Clinical Research Fellow in Medical Oncology (Lung Cancer)

ORGANISATIONAL ARRANGEMENTS
This post is for a 12-month fixed term contract for a clinical Fellow to provide support to the Medical Oncology Lung Team for 40 hours per week. The Christie NHS Foundation Trust registers >1000 new patients with lung cancer per year. The clinical service is closely integrated with clinical research spanning early to late phase systemic therapy trials with a focus on precision medicine and immune oncology, radiotherapy-related research and translational biomarker research. There is also a patient experience, supportive and palliative care research group with a focus on validating objective tools for measurement of patient experience and interventions for the respiratory symptom cluster (cough, breathlessness and fatigue).

In 2014, the Christie Lung Cancer Group was designated joint Cancer Research UK Lung Centre of Excellence with University College London. This is in recognition of their track record in internationally leading clinical and translational research and in particular, ground-breaking research in circulating tumour cells as a biomarker and tool for drug development in patients with small cell lung cancer.

The clinical trials team maintains a portfolio of trials that encompass patients with small cell and non-small cell lung cancer, supporting the studies being conducted by the National Cancer Research Institute, Lung Clinical Studies Group, the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) Lung and Radiotherapy Groups, working with pharmaceutical companies on industry-sponsored trials and conducting investigator-initiated studies.

Dedicated research clinics facilitate high patient recruitment and delivery of complex study protocols. The overall goal of this fellowship is to provide a rich learning environment in all aspects of care and treatment of lung cancer. The Clinical Research fellow will gain knowledge and insight into management of a programme of routine clinical care alongside clinical research. The programme can be tailored to the specific interests of the individual, depending on experience. Fellows will have the opportunity to contribute to the research portfolio with individual projects, with the aim to publish abstracts and papers, and will also have an active role in the management of patients treated within clinical trials.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The appointee will be based at The Christie within the Department of Medical Oncology under the supervision of Professor Raffaele Califano (Consultant Medical Oncologist and MAHSC Honorary Clinical Chair). The successful applicant will need to divide his/her time between research and a moderate clinical commitment; this may involve clinical research and audit activities, including protocol-writing. 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.

Key accountabilities
The Clinical Research fellow will have the following opportunities within the Department of Medical Oncology:

1. Audit: Fellows play a key role in Clinical Audit as a member of The Christie Medical staff.
2. Clinics: Research fellows in Medical Oncology usually attend a number of 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.
3. 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.
4. Education: There are numerous courses organised annually by the School of Oncology at The Christie. Please refer to The School of Oncology website: School of Oncology. In addition, there is an annual research event where all Medical Oncology fellows are encouraged to present their ongoing 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.
5. 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.
6. Protocol Development: Fellows may also assist with the revision and development of evidence-based clinical trial protocols for patients.
7. 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.

The post holder is committed to delivering at least four of the following:

1. Successfully complete a clinical audit.
2. Actively participate in at least one national or international meeting (abstract presentation).
3. Successfully publish at least two first-author peer-reviewed manuscripts.
4. Aid income generation through assistance in development and writing of investigator-led studies/grant applications for research projects.
5. Increase the international profile of the Disease Group, The Christie School of Oncology and The Christie Medical Oncology Fellowship programme.
6. Representation from The Christie on international professional committees.

Continuing Professional Development
The 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 Planning
The Fellow will attend a maximum of four 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.

On call Commitments
This role does not require participation in the on-call rota.