and database computer software is also essential.
The University of Leeds is committed to providing equal opportunities for all and offers a
range of family friendly policies (http://hr.leeds.ac.uk/homepage/4/policies). The University
is a charter member of Athena SWAN and holds the Bronze award. The School of Medicine
gained the Bronze award in 2013. We are committed to being an inclusive medical school
that values all staff, and we are happy to consider job share applications and requests for
flexible working arrangements from our employees.
University Grade 6 (£25,513 – £30,434 p.a.) pro rata depending on qualifications and
experience
Informal enquiries regarding the post should be directed to Professor Robert Ariens,
telephone: +44 (0)113 343 7734, or email: r.a.s.ariens@leeds.ac.uk
If you have any specific enquiries about your online application please contact Sou Sit
Chung, Telephone: +44 (0)113 343 9177 or email: LICAMM-HR@leeds.ac.uk.
Job Ref:
MHLCM1023
Closing Date: 14 May 2015
Purpose of the post
The post holder may be involved in all studies in the vascular research portfolio, but will have particular
responsibility for the Ageing Aorta Tissue Bank:
The Ageing Aorta Tissue Bank
As we get older a number of problems can develop with the aorta, the main blood vessel that
carries oxygenated blood from the heart to the organs of the body. These can be serious and often
require surgery to treat. They include tearing (dissection), narrowing (atherosclerosis) and
ballooning (aneurysm). We do not fully understand why these diseases develop. At present there
are no medical treatments to prevent their development or stop these diseases from getting worse.
The exact purpose of the research undertaken will vary from project to project but the broad aims
of the Ageing Aorta Research Tissue Bank (AA RTB) are to improve our understanding of aortic
diseases and work towards new treatments for patients.
The AA RTB allows us to collect samples from patients with aortic diseases and patients with
normal aortas to look for differences. These samples include blood, urine and if patients undergo
an operation, tissue from the aortic wall that would otherwise be discarded. Analysing samples
may help us to understand why the disease has developed so that we can identify ways of
preventing it, or the samples can be used to develop better treatments for diseases. These
research studies may involve working with other national or international researchers in this field.
Main Duties and Responsibilities:
Research Set-up:



Be involved in the process of obtaining the relevant approvals (these need to be updated on
a 5 year basis) for the project and maintaining study documentation
Implementing the new research data systems
Contribute to the application for grants to support the further development of the Ageing
Aorta research programme.
Database management:


Identify eligible patients and enter details onto the study databases.
Maintain the database which holds information on study participants. Extract information from the
database as required for ad hoc reports, reports to the Principle lnvestigators and funders.
Clinical Research:









Work autonomously to implement research according to the objectives of the research.
Assist in the assessment of patients/volunteers for eligibility for research, both in the university
and in the Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust
Obtain informed consent and take blood samples from patients/volunteers.
Perform ultrasound examination of the abdominal aorta (training will be provided where required)
Identification of obstacles to recruitment of eligible patients
Process store and despatch blood and urine samples according to study protocols and local policies
and guidelines
Keep an electronic record of all samples using Medical Achiever, in collaboration with the research
technician
Accurately collate data on relevant study pro-formas within a pre-determined time frame
Maintain electronic copies of consent using the Patient Registration System (PRS)







Coordinate study investigations according to study protocols.
Coordinate with other research departments (e.g. MRI research department) according to
patient eligibility and study protocols
Word processing standard letters and other communications as appropriate
To liaise with study sponsors and other external bodies and prepare annual reports as
required
To liaise with Research Tissue Bank management within the university of Leeds, including
those related to the Human Tissue Act
To prepare audit data of research activity and tissue collection for the HTA manager when
required
Assist with writing up research papers for submission to peer-review journals
Communications/ Professional Responsibilities

















Work within the NMC Code of Conduct at all times.
Work closely with the principal investigators of the projects and as part of the multidisciplinary Theme
Thrombosis Research team.
Develop links with the consultants, nurses and administrators in participating hospital and community
departments and establish effective communication strategies.
Be conversant with cardiac arrest, major incident and fire procedures as they relate to clinics / wards
within the directorate.
Approach patients to obtain consent and arrange interviews.
Effectively conduct interviews and collect research data.
Provide regular feedback on the progress of the study to the principal investigators, participating NHS
hospital sites and Ethics committees.
Develop an effective communication strategy to ensure all eligible patients are given the opportunity to
participate in the study.
Present findings at local and national meetings and conferences.
Manage administration of the studies.
Observe the provisions of current data protection legislation and confidentiality, as well as adhering to
local data security policies.
Monitor and maintain progress of the studies.
Maintain own professional development, making use of suitable educational opportunities.
Advancing own learning and gaining specialist knowledge in a range of vascular procedures and
practices.
Aiding in the supervision of trainee doctors and medical students who wish to become involved in the
research project.
Attend lab meetings of the principle investigators on a weekly basis.
Taking responsibility for developing and sustaining own knowledge, clinical skills and professional
awareness and undertaking any mandatory training required within the University and NHS Trust.
Professional Registration
As a qualified Nurse, you should have up to date registration with the NMC. You will be
required to maintain such registration so long as you remain employed with the University of
Leeds. You should produce registration upon request.
University Values
All staff are expected to operate in line with the university’s values and standards, which work as
an integral part of our strategy and set out the principles of how we work together. More
information about the university’s strategy and values is available at
http://www.leeds.ac.uk/comms/strategy/
Person Specification
Essential:









A registered Nurse, with current NMC registration
Post registration experience in Cardiology, Vascular Surgery or Haematology
Evidence of strong IT skills with experience of using a range of spreadsheet and database
computer software including the Microsoft Office Suite (Word & Excel)
Evidence of effective communication and interpersonal skills
Excellent organisational skills with evidence of managing own workload effectively, being
proactive and prioritising to meet tight deadlines
Evidence of an ability to work to a high level of accuracy with attention to detail (for example,
when completing forms / spreadsheets)
Evidence of an ability to work independently and as part of a team, and to develop and
maintain effective working relationships.
Willingness to update knowledge and attend necessary training courses with an interest in
maintaining own professional development
Willingness to work flexibly to ensure the goals and timescales of the research study are achieved.
Desirable:







Experience of carrying out qualitative or quantitative research in a healthcare environment
Experience of writing reports and for peer-reviewed journals
Educated to degree level (or equivalent experience)
Holds a recognised teaching and assessing qualification
Experience of performing venepuncture /ECG/Abdominal vascular USS
Experience of collecting, validating and entering data
Experience of speaking in front of a group of professionals
Further information
Faculty Information
With more than 6,000 students, 1,600 staff and annual research income of £50m, the Faculty of
Medicine and Health at Leeds is bigger than some universities. Leeds has one of the largest
medical and bioscience research bases in the UK, and is an acknowledged world leader in cancer,
cardiovascular, psychiatric, genetic, musculo-skeletal and health services research. Treatments
developed in Leeds are transforming the lives of people around the world living with conditions
such as HIV, TB, diabetes and malaria.
The School of Medicine
The School of Medicine at the University of Leeds is a major international centre for research and
education. Our ambition is to improve health and reduce health inequalities, locally and globally,
through excellent scientific research and the translation of that research into healthcare practice,
and through the education of future scientific and clinical leaders who will advocate and practise
an evidence-based approach. Our major strategic aims are to:



Deliver outstanding research including basic discovery science through to applied health
research that makes a significant difference to health.
Produce exceptional graduates, clinicians, educators, doctoral and post-doctoral fellows
whose learning has been informed and inspired by our research excellence and who will
form the next generation of academic and clinical leaders.
Develop and support knowledge transfer activities that flow from our academic activities.

Create and maintain an efficient and sustainable environment for research and teaching
within an organisational culture and management style that enacts and supports the
university’s core values of community, inclusiveness, integrity and professionalism.
The School of Medicine is organised into seven Institutes. All are committed to high quality
research-led teaching, through their training of postgraduate research students, delivery of
postgraduate taught courses, and its leadership in undergraduate teaching. The School works
closely with the local NHS, having a number of jointly funded clinical posts to ensure this
relationship is effective and strong for both research and student education.
Leeds Institute of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Medicine (LICAMM)
Director: Professor Mark Kearney
LICAMM integrates basic and clinical scientists with a common goal of understanding the
mechanisms underpinning common chronic diseases of human health and developing new
approaches to treating patients at an individual and population level. At the heart of LICAMM’s
philosophy is a vibrant multidisciplinary approach to science that provides a platform to deliver
internationally competitive translational research and teaching in disorders including
cardiovascular disease, diabetes, cancer and neurodegenerative diseases our key aim is to
improve the lives of our patients and the experience of our students.
Leeds Institute of Health Sciences (LIHS) Director: Professor Tim Ensor
LIHS delivers problem-driven research that supports decisions about the content or delivery of
healthcare. Our interdisciplinary approach incorporates expertise in applied health research
designs, health implementation sciences, social sciences, health economics, informatics and
statistics, as well as skills in communicating with basic scientists, policy makers, healthcare
providers, public and patients. We conduct research at the individual, population and
organisational level.
Leeds Institute of Medical Education (LIME) Director: Professor Trudie Roberts
LIME provides the administrative support, co-ordination and leadership for the School of
Medicine’s undergraduate medical degree, including admissions, curriculum development,
assessment, student support and clinical placement liaison. It provides the technology-enhanced
learning and innovation support for the School of Medicine. LIME also has a very active
scholarship programme of research and innovation in medical education and uses its expertise to
influence medical education policy and practice nationally and internationally. To achieve this, it
works with a range of stakeholders including the academic community, the profession, the public,
regulators and policy makers.
The Leeds Institute of Cancer and Pathology (LICAP) Director: Professor Tim Bishop
The Leeds Institute of Cancer Studies and Pathology addresses both laboratory based and clinical
research into cancer with a major focus on translational science. LICAP is one of the largest
cancer Institutes in the country and has major financial support from the cancer charities. The
laboratories and clinical research are all based on the St James’s site with laboratory activities
being located in the Wellcome Trust Brenner Building and adjacent buildings while the clinical
work is based within Bexley Wing. The Institute consists of seven Sections with the following
interests:
Leeds Institute of Biomedical & Clinical Sciences (LIBACS)
Director: Professor Philip Hopkins
LIBACS undertakes clinically-driven research from the level of the gene through cellular, tissue
and organ to clinical trials. Our vision is to develop a sustainable centre of excellence for the
advancement of patient care by translating research results into clinical practise and contributing
to medical education at undergraduate and postgraduate levels. Our research interests are
encapsulated in 6 clinical themes (Gastrointestinal inflammation & tumorigenesis, Genetic
disorders, Infection & immunity, Neuroscience, Perinatal medicine, Perioperative outcomes &
technologies) underpinned by four generic science technology strands (Animal models, Cell
biology, Gene regulations & Genomics). We are based predominantly at the St James’s
University Hospital site.
Leeds Institute of Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Medicine (LIRMM)
Director: Professor Paul Emery
LIRMM is dedicated to improving diagnosis, therapy, intervention and outcome across the
spectrum of rheumatic and musculoskeletal medicine. It boasts a dynamic portfolio of research
and education, delivering wide-ranging clinical, translational and basic research across five
Sections: Clinical Musculoskeletal Medicine, Experimental Musculoskeletal Medicine, Clinical
Biomechanics and Physical Medicine, Rehabilitation Medicine and Orthopaedics. A multidisciplinary approach is the core of our activities, with significant interdisciplinary links between
Experimental and Clinical research. LIRMM’s clinical activities are focussed at Chapel Allerton
Hospital, which is also base for our NIHR Musculoskeletal Biomedical Research Unit (LMBRU)
and our basic sciences at St James’s University Hospital.
Leeds Institute of Clinical Trials Research (LICTR) Director: Professor Julia Brown
LICTR delivers innovative design, delivery and knowledge transfer in clinical trials research. Our
multidisciplinary approach, in collaboration with basic scientists, clinicians, policy makers,
healthcare providers, public and patients and University colleagues, delivers internationally
competitive research and teaching that makes a significant contribution to the evidence base for
healthcare delivery. The Institutes research is conducted through the Clinical Trials Research Unit
where we have expertise in design and conduct of complex clinical trials incorporating novel
designs to evaluate CTIMPs, complex interventions, diagnostics, medical devices and surgery.
St James’s University Hospital Campus Infrastructure and Facilities (SCIF)
Director: Professor Pam Jones
This group covers activities that cover School of Medicine functions for Institutes at St James’s
University Hospital that span more than one institute including biomedical research facilities,
student education, IT, health and safety, estates, seminars, PGR studentships and business
support functions. These functions help support the five adjacent buildings on the site.
There are three Institutes with staff and students at St James’s: LICAP (Leeds Institute of Cancer
studies and Pathology), LIBACS (Leeds Institute of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences), LIRMM
(Leeds Institute of Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Medicine). These three institutes are
dedicated to basic, translational, clinical and health research integrated with student education.
Additional information
Terms and Conditions
Details of the terms and conditions of employment for all staff at the university, including
information on pensions and benefits, are available on the Human Resources web pages
accessible via the links on the right hand side, or at http://hr.leeds.ac.uk/policies.
University Teaching and Research Award
The Senate of the University has agreed that all newly appointed staff with a contract of 0.5 FTE
and above who have a teaching/research role and are deemed new to teaching or research in
Higher Education should be required to complete successfully all of the requirements of the
University of Leeds Teaching and Research or an appropriate alternative. Whether or not this
applies to you, will be decided as part of the appointment procedure at interview.
Further details of the ULTRA are available at http://www.sddu.leeds.ac.uk/sddu-ultra.html.
Staff with contracts of less than 0.5 FTE may take the ULTRA provided that they have a broad
enough range of teaching, research and assessment to complete the requirements of the
Programme: this will be decided in conjunction with the School and the course providers.
Disclosure and Barring Service checks
This post falls under the remit of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order
1975. As such, all applicants are required to declare any convictions, cautions, reprimands and
warnings, including any pending criminal prosecutions and those which would otherwise be
considered 'spent' under the 1974 Act. However, amendments to the Exceptions Order 1975
(2013) provide that certain ‘spent’ convictions and cautions are now 'protected' and are not subject
to disclosure to employers, and cannot be taken into account. Guidance and criteria on the
filtering of these cautions and convictions can be found on the Disclosure and Barring Service
website https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/disclosure-and-barring-service and at
http://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2013/1198/pdfs/uksi_20131198_en.pdf
Declarations of any such information as described above, should be made in the ‘other personal
details’ section of the application form and details sent to the Recruitment Officer at
disclosure@leeds.ac.uk.
Enhanced Disclosure from the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) is required for this position.
The successful applicant will be required to give consent for the University to check their criminal
record status through independent verification (from the DBS). Information will be kept in strict
confidence. Your offer of appointment will be subject to the University being satisfied with the
outcome of these checks.
Disabled Applicants
The post is located in LIGHT Laboratories, Clarendon Way. Disabled applicants wishing to review
access to the building are invited to contact the department direct. Additional information may be
sought from the Recruitment Officer, email disclosure@leeds.ac.uk or
telephone + 44 (0)113 343 1723.
Disabled applicants are not obliged to inform employers of their disability but will still be covered
by the Equality Act once their disability becomes known.
Further information for applicants with disabilities, impairments or health conditions is
available in the applicant guidance.