Neuromuscular clinical research fellow

Job summary

The Dubowitz Neuromuscular Centre follows a large number of children affected by a variety of neuromuscular disorders. The Centre is engaged in research focused on the genetic basis of the neuromuscular conditions and in translational research especially in congenital dystrophies, Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) and spinal muscular atrophy (SMA).

This post offers an exciting opportunity for candidates seeking to carry out research and gain experience in clinical trials and translational research in neuromuscular diseases within an established national center of excellence.

The post holder will work on research projects and contribute to some clinical activities of the Unit, particularly related to the SMA clinics, and support and coordinate the drug administration and data collection into the SMA REACH UK database for the Nusinersen managed access agreement (MAA).

The research projects will mainly consist of managing clinical trial assessments on patients affected by different neuromuscular conditions (DMD and SMA among them).

Main duties of the job

The post holder will be involved in recruiting and evaluating patients in different studies on Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, Spinal Muscular Atrophy, Congenital Muscular Dystrophies, and congenital myopathies.

The post holder will be encouraged and supported in conducting clinical audits at GOSH and small research projects on different aspects of neuromuscular conditions and in getting their research published in an international peer-reviewed Journal.

Clinical commitment will include clerking and managing children with neuromuscular disorders in outpatients and day-case settings at GOSH. The appointee will acquire skills in the assessment, diagnostic pathway, and multidisciplinary management of neuromuscular disorders. All patients assessed by the clinical research fellow will be reviewed jointly with a consultant, and support and supervision will be available from senior colleagues at all times. This will provide a unique opportunity to gain experience in the rapidly changing field of pediatric neuromuscular disorders, within an MDUK recognized pediatric center for clinical excellence and research.

Job responsibilities

The post holder will be involved in recruiting and evaluating patients in different studies on Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, Spinal Muscular Atrophy, Congenital Muscular Dystrophies, and congenital myopathies, including Titin- and Nemaline myopathies.

The post holder will be encouraged and supported in conducting clinical audits at GOSH and small research projects on different aspects of neuromuscular conditions and in getting their research published in an international peer-reviewed Journal.

Clinical commitment will include clerking and managing children with neuromuscular disorders in outpatients and day-case settings at GOSH. The appointee will acquire skills in the assessment, diagnostic pathway, and multidisciplinary management of neuromuscular disorders. All patients assessed by the clinical research fellow will be reviewed jointly with a consultant, and support and supervision will be available from senior colleagues at all times.

Person Specification

GOSH Culture and Values

Essential

• Always welcoming
• Always helpful
• Always expert
• Always one team
• Knowledge and understanding of diverse backgrounds and perspectives
• Understanding of Diversity and Inclusion challenges in the workplace
• Demonstrable contribution to advancing Equality, Diversity and Inclusion in the Workplace

Academic/Professional qualification/Training

Essential

• Degree in medicine MBBS or Equivalent
• Appropriate GMC registration to be obtained by the designated start date.

Desirable

• Registered with GMC Specialist Registry in Paediatrics, or Adult Neurology or Clinical Genetics

Experience/Knowledge

Essential

• Demonstrated clinical experience in General Paediatrics/ Paediatric Neurology or Adult Neurology or Clinical Genetics
• Prior knowledge in General Paediatric or Paediatric Neurology or Clinical Genetics or Adult Neurology
• Awareness of own limitations, consulting senior colleagues appropriately

Desirable

• Previous exposure to clinical research
• Experience in clinical trials
• Good Clinical Practice training
• Prior knowledge of Neuromuscular Disorders in childhood

Skills/Abilities

Essential

• Excellent oral and written communication skills - Ability to communicate well with colleagues, children, and families of patients
• Able to work effectively in a multidisciplinary team
• Computer Literacy/ IT Skills including the use of Microsoft packages (Word, Excel, PowerPoint as minimum)
• Effective spoken and written English
• Excellent communication skills
• Previous research experience
• Knowledge of research design and methods
• Ability to write clearly and concisely
• Scientific & analytical skills
• Knowledge of ethical issues for staff in clinical research
• Excellent organisational and problem-solving skills.

Desirable

• Previous research experience
• Knowledge of research design and methods

Personal Qualities

Essential

• Discretion and sensitivity with respect to colleagues and parents of research subjects
• Willingness to learn and adapt to new techniques
• Ability to initiate papers and abstracts for conferences and to present material arising from the research
• Excellent interpersonal skills
• Flexible and able to handle conflicting priorities.

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.

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.

UK Registration

Applicants must have current UK professional registration.