We are inviting applications to fill our Research Fellow vacancy at The Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust in the Department of Breast Surgery and The Leeds Institute of Medical Research.
This post will commence on 01/10/2025 and is a fixed term appointment for 1 year with the provision of extension for an additional year subject to satisfactory progression. This is a research post with protected sessions to learn and carry out laboratory research with an aim of submitting a successful thesis for MD in translational breast cancer research at University of Leeds. The appointed candidate will be expected to enrol for a higher degree with the University of Leeds. The registration fee will need to be paid by the appointed candidate as this is not included in the funding for this post. Details of the University fee can be found at:
The proposed research project will involve investigating the link between nutritional factors and chemoresistance in triple negative breast cancer. The project supervision will be provided by Dr James Thorne (Associate Professor, University of Leeds) alongside clinicians who have a strong background in translational breast cancer research.
There will be a service component involving 3 clinical sessions which will help the breast surgery service with its outpatient department workload. There is no provision for on-calls or theatre sessions.
Main duties of the job
DUTIES OF THE POST
The post will have protected research sessions which will involve working with the molecular scientists and the technicians at University of Leeds, collecting and analysing clinical data, lab work and regular supervisory meetings.
There will be 3 clinical sessions additionally to support the Breast service. These sessions will be in the clinics to help meet 2 week targets. There will be no on-call commitments.
About us
The Breast Surgery department at St. James's University Hospital (SJUH) is an integrated unit with a specialist ward, clinic, theatre, and radiology department all in close proximities. Leeds Breast Unit has a proven track record of hosting successful translational breast cancer research fellowships with over 20 previous surgical fellows who have been awarded MD or PhD in previous years.
Leeds Teaching Hospitals is committed to our process of redeploying 'at risk' members of our existing workforce to new roles. As such, all our job adverts are subject to this policy and we reserve the right to close, delay or remove adverts while this process is completed. If you do experience a delay in the shortlisting stage of the recruitment cycle, please bear with us while this process is completed, and contact the named contact if you have any questions.
Job responsibilities
INFORMATION ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT
An opportunity has arisen for a Research Fellow post to join the Breast Surgery team at the Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust (LTHT). This will be a 12 month post commencing in October 2025 which will be extended for a further year subject to satisfactory progress. This post is to take forward the research aspirations of the Unit. The post holder is expected to work on a translational breast cancer research project with an aim of submitting a thesis for an MD at University of Leeds.
This post is suitable for doctors who are in core or higher surgical training level. This post is not currently recognised by the Deanery for formal postgraduate surgical training though the candidate is expected to register for a higher degree (MD) with The University of Leeds subject to appropriate progress of the project. The post has funding for the laboratory consumables.
Knowledge, Skills and Experience Required
The candidate should have experience in breast surgery, especially in the outpatient setting. The post would ideally be suited to a candidate in core or higher surgical training level who has an aspiration to develop their academic and research skills with a future intended career in Breast Surgery. Previous experience in molecular research would be desirable but not essential. Previous experience in thesis writing for BSc or equivalent, data analysis, completion of clinical research projects in breast surgery, and peer reviewed publications would also be highly desirable for the post. Please refer to the Person Specification section for further detail.
Person Specification
Eligibility, Fitness to practice, and Language Skills
* Be eligible for full registration with, and hold a current licence to practise from, the GMC at intended start date
* Eligibility to work in the UK.
* Advanced Life Support Certificate from the Resuscitation Council UK or equivalent (as required to complete Foundation competences) by intended start date
* Is up to date and fit to practise safely and is aware of own training needs.
* Completed basic surgical training and has speciality interest in Breast Surgery.
Clinical Experience and Career Progression
* More than 24 months experience after full GMC registration or equivalent, and evidence of achievement of foundation competences, in line with GMC standards / Good Medical Practice
* Ability to provide complete details of employment history
* Evidence that career progression is consistent with personal circumstances
* Evidence that present achievement and performance is commensurate with totality of their period of training
* At least 2 years experience in surgical specialities by the time of intended start date.
* Experience in assessing symptomatic and screening breast surgery referrals.
* Confident in triple assessment.
* Appropriate career progression with placement in recognised training posts.
* Has trained in breast surgery posts/placements previously
Additional Requirements
* Professional Integrity: Demonstrates probity (displays honesty, integrity, aware of ethical dilemmas, respects confidentiality)
* Capacity to take responsibility for own actions
* Demonstrable interest in, and understanding of, the specialty
* Commitment to personal and professional development
* Evidence of attendance at organised teaching and training programme(s)
* Evidence of self-reflective practice
* Meets professional health requirements (in line with GMC standards/Good Medical Practice)
* Extracurricular activities / achievements relevant to the specialty
Clinical, Academic, and Personal Skills
* Ability to apply sound clinical knowledge and judgement to problems
* Recognition of, and ability to undertake the initial management of, an acutely ill patient
* Demonstrates understanding of research, including awareness of ethical issues
* Demonstrates knowledge of evidence-informed practice
* Communication Skills
* Capacity to use logical/lateral thinking to solve problems/make decisions, indicating an analytical/scientific approach
* Capacity to take in others perspectives and treat others with understanding; sees patients as people
* Demonstrates respect for all
* Organisation & Planning
* Capacity to monitor developing situations and anticipate issues
* Capable of performing clinical FNAs, Core biopsies, Punch biopsies.
* Research and audit skills:
* Desire and motivation to complete a research project and submit for a higher degree.
* Evidence of previous academic and research achievements, e.g. degrees, prizes, awards, distinctions publications, presentations, other achievements
* Evidence of involvement in an audit project, a quality improvement project, formal research project or other activity which:
* Demonstrate good time management and prioritisation allowing smooth progression of research along with the clinical commitments
Qualifications
* MBBS or equivalent medical qualification
* MRCS
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
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