Blizard Institute of Cell and Molecular Science
Centre for Digestive Diseases
Clinical Research Fellow
Applications are invited for a Clinical Research Fellowship on a 2-year project being undertaken as
part of a collaboration between the Centre for Digestive Diseases and Academic Surgical Unit. The
project is funded by the MRC and is part of a translational research programme exploring the
peripheral mechanisms, at the oesophageal mucosal level, responsible for oesophageal
hypersensitivity observed in patients with non-erosive gastro-oesophageal reflux disease and
hyposensitivity observed in patients with Barrett’s oesophagus. The successful candidate will be
active both at the clinical site (obtaining patient’s oesophageal tissue and/or biopsies) and at the
laboratory site (assessing changes in oesophageal mucosa integrity). Studies will characterize
oesophageal mucosa integrity using different techniques i.e. changes in trans-mucosal electrical
resistance (Ussing Chambers), increased permeability to small molecules and morphological
assessment with transmission electron microscopy (TEM).
The position would suit a trainee in Gastroenterology with interest in translational research from in
vitro mucosal studies to physiological testing and clinical application. Training is available for all the
techniques to be used in the project.
The post is full time for 2 years (starting as soon as possible). Starting salary will be £32,155-£35,194
per annum inclusive of London Allowance. Benefits include 30 days annual leave, final salary pension
scheme and interest-free season ticket loan.
Candidates must be able to demonstrate their eligibility to work in the UK in accordance with the
Immigration, Asylum and Nationality Act 2006. Where required this may include entry clearance or
continued leave to remain under the Points Based Immigration Scheme.
Informal enquiries should be addressed to Professor Daniel Sifrim (tel 0208 882 2631, email:
d.sifrim@qmul.ac.uk
Details about the Institute can be found at www.icms.qmul.ac.uk.
Further details and an application form can be found at www.hr.qmul.ac.uk/vacancies
Completed application forms, quoting 09463/AB, should be returned by email to wchrecruit@qmul.ac.uk or by post to: Whitechapel Recruitment, Barts & The London School of
Medicine and Dentistry, c/o SMD Management Offices, The Lodge House, Charterhouse
Square, London, EC1M 6BQ.
The closing date for the applications is 12 noon (BST) on 7th January 2010.
Valuing Diversity & Committed to Equality
Job Title
Clinical Research Fellow
Institute:
Blizard Institute of Cell & Molecular Science
Research Centre:
Centre for Digestive Disease
Grade:
Lecturer
Salary:
£30,685-£33,724 + £1470 London Allowance
Hours:
Full-time
Appointment period:
Fixed term (2 years)
Accountable to:
Institute Director: Prof Mike Curtis
Reports to:
Centre Lead: Prof Ian Sanderson
Project Supervisor/Principal Investigator: Prof Daniel Sifrim/Prof Qasim
09463/AB
Aziz
Location:
Currently based at Whitechapel, although the postholder may be required to
move to another of the School’s sites should the need arise. The postholder
may also be required to carry out duties on other College/Hospital sites.
Job Purpose


To undertake a project, in the laboratory and/or clinic, that will form the basis of an MD
investigating changes in oesophageal mucosa integrity (permeability and electrical resistance) in
healthy subjects and patients with GORD. To contribute to the overall scientific endeavour of the
Centre, and to take responsibility for areas of the current projects, as demand requires.
To work as part of the Institute’s research team, being mutually supportive and covering duties as
necessary during colleagues’ absences and at times of additional pressure, as directed.
Main Responsibilities
Research:
1. The principal duty of the post will be to undertake clinical and laboratory research, developing the
research program as outlined.
2. To achieve a steady publications record of the kind that will enhance the Centre’s research
reputation at national and international level and that well clearly demonstrate originality and
scholarship.
3. To attend and participate in the Centre’s academic activities, e.g. laboratory and journal club
meetings, research group meetings and weekly seminars.
4. To make research initiatives and original contributions to the research programme wherever
possible, and to contribute freely to the team research environment in a manner conducive to the
success of the research project as a whole.
5. To keep up to date with scientific, clinical and professional issues, in particular relating to
developments in the specific subject area.
6. To ensure that all research is undertaken according to Good Clinical Practice (GCP), Good
Laboratory Practice (GLP), College and Trust protocols.
Clinical:
[The postholder will hold an Honorary SpR contract with the Barts and The London NHS Trust.]
7. To undertake clinical research duties as appropriate, and as agreed with the supervisors.
8. To enter patient data into the study case record using a computer.
9. The post-holders must have an awareness and understanding of clinical governance issues, and
will be expected to participate in Clinical Governance activities related to their clinical work.
Teaching:
10. To contribute to the delivery of undergraduate and postgraduate curricula in accordance with the
Institute’s Teaching and Learning Service Level Agreement and as agreed by the Project
Supervisor, the Centre Lead, the Institute Teaching Lead and the Institute Director. This may
include contributing to course and examination organisation, and, when required, serving on
strategic or tactical committees related to teaching.
11. The School runs a problem-based learning programme and the post-holders may be asked to act
as facilitators to small groups of students. Appropriate training will be given as necessary.
12. To support the project medical and nurse co-ordinator in the education and training of other staff,
as required.
Other:
13. To ensure they are fully aware of and comply with the College’s/Trust’s policies and procedures
in relation to data protection, confidentiality, health and safety at work, COSHH regulations,
infection control, safe handling of drugs, and all local safety rules regarding fire, chemical,
radioisotope and gene manipulation hazards.
14. To identify own training needs and to remain up to date with current professional thinking.
15. The postholder must at all times carry out their responsibilities with due regard to the College's
and Trust’s Equal Opportunities policy.
16. The duties of the post outlined above are not exhaustive, and the postholder will be expected to be
co-operative and flexible, undertaking such administrative and other duties as may from time to
time be reasonably expected of a member of research grade staff in a university.
17. These duties will be subject to review in line with the changing requirements of the Centre,
Institute, School or College, and with the development needs of the postholder as identified
through regular review/appraisal processes.
This job description sets out the duties of the post at the time it was drawn up. Such duties may vary
from time to time without changing the general character of the duties or level of responsibility
entailed. Such variations are a common occurrence and cannot of themselves justify a reconsideration
of the grading of the post.
Decision Making

Judgements involving complex facts or situations, which require analysis, interpretation and
comparison of data from both clinical and laboratory based research.

To ensure that patient care is conducted in accordance with good clinical practice.

To use forward planning and goal-setting to assure that the study proceeds to target.

To adopt flexible working practices where required.
Working Relationships & Contacts

To work as part of a multidisciplinary team of clinicians, scientists, nurses and support staff,
developing good working relationships within the team, and making use of discussions with the
project supervisor(s), and other team members as appropriate, to establish and maintain excellent
communication links.

Providing, receiving and presenting complex information to a large group of staff/students/peers
within the Research Centre, Institute, SMD, Trust and externally.

To review study progress with the project medical co-ordinator at least weekly or more often if
necessary.
Dimensions

No budgetary responsibilities.

No direct line management of staff.

Supervision and training of new members of staff in appropriate lab techniques, etc.

Supervision of clinical research assistants, nursing staff and medical students.
Organisation Chart
The Blizard Institute of Cell and Molecular Science
Director’s Office
Digestive
Disease
Immunology
and
Infectious
Disease
Cutaneous
Research
Neuroscience
and
Trauma
Diabetes
Paediatrics
Central Laboratory Support Team and Core Facilities
Flow
Cytometr
y
Imaging
Histology
siRNA
screening
Transgenics
Pathology
Group
Person Specification
Qualifications and
background
Experience
Knowledge, skills
and abilities
Attitude and
disposition
Other circumstances
Essential requirements
 UK-registerable basic medical
qualification
 MRCP, MRCPCH or equivalent
 Experience in either adult or paediatric
medicine
 Experience in gastroenterology
 Wide clinical knowledge
 Some knowledge of clinical
gastroenterology
 Excellent communication skills
 Flexible and co-operative.
 Self-motivated
 Willingness to learn new skills
 Willing to be innovative and to deal
with responsibilities of the Unit
 Desire to pursue a career in academic
medicine
 Good health record and general health
appropriate to the duties of the post
 Willingness to work on different sites
Desirable requirements
 Track record in research
 Some research experience in
gastroenterology
 Experience of scientific data
handling
 Experience in undergraduate
and postgraduate education.
 Ability to supervise clinical
research assistants/junior staff

