Tommys Research Clinical Fellow

Leeds Teaching Hospitals

The closing date is 02 May 2025

Job summary

Tommy's Clinical Research Fellow post in Obstetrics

Applications are invited for the Tommy's Clinical Research Fellow post at the Leeds Teaching Hospitals Trust in conjunction with the University of Leeds. The post is available from May 2025.

The research areas concerns the microarchitecture of the cervix and preterm birth (supervisors Dr Nic Orsi, Mr Nigel Simpson). An example of previous work may be found below. Progression towards a higher degree would be expected and encouraged.

Previous research experience is desirable but not essential. It will incorporate the span of bench, clinical, and data-led studies which should appeal to a wide range of trainees with pre-existing abilities and interests, but especially those considering a future in preterm birth prevention.

The successful applicant will be involved in the full range of clinical activities in preterm prevention (pre-pregnancy counselling, preterm prevention clinics, transvaginal ultrasound scanning of the cervix, placement of high vaginal and transabdominal cerclages), leading to independent practice in this area. As such it may appeal more to a trainee at ST5 level.

Main duties of the job

The post is split between research (six sessions) and clinical (four sessions) as well as a full on-call rota commitment. The post also includes a commitment to undergraduate teaching and examinations as a member of the academic team. The terms and conditions of the post will be those of the NHS terms and conditions for medical and dental staff.

Please refer to attached job description and person specification.

About us

The maternity service is based at St James University Hospital (approximately 4,500 deliveries per year) and Leeds General Infirmary (approximately 4500 deliveries per year). Each site has a delivery suite, antenatal and postnatal wards, antenatal day care unit, fetal assessment unit, obstetric ultrasound department, maternity assessment centre and outpatient clinics. There is a tertiary level fetal medicine unit at LGI, where the Level 3 neonatal unit is also situated.

The gynaecology service is predominantly based at St James University Hospital (Chancellor Wing) and includes general, urogynaecological, recurrent miscarriage, endometrial ablation, fertility control, complex contraception, menopause, perineal and ambulatory gynaecology clinics such as hysteroscopy,), vulval and colposcopy.

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.

Date posted

11 April 2025

Pay scheme

Other

Salary

£61,825 a year

Contract

Fixed term

Duration

3 years

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

C9298-MED-725

Job locations

St. James's University Hospital

Beckett Street

Leeds

LS9 7TF


Job description

Job responsibilities

This post was established by Leeds Teaching Hospitals Trust in conjunction with Tommy's and The University of Leeds, to encourage more senior trainees to become involved in research activity and to develop specialist interest.

Applications are now invited for a Clinical Research Fellow (Trust doctor) in Obstetrics ST5 level.

The specific research area relates to the microarchitecture of the cervix and its role in preterm birth.

Previous research experience is desirable but not essential. The proposed research incorporates the span of bench, clinical, and data-led studies which should appeal to a wide range of trainees with pre-existing abilities and interests.

We are seeking highly motivated, enthusiastic individuals with the potential to excel in both their clinical and research training and who have the ambition to obtain a higher degree. The post is for up to 3 years with 60% of the working week dedicated to research and 40% to clinical service. There is an on-call commitment as 2nd on call for obstetrics and gynaecology on a 1 in 10 basis. The post holder is employed by Leeds Teaching Hospital Trust (LTHT) with an honorary contract with the University of Leeds.

Applications are now invited for a Clinical Research Fellow (Trust doctor) in Obstetrics ST5 level.

The specific research area relates to the microarchitecture of the cervix and its role in preterm birth.

Previous research experience is desirable but not essential. The proposed research incorporates the span of bench, clinical, and data-led studies which should appeal to a wide range of trainees with pre-existing abilities and interests.

INFORMATION ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT

Research institution in which training will take place

The research work will be carried out in the Section of Obstetrics & Gynaecology within the School of Medicine, University of Leeds.

The Sections work covers a range of themes ranging from understanding disease aetiology through to the application of our findings in translational clinical trials and currently includes the following areas of research:

Prediction/prevention of adverse pregnancy outcome - much of our work in this area aims to integrate complementary research themes so as to integrate clinical, metabolomic, proteomic, and genetic biomarkers in the pre-symptomatic detection of obstetric complications

Gynaecological cancer - we cover two principal themes; the bulk of our work revolves around the pathophysiology of endometrial cancer using genomic, transcriptomic, proteomic and lipidomic approaches. Much of our emphasis is placed on understanding the role of the tumour microenvironment in carcinogenesis. We are also interested in the role of microRNAs, predictive markers for response to novel targeted therapies, and the process of epithelial-mesenchymal transition in ovarian cancer

Interaction between nutrition and pregnancy outcome: we work closely with the Nutritional Epidemiology group in order to better understand the impact of nutrition on the incidence of pregnancy complications. Much of our research in this area has focussed on maternal caffeine and anti-oxidant intake

Endothelial biology: studying the role of mechanosensing channels in placental vasculature within the world-leading cardiovascular research group in the Leeds Institute of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Medicine

Reproductive Medicine: including pioneering in vitro maturation research and studying implantation biology

Our work is collaborative and links in with other leading national and international groups. We particularly value the practical contribution of our research in driving our teaching and clinical practice in order to improve womens healthcare.

Job description

Job responsibilities

This post was established by Leeds Teaching Hospitals Trust in conjunction with Tommy's and The University of Leeds, to encourage more senior trainees to become involved in research activity and to develop specialist interest.

Applications are now invited for a Clinical Research Fellow (Trust doctor) in Obstetrics ST5 level.

The specific research area relates to the microarchitecture of the cervix and its role in preterm birth.

Previous research experience is desirable but not essential. The proposed research incorporates the span of bench, clinical, and data-led studies which should appeal to a wide range of trainees with pre-existing abilities and interests.

We are seeking highly motivated, enthusiastic individuals with the potential to excel in both their clinical and research training and who have the ambition to obtain a higher degree. The post is for up to 3 years with 60% of the working week dedicated to research and 40% to clinical service. There is an on-call commitment as 2nd on call for obstetrics and gynaecology on a 1 in 10 basis. The post holder is employed by Leeds Teaching Hospital Trust (LTHT) with an honorary contract with the University of Leeds.

Applications are now invited for a Clinical Research Fellow (Trust doctor) in Obstetrics ST5 level.

The specific research area relates to the microarchitecture of the cervix and its role in preterm birth.

Previous research experience is desirable but not essential. The proposed research incorporates the span of bench, clinical, and data-led studies which should appeal to a wide range of trainees with pre-existing abilities and interests.

INFORMATION ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT

Research institution in which training will take place

The research work will be carried out in the Section of Obstetrics & Gynaecology within the School of Medicine, University of Leeds.

The Sections work covers a range of themes ranging from understanding disease aetiology through to the application of our findings in translational clinical trials and currently includes the following areas of research:

Prediction/prevention of adverse pregnancy outcome - much of our work in this area aims to integrate complementary research themes so as to integrate clinical, metabolomic, proteomic, and genetic biomarkers in the pre-symptomatic detection of obstetric complications

Gynaecological cancer - we cover two principal themes; the bulk of our work revolves around the pathophysiology of endometrial cancer using genomic, transcriptomic, proteomic and lipidomic approaches. Much of our emphasis is placed on understanding the role of the tumour microenvironment in carcinogenesis. We are also interested in the role of microRNAs, predictive markers for response to novel targeted therapies, and the process of epithelial-mesenchymal transition in ovarian cancer

Interaction between nutrition and pregnancy outcome: we work closely with the Nutritional Epidemiology group in order to better understand the impact of nutrition on the incidence of pregnancy complications. Much of our research in this area has focussed on maternal caffeine and anti-oxidant intake

Endothelial biology: studying the role of mechanosensing channels in placental vasculature within the world-leading cardiovascular research group in the Leeds Institute of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Medicine

Reproductive Medicine: including pioneering in vitro maturation research and studying implantation biology

Our work is collaborative and links in with other leading national and international groups. We particularly value the practical contribution of our research in driving our teaching and clinical practice in order to improve womens healthcare.

Person Specification

Eligibility, Fitness to practice, and Language Skills

Essential

  • To have demonstrable skills in written and spoken English adequate to enable effective communication about medical topics with patients and colleagues
  • Appropriate knowledge base and ability to apply sound clinical judgement to problems
  • Evidence of competence in management of emergencies and in-patients through continuous work-based assessments, and portfolio evidence.
  • Evidence of competence to work without direct supervision where appropriate
  • Demonstrate current ALS certification or equivalent

Clinical Experience and Career Progression

Essential

  • Satisfactory OSATs as appropriate for stage of training
  • Clear, logical thinking showing an analytical/scientific approach
  • Good manual dexterity and hand/eye co-ordination
  • Familiarity with UK health system and NHS
  • 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 period of training
  • 2nd on call experience in O&G

Desirable

  • Additional clinical skills (i.e. obstetric or gynae ultrasound)
  • Attendance clinical training courses
  • Competent to work without direct supervision where appropriate
  • Intercalated BSc, BA, MSc
  • MRCOG (Part 2 and 3)

Clinical, Academic, and Personal Skills

Essential

  • Previous experience of teaching
  • Previous research involvement
  • GCP

Desirable

  • Enthusiasm for teaching; exposure to different groups/teaching methods
  • Research experience, presentations, publications
  • Academic prizes and honours

Qualifications

Essential

  • Eligible for full registration with the GMC at time of appointment and hold a current licence to practice
  • Eligibility to work in the UK
  • MB BS (or equivalent) MRCOG (Part 1) In possession of NTN/ST4+ or equivalent
  • Is up to date and fit to practise safely
  • Demonstrates awareness of the basics of managing medical/surgical conditions, including emergencies.
Person Specification

Eligibility, Fitness to practice, and Language Skills

Essential

  • To have demonstrable skills in written and spoken English adequate to enable effective communication about medical topics with patients and colleagues
  • Appropriate knowledge base and ability to apply sound clinical judgement to problems
  • Evidence of competence in management of emergencies and in-patients through continuous work-based assessments, and portfolio evidence.
  • Evidence of competence to work without direct supervision where appropriate
  • Demonstrate current ALS certification or equivalent

Clinical Experience and Career Progression

Essential

  • Satisfactory OSATs as appropriate for stage of training
  • Clear, logical thinking showing an analytical/scientific approach
  • Good manual dexterity and hand/eye co-ordination
  • Familiarity with UK health system and NHS
  • 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 period of training
  • 2nd on call experience in O&G

Desirable

  • Additional clinical skills (i.e. obstetric or gynae ultrasound)
  • Attendance clinical training courses
  • Competent to work without direct supervision where appropriate
  • Intercalated BSc, BA, MSc
  • MRCOG (Part 2 and 3)

Clinical, Academic, and Personal Skills

Essential

  • Previous experience of teaching
  • Previous research involvement
  • GCP

Desirable

  • Enthusiasm for teaching; exposure to different groups/teaching methods
  • Research experience, presentations, publications
  • Academic prizes and honours

Qualifications

Essential

  • Eligible for full registration with the GMC at time of appointment and hold a current licence to practice
  • Eligibility to work in the UK
  • MB BS (or equivalent) MRCOG (Part 1) In possession of NTN/ST4+ or equivalent
  • Is up to date and fit to practise safely
  • Demonstrates awareness of the basics of managing medical/surgical conditions, including emergencies.

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.

Certificate of Sponsorship

Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).

From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).

UK Registration

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).

Additional information

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.

Certificate of Sponsorship

Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).

From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).

UK Registration

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).

Employer details

Employer name

Leeds Teaching Hospitals

Address

St. James's University Hospital

Beckett Street

Leeds

LS9 7TF


Employer's website

https://www.leedsth.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)


Employer details

Employer name

Leeds Teaching Hospitals

Address

St. James's University Hospital

Beckett Street

Leeds

LS9 7TF


Employer's website

https://www.leedsth.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)


For questions about the job, contact:

Consultant Obstetrician

Mr Nigel Simpson

n.a.b.simpson@leeds.ac.uk

01133922729

Date posted

11 April 2025

Pay scheme

Other

Salary

£61,825 a year

Contract

Fixed term

Duration

3 years

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

C9298-MED-725

Job locations

St. James's University Hospital

Beckett Street

Leeds

LS9 7TF


Supporting documents

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