JOB DESCRIPTION
Job Title:
Clinical Research Fellow
Section:
Paediatrics
Division:
Infectious Diseases
Department:
Medicine
Job Family/Level:
Clinical Academic Scale
Salary Range:
£31,523 - £55,754 per annum plus £1,505
London Weighting Allowance per annum
Reporting to:
Principal Investigator, Professor J Simon Kroll
Key working Relationships (internal):
Members of the Molecular Infectious Diseases
Group
Key Working Relationships (external):
Clinical medical and nursing staff employed at
Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, and
research workers in other laboratories/
institutions
Location:
St Mary’s Campus
Working hours:
Full-time, 35 hours per week
Duration:
Fixed-term for one year
Molecular Infectious Diseases Group, Section of Paediatrics
This group, led by Professor Simon Kroll and Professor Paul Langford, undertakes research
in the area of bacterial pathogenesis, focussing on those microbes responsible for infections
in previously healthy children. The Group currently consists of Professors Kroll and
Professor Langford, five post-doctoral research assistants, two PhD students (both clinically
qualified), two visiting researchers, two research nurses, a technician and a laboratory
manager.
Professor Kroll has been awarded a programme grant by the Winnicott Foundation to study
the evolution of the microbiome after birth - the relationship of microorganisms with one
another and with their host, and changes which occur in normal good health and disease.
Purpose of the Post
The post is funded to support the appointee’s research in this area under Professor Kroll’s
and Professor Langford’s supervision, to provide laboratory training, and to assist the
appointee to prepare an external fellowship submission for ongoing funding to undertake a
Higher Degree. The project has a generous Consumables budget of £16,000.
Key Responsibilities
Under the supervision of the PI:
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To conduct all aspects (experimental planning, the gaining of ethical approval,
laboratory work, data analysis) of the research project.
To develop relevant research and clinical skills.
To develop aims and objectives for a higher degree, to register and prepare grant
submissions.
To record, analyse and communicate scientific data together with a clear
interpretation of results.
To write scientific papers communicating the results of the work, and to present at
scientific meetings nationally and internationally.
To contribute to teaching on ad-hoc basis internally and externally.
To join multidisciplinary meetings and participate in clinical governance activities and
audit.
To participate as part of the larger research group as required.
To participate in departmental managerial activities as required.
To budget and keep records of expenditure on laboratory consumables.
Management
The post holder will be responsible for accurate record keeping and documentation of
results, and for preparing research reports and papers arising from his/her research.
Clinical Responsibilities
The post holder will hold an honorary clinical contract with the Imperial College Healthcare
NHS Trust and will be expected to take clinical responsibilities appropriate to their level of
experience and expertise.
Committees and Meetings
To attend meetings and report progress on the project, (written and oral) both within Imperial
and externally.
Other Duties
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To undertake appropriate administration tasks
To attend research meetings and seminars
To undertake any necessary training and/or development
Any other duties commensurate with the grade of the post as directed by the PIs
The post holder will be expected to contribute to the intellectual activities of the
Department and to keep up to date with scientific advances in the field.
As this post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974, a satisfactory
(standard/enhanced/enhanced for regulated activity) Disclosure and Barring Service check
will be required for the successful candidate. Further information about the DBS disclosure
process can be found at http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/agencies-public-bodies/dbs/ or by
telephoning 0870 90 90 811. You may also wish to view the College’s policy statements on
the Recruitment and Employment of Ex-Offenders and the Secure Storage, Use, Retention &
Disposal of Disclosures and Disclosure Information.
To observe and comply with all College policies and regulations, including the key
policies and procedures on Confidentiality, Conflict of Interest, Data Protection, Equal
Opportunities, Financial Regulations, Health and Safety, Imperial Expectations (for
new leaders, managers and supervisors), Information Technology, Private
Engagements and Register of Interests, and Smoking.
To undertake specific safety responsibilities relevant to individual roles, as set out on
the College Website Health and Safety Structure and Responsibilities page
(http://www3.imperial.ac.uk/safety/policies/organisationandarrangements).
Job descriptions cannot be exhaustive and the post-holder may be required to
undertake other duties, which are broadly in line with the above key responsibilities.
Imperial College is committed to equality of opportunity and to eliminating
discrimination. All employees are expected to adhere to the principles set out in its
Equal Opportunities in Employment Policy, Promoting Race Equality Policy and all
other relevant guidance/practice frameworks.
Person Specification
The post holder should possess the following attributes:
Qualifications:
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MBBS, preferably with intercalated BSc.
Recognised trainee in Paediatrics, Infectious Diseases, Microbiology or related
discipline with appropriate postgraduate qualification such as MRCP, MRCPath or
MRCPCH.
Registered Medical Practitioner with the General Medical Council.
Knowledge/Experience:
Essential
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Career track in relevant speciality - e.g. Microbiology, Infectious Diseases,
Paediatrics - at SHO level or above.
Familiarity with the area of study of microbiology/infectious diseases.
Laboratory experience in the area of clinical microbiology.
Desirable
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In a trainee Microbiologist, clinical experience in the area of Paediatrics; or in a
trainee Paediatrician, clinical experience in the area of Microbiology.
Laboratory experience in the general area of molecular biology.
Postgraduate training in bioinformatics
Knowledge of basic research methods and statistical procedures.
Skills/Abilities
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Ability to exercise initiative
Ability to work constructively and effectively within a small team
Ability to collaborate with and relate to others
Ability to develop and apply new concepts
Creative approach to problem-solving
Excellent verbal communication skills and the ability to deal with a wide range of
people
Excellent presentation skills
Excellent written communication skills and the ability to write clearly and succinctly
for publication
Application Guidance
Please read the person specification carefully and describe, as part of your application, how
much you feel you meet each of the criteria. If you need more space, please attach additional
sheets to the application form.
The recruitment monitoring section of your application will be detached and will be used only
for monitoring and audit purposes as a basis for supporting our commitment to Equal
Opportunities.
An application form and full CV quoting reference number HM2013059 should be sent,
online via the Imperial College iRecruitment website.
Shortlisted candidates will be contacted as soon as possible after the closing date.
Thank you for your interest in this post. We look forward to receiving your application.