Job responsibilities
ORGANISATIONAL ARRANGEMENTSThis post is for 40 hours per week to work as a clinical research fellow in the Sarcoma and Teenage & Young Adult (TYA) medical oncology clinical/research team.
Role Purpose
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIESThis position is suitable for an enthusiastic and research-motivated applicant with a Medical degree, who is pursuing a career in Medical/Clinical Oncology and have an interest in gaining further research and clinical trial experience in Sarcoma and TYA oncology.
Candidates must hold full General Medical Council (GMC) registration and have passed the International Academic English Language Testing System (IELTS) exam (if appropriate) at the time of post commencement. This is a 1-year post to support clinical research and to provide specialist experience and training for the successful applicants. The Christie Department of Medical Oncology (Clinical Director, Dr Rob Metcalf) was founded in 1974 and is one of the largest Departments of Cancer Medicine in the UK. The major research remit of the Department is to develop improved methods for cancer patient management. Laboratory research is closely integrated with clinical research and service work.The role is joining a team of established Consultants who run the clinical service and research practice. There are also Medical Oncology Clinical Research fellows and Speciality and Associate Specialist doctors working at The Christie NHS Foundation Trust.The Medical Oncology Fellowship Committee was formed in 2016 to pro-actively coordinate recruitment, training and support of Medical Oncology/Haematology clinical Fellows. More information can be found on the following website;https://www.christie.nhs.uk/education/the-christie-international-school-of-oncology/the-christie-international-fellowship-programme/medical-oncology-fellowship-programmeThe Systemic Therapy Research Group was formed in 2016 to include the disease groups who prescribe systemic therapies, forming a single coordinated research group that has size-impact to drive the necessary improvements. The plan is to increase the number of world-class cancer research leaders, support them and maximise influence on developments, by focusing on attracting and delivering more investigator-led studies driven by The Christie NHS Foundation Trust. A key part of this process is to encourage education and empowerment of research staff at all levels, which includes training the next generation of cancer research leaders.The University of ManchesterThis is one of Britains largest and most popular universities, with a distinguished history of academic achievement and an ambitious agenda for the future. The University, with income in excess of £780 million, has 4 Nobel Prize winners amongst its current academic staff, and has embarked on an exciting and bold course, which aims to make it one of the top 25 Universities in the world, as set out in the Universitys strategic vision for 2020.Manchester Cancer Research CentreThis was established to bring together the expertise, ambition and resources of partner organisations (which already have formidable individual reputations in the fields of cancer treatment and clinical research). The partner organisations are the University of Manchester, the Cancer Research UK Manchester Institute and The Christie NHS Foundation Trust. Prof Rob Bristow is the newly appointed Director of the Manchester Cancer Research Centre.Recently, new translational research facilities have been opened to support current activities and develop new areas such as Molecular Pathology. One of the new laboratories, which meets Good Clinical Laboratory Practice standards, improves the ability to assess clinical samples from patients in early phase trials under the required regulations. These activities are supported with major grants from the Experimental Cancer Medicines Centre initiative and the Clinical Research Initiative, the latter increasing capacity for early-phase clinical trials to world-leading levels.Continuing Professional DevelopmentThe Trust supports the requirements for continuing professional development (CPD) as laid down by the GMC and surgical colleges and is committed to providing time and financial support for these activities.
Role PlanningSuccessful applicants will need to divide their time between research and a moderate clinical commitment; this may involve clinical research and audit activities, including protocol-writing.The post will be based within the Department of Medical Oncology under the supervision of a consultant clinician (Dr Alex Lee).The post-holder will work closely with other members of the respective multidisciplinary teams and will support the consultants, clinical fellows, specialist registrars, and clinical research nurses in managing the respective large disease group clinical trial portfolios. This will facilitate more rapid clinical decision making, an increase in the number of trials opened, together with increased recruitment of patients into new and existing research protocols.The Fellow will attend 2-3 appropriate clinics per week and multidisciplinary meetings. In addition, they will participate in clinical research meetings and any other relevant trial planning or trial set-up meetings. The Fellow will also spend time reviewing clinical data, writing abstracts/manuscripts, planning new studies and attending educational meetings.
The Clinical Research fellow will have the following opportunities within the Department of Medical Oncology: Audit: Fellows play a key role in Clinical Audit as a member of The Christie Medical staff. Clinics: Research fellows in Medical Oncology usually attend 2-3 outpatient clinics per week (seeing new referrals, follow-ups and patients on clinical trials) and are expected to undertake the administrative duties associated with the care of these patients. Clinical Governance: Fellows are expected to participate in all relevant aspects of clinical governance, including maintaining up-to-date protocols, guidelines and clinical audit, under the supervision of the Consultants in the team. Education: There are numerous courses organised annually by the School of Oncology at The Christie. Please refer to The School of Oncology website: http://www.christie.nhs.uk/school-of-oncology.aspxIn addition, there is an annual research event where all Medical Oncology fellows are encouraged to present their on-going research and a little about themselves. There are also weekly teaching sessions in practical life skills related to Medical Oncology, such as interview skills, oral presentation skills, curriculum vitae preparation, media training, career development etc. Professional Development: Fellows should also maintain a level of continuing professional development consistent with the recommendations of the Royal College of Physicians. Appropriate arrangements for study leave will be made in conjunction with colleagues. There is the potential to attend International meetings to present research work and fellows are expected to be involved in writing papers and reviews, and will also be required to undergo an annual appraisal. Protocol Development: Fellows may also assist with the revision and development of evidence-based clinical trial protocols for patients.Research: There are excellent opportunities for research within the Department. Fellows are encouraged to contribute to current research projects within the unit and/or set up new projects. The Manchester Cancer Research Centre has been established to bring together the expertise, ambition and resources of partner organisations, which include the University of Manchester, the Cancer Research UK Manchester Institute, Cancer Research UK, in addition to The Christie NHS Foundation Trust.On call CommitmentsThis role does not require participation in the on-call rota.
