Position Details Department of Inflammation and Ageing, School of Infection, Inflammation and Immunology, College of Medicine and Health Location: University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham UK Full time starting salary is normally in the range £38,619 to £65,955 Clinical Full Time, Fixed Term contract up to February 2028 Closing date: 26th November 2024 Background We are seeking an experienced Clinical Research Fellow at ST3 level with a track record of academic research delivery such as Academic Foundation Year or NIHR integrated academic training (Academic clinical fellow) to lead on the recruitment and delivery of an MRC funded experimental medicine early phase clinical trial. This will look for ground-breaking treatments for cicatrising conjunctivitis. The post will involve coordination of and processing, storage and tracking of biosamples (eye swabs, tears, bloods, urine, faeces) using GCPL Laboratory Management System between sites. Knowledge of the Human Tissue Act, Health Research Authority Research ethics framework, Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS), Quality Management Systems (QMS) for establishing Good Clinical Practice in the Laboratory (GCPL) are essential to the post. The successful will develop experience in bioinformatics, data capture, computation, analysis, and interpretation of biological data to clinical measures. It is expected the successful candidate would register for a higher degree. Role Summary The post-holders will contribute to the achievement of the ophthalmology research strategy by supporting clinical trials and other studies in the Ophthamology portfolio, specifically focused on the cicatrising conjunctivitis theme including: 1) to find and develop novel inflammatory biomarkers which will identify patients who are at risk of progressive conjunctival scarring in the context of immune mediated ocular disease. 2) developing and testing new therapies for immune mediated ocular disease. The post holder will benefit from the infrastructure and expertise in repurposing therapies and ocular immunology as well as the track record of early phase clinical trials. The post is funded for 36 months in the first instance. The post-holder will be expected to register for a higher degree and will be supported to apply for further funding. Environment The CRF will join a multidisciplinary team comprising the members of the Academic Unit of Ophthalmology who have a long-standing track-record in nurturing early career clinical academics. They link among others with), pharmacologists (Barnes), Health Technologies Institute biomaterial scientists (Liam Grover, Richard Williams, Tony Metcalfe), with intellectual property oversight by the University of Birmingham Enterprise Ltd. The team has a solid record of academic outputs in leading journals (JCI Insight, Diabetologia, ATVB, Nature Regenerative Medicine, Biomaterials and IOVS, among others) and appropriate funding in place to support this programme (exceeding £10M), including from NIH (USA), MRC, NIHR, Diabetes UK, EFSD, Sight Research UK, the Kennedy Trust and Barbara Mary Wilmot Discretionary Trust (see hyperlinks below). A solid grounding will be given in clinical ophthalmology, research methodology, laboratory research, critical appraisal, presentation skills etc, with opportunity to present work at national and international conferences. The trainee will be expected to take an active part in departmental and school seminar series, research updates, journal clubs and attend weekly lab. meetings. Should the successful applicant wish to include 6 months of research time towards clinical training, approval should be sought from the Royal College of Ophthalmologists and one clinic and on theatre session per week will be accommodated to the job plan. Training will focus on (1) Providing specific project guidance to ensure good progress, (2) Teaching specific transferable skills such as critical appraisal of scientific literature, planning and design of experiments, communication skills and research audit, and (3) Discussing issues such as the historical development of the subject area and research ethics. In addition to scientific rigour and excellence, we foster an attitude that aims to continuously integrate science with the practice of clinical medicine. A scientific, critical approach should be developed that is evidence based. There will be a clear, personalised academic training plan. Main Duties To coordinate recruitment of patients to Ophthalmology trials, including patient identification and consent and performance of trial-related procedures where relevant To assist with trial set-up and obtaining necessary local and national approvals (ethics, MHRA) and contribute to site file and data management under guidance of the trials coordinators and lead investigators. To carry out a literature review of the topic area. To gain sufficient research data and experience that will enable completion of a higher degree (PhD or MD). To comply with the terms and conditions set out in the fellowship and in the University of Birmingham’s graduate Programme of study. To contribute to the enhancement of scientific understanding of chronic inflammatory disease mechanisms in accordance with the aims of the Ophthalmology theme. To undertake prescribed research tasks and collection of research data. To prioritise tasks within the agreed work schedule to ensure that projects are completed in a timely fashion according to the timelines in the Ophthalmology programme. To suggest and contribute to the development of research techniques and methods in collaboration with colleagues. To contribute to writing bids for research grants. To disseminate research findings using appropriate and effective media such as publication, research seminars, etc. To provide guidance to other staff and students. To contribute to the production of research reports and high impact publications. To plan and develop research contributions to subject area using methodologies, critical evaluations, interpretations, analyses and other appropriate techniques. To participate in departmental and Ophthalmology-specific public engagement activities and initiatives. Person Specification Essential: Possession of FRCOphth Part 1 examination or equivalent and Refraction Certificate. Possession of a National Training Number. Full General Medical Council Registration with a Licence to Practice. Understanding and experience of research methods and processes. Medical degree. Desirable: Demonstrable research experience. Understanding and experience of research methods and processes related to the study of chronic inflammatory diseases. Research publications. Planning and Organising Plan for the use of research resources as appropriate. Contribute to the planning of research projects. Co-ordinate own work with others to avoid conflict or duplication of effort. Prioritise responsibilities and various undertaken work-streams. Problem Solving and decision making Critical decision making on appropriate amendments to experimental design and progress to ensure optimal output. Plan for the use of research resources as appropriate. Contribute to the planning of research projects. OH and DBS required The University is committed to safeguarding and we promote safe recruitment practice, therefore all associated pre-employment checks will be undertaken before any appointment is confirmed. Due to the nature of the work undertaken in this role all successful applicants will be subject to a satisfactory Occupational Health and DBS clearance prior to appointment. Further particulars can be found here Informal enquiries to Lisa Powell, email: l.h.powellbham.ac.uk We believe there is no such thing as a 'typical' member of University of Birmingham staff and that diversity in its many forms is a strength that underpins the exchange of ideas, innovation and debate at the heart of University life. We are committed to proactively addressing the barriers experienced by some groups in our community and are proud to hold Athena SWAN, Race Equality Charter and Disability Confident accreditations. We have an Equality Diversity and Inclusion Centre that focuses on continuously improving the University as a fair and inclusive place to work where everyone has the opportunity to succeed. We are also committed to sustainability, which is a key part of our strategy. You can find out more about our work to create a fairer university for everyone on our website .