New job opportunities

 

The Faculty of Medicine of the University of Zurich invites applications for an Assistant Professorship (non tenure track) for Translational Rheumatology

The position is limited to six years and is located at the Department for Rheumatology of the University Hospital Zurich. The professorship will be primarily dedicated to translational research on rheumatologic diseases and will also participate to a limited extent in the care of rheumatologic patients. Zurich offers an excellent academic environment with the opportunity for interdisciplinary collaboration with groups at the University Hospital Zurich, the University of Zurich and ETH Zurich. 

We are looking for an internationally recognized person with a broad network who can successfully lead complex interdisciplinary research projects which may involve several Universities. The new assistant professor should focus on translational work, namely the transfer of basic scientific knowledge into new diagnostic and therapeutic approaches in the field of systemic rheumatologic diseases. It is expected that the successful candidate will have experience in translational preclinical research and expertise in the design and implementation of clinical proof-of-concept studies. The ideal candidate already has a proven track record of successful acquisition of competitive external funds in this area. Active participation in clinical education, training and continuing education in clinical practice and research as well as in the promotion of junior scientists is desired. A board certification in rheumatology or equivalent qualification is expected. Experience as a senior physician is of advantage.

German language skills on level B2 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages should be available or must be acquired within a reasonable period of time. The University of Zurich and the University Hospital Zurich are committed to increasing the proportion of women in leadership positions. Therefore, qualified female researchers are explicitly encouraged to apply.

The University of Zurich sees researchers as modern leaders who conduct excellent research - taking into account the Open Science principles - through original research projects as well as the promotion of excellent young researchers and who help to shape a future-oriented university with innovative research-based teaching.

Please submit your electronic application for this position by June, 30 2023 at https://www.recruiting.med.uzh.ch/position/46792707 and follow the instructions on applications at https://www.med.uzh.ch/de/Berufungen.html.

Applications sent by post or e-mail will not be considered. For further information, please contact the Chair of the Appointment Committee Prof. Hanns Ulrich Zeilhofer, e-mail: zeilhofer@dekmed.uzh.ch, Tel: +41 (0) 44 634 10 74.

 

Senior Rheumatology Fellowship in Musculoskeletal Ultrasound: post CCT/Senior ST5+

This is an exceptional opportunity for a highly motivated, ambitious individual to develop skills in musculoskeletal ultrasound within a talented and supportive Rheumatology team. The fellowship is funded through a Collaborative Working Project with Novartis Pharmaceuticals and is available for 12 months starting on or before the 4th September 2023.

The trainee/fellow will work under the supervision of 2 Consultant Rheumatologists; both are experienced Ultrasound Trainers who are regular faculty at both National and International Ultrasound courses, with European Federation of Societies for Ultrasound in Medicine and Biology (EFSUMB) accreditation.

For an informal discussion and further information regarding the opportunity and Directorate, please contact: Dr Ben Thompson, Consultant Rheumatologist via email ben.thompson4@nhs.net or Dr Ish Atchia ismael.atchia@northumbria-healthcare.nhs.uk

Closing date is 14^th May: https://beta.jobs.nhs.uk/candidate/jobadvert/C9317-23-0206

 

 

*** Clinical Research Fellowship in Cambridge (UK) ***

Applications are invited for the post of Clinical Research Fellow (ST3 - ST5) in Rheumatology. This post is due to commence on August 2nd, 2023 , for a period of 12 months .

Main duties of the job: The primary duty of the post includes supporting the daily running of clinical research studies / trials on the Rheumatology Research Unit (level E6), by supporting the principal investigators, five dedicated research nurses and associated administrators. The unit currently runs >20 clinical studies, both commercial and non-commercial, and ranging from phase IIa to IV. The appointee will report to and be supervised by Dr Deepak Jadon, Director of the Rheumatology Research Unit and rheumatologist consultant.

If you are interested, please read more here (job ref 180-CRF-4215) . 

Full Registration and a License to Practice with the General Medical Council at time of application is required. The applicant must have demonstrable skills in listening, reading, writing and speaking in English that enable effective communication about medical topics with patients and colleagues, as set out in the GMC's Good Medical Practice (2013). Non-UK applicants must have the IELTS/OET exam before obtaining a GMC license to practice. Applications from job seekers who require skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information please visit the UK Visas and Immigration website. It is a requirement for skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK,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) will also be subject to this requirement.

 

 

 

 

 

Previous job opportunities

 

***Clinical Fellowship Opening in May 2023 in Cochin Hospital (Paris)***

A clinical fellowship opens in May 2023 in the Rheumatology Department, Cochin Hospital, Paris-Cité University, for 6 months.

The Department of Rheumatology has two main areas of expertise: rheumatic inflammatory diseases (eg connective tissue diseases, rheumatoid arthritis and spondyloarthritis) and bone diseases (eg osteoporosis, and metabolic bone disorders).

The department is an EULAR center of excellence, an EUSTAR leading center (European Scleroderma Trials and Research group) center, and an ASAS (Assessment of Axial Spondyloarthritis international Society) center.

Candidates will be fully involved in all the clinical activities of the department (eg inpatients and outpatients care, multidisciplinary meetings, ultrasound assessments); thus, candidates should be fluent in French.

Candidates will have the opportunity to conduct a clinical research project during their stay in any of the different areas of expertise of the department.
Candidates should have a medical degree from a European University and be a Rheumatologist in training or fully certified.

Interested candidates can send a CV and motivation letter to: Yannick.Allanore@aphp.fr

 

***Research Associate position at the University of Manchester (UK)***

Position: Research Associate in juvenile Onset Rheumatic Diseases: Education, Vocational Readiness & Employment.

The University of Manchester invites applications from candidates with a proven track record in epidemiology, social science, applied health science, public health, health economics, or statistics for a research associate position to investigate the impact of juvenile onset rheumatic diseases on education, vocational readiness , & employment. The post is available immediately and will be tenable on a fixed term contract for 2.5 years.

We are looking for an enthusiastic research associate with a background in one of the following, or related, disciplines, epidemiology, social science, applied health science, public health, or statistics. You will be performing both quantitative and qualitative research. Although qualitative research skills are desirable, we do not expect all candidates to have expertise in qualitative research and training will be provided if needed.

You will have good organizational skills and be able to work both independently and as part of a team. You will be able to demonstrate a flexible approach to work and be able to meet agreed deadlines using initiative and judgment to prioritize competing demands. In addition, to a rolling program of research, the post will also be key in communicating the research to the wider public. You will have excellent communication skills and experience giving presentations to small and medium size audiences.

The project is funded by the Nuffield Foundation Oliver Bird Fund and Versus Arthritis.

The School/Department is strongly committed to promoting equality and diversity, including the Athena SWAN charter for gender equality in higher education. The School/Department holds a Silver Award which recognizes their good practice in relation to gender; including flexible working arrangements, family-friendly policies, and support to allow staff to achieve a good work-life balance. We particularly welcome applications from women for this post. All appointment will be made on merit. For further information, please visit: https://www.bmh.manchester.ac.uk/about/equality/

Our University is positive about flexible working. Blended working arrangements may be considered.

Inquiries about the vacancy, shortlisting and interviews:

• Name: Professor Suzanne Verstappen
• Email: Suzanne.verstappen@manchester.ac.uk

Job reference: BMH-021636

Deadline: 30th March 2023

Link: https://www.jobs.manchester.ac.uk/displayjob.aspx?isPreview=Yes&jobid=25045&advert=external

 

 

*** Research Fellow post at the University of Birmingham NIHR Biomedical Research Center (UK) ***

Opportunity for any rheumatology-linked junior doctor . One year post (that can be extended if appropriate) that give supervised experience in clinical research and trial conduct embedded within a very active research grouping. There are specific opportunities to gain experience and training in musculoskeletal ultrasound and guided procedures.

Role Summary

This post will be funded by the £30M NIHR Birmingham Biomedical Research Center (BRC) in Inflammation and will specifically focus on the Arthritis theme within the Centre. The overarching aim of the arthritis theme is to improve clinical outcomes for those with, and at risk of developing, rheumatoid arthritis (RA), childhood arthritis and Sjogren's syndrome (SjS) by developing diagnostic tests, drugs and novel therapies to predict, prevent and reverse disease pathology. The NIHR BRC works closely with the £7m Kennedy Trust funded Arthritis Therapy Acceleration Program (A-TAP) that links Birmingham centers with Oxford along the M40 corridor to develop and accelerate early phase trials of new therapeutics in rheumatological diseases. We aim to:

• Predict the development of RA and SjS using new diagnostic tests
• Prevent the development of RA and SS using novel biological and cell based therapies.
• Identify and target mechanisms driving the progression of disease and harness the therapeutic potential of mechanisms involved in regulating the resolution of disease.
• Develop “basket trial” strategies: trials based on exploring common targets across more than one immune-mediated disease (IMID) in one trial.

 

read more!

Deadline 16th March 2023.

 

*** Trust Doctor Autoimmune Connective Tissue Diseases (Vasculitis) ST5+***

We are delighted to be able to offer an opportunity for a highly motivated, ambitious individual to join our well integrated Rheumatology Autoimmune Connective Tissue Disease and Vasculitis team at The Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.

This full-time post is available for 12 months from 1st September 2023 until 31st August 2024. We also welcome applicants wishing to work part time or job share.

This unique post enables the post holder to gain broad experience in the management of patients with Autoimmune Connective Tissue Diseases and the Vasculitis. Each attachment will be for 12 months, normally rotating in September. Applications/expressions of interest are welcomed from suitably qualified candidates who are already working in Rheumatology at Registrar level and have a special interest in the Autoimmune Connective Tissue Diseases and Vasculitis. The post holder will be expected to take a full role in all aspects of the work of the Rheumatology Autoimmune Connective Tissue Disease and Vasculitis service at the Freeman Hospital, Newcastle upon Tyne.

For more information, please read details on the website .

The closing date is 15 January 2023

 

 

Clinical Research Fellowship Opening in September 2022 at the Geneva University Hospitals (Switzerland)

We are seeking a talented and enthusiastic research fellow to work on a project focused on the evaluation of safety and effectiveness of second-line therapies in rheumatoid arthritis (RA), including JAK inhibitors. The successful candidate will be involved in an international collaboration of RA registers and join a team of clinical researchers, epidemiologists and statisticians in the Clinical Research Unit of the Division of Rheumatology at the Geneva University Hospitals, Switzerland.

Ideally, you should have an interest in pharmaco-epidemiology and rheumatology with a background in medicine, epidemiology or statistics and a knowledge of statistical tools such as R. Fluency in English is mandatory, fluency in French is welcome. You should have excellent organizational and communication skills and the ability to work well both in a multidisciplinary team and using your own initiative.

You will gain experience in statistical methods to address clinically important questions in observational studies in rheumatology and will have the networking opportunity to participate in an international collaboration with RA researchers.

Main duties and responsibilities

• Familiarization with the study protocol
• Write the statistical analysis plan for each analysis
• Analysis the data
• Link with the different PI and registers
• Develop the pharmaco-epidemiology reports
• Author of the manuscripts
• Present the work in national and international meetings

The post is full time with a fixed term contract of 1 year with possibility of extension of 1 year or more. You should be able to work in Switzerland without a visa (Swiss or EU/EFTA citizen). Participation in a MD-PhD or PhD program can be discussed.

For inquiries and applications, please contact Kim Lauper kim.lauper@hcuge.ch and Axel Finckh axel.finckh@hcuge.ch

Deadline: 31st August 2022

 

Research Assistant in Epidemiology/ Data Science at the University of Manchester (UK)

Job reference: BMH-019237

We are seeking a talented and enthusiastic full-time Research Assistant to work on large MRC-funded project on improving treatment strategies for children and adults with psoriatic arthritis .

The Research Assistant post is open from September 1st 2022 to 31st August 2023, with possibility of extension following a successful probationary period. You will be based on Oxford Road, Manchester, alongside a large multi-disciplinary team of researchers and support staff within the Center for Epidemiology Versus Arthritis . Flexible and hybrid work arrangements are welcome.

The post will involve systematic reviewing of literature, supporting and leading data storage, transfer and analyses, working with patient contributors, and presenting work at national and international scientific meetings.

You should have an undergraduate degree in a numerate discipline with health focus, or including numerate modules (eg epidemiology/biostatistics/data science), and experience in literature reviewing. A Master's degree in a numerate discipline with health focus is desirable.

As an equal opportunities employer we welcome applicants from all sections of the community regardless of age, sex, gender (or gender identity), ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation and transgender status. All appointments are made on merit. Blended working arrangements may be considered.

Link to apply: https://www.jobs.manchester.ac.uk/displayjob.aspx?jobid=22676

Inquiries about the vacancy, shortlisting and interviews: Dr Stephanie Shoop-Worrall ( stephanie.shoop-worrall@manchester.ac.uk )

Deadline: 4th July 2022

 

Clinical Fellowship Opening in May 2022 in Cochin Hospital (Paris)

A clinical fellowship opens in May 2022 in the Rheumatology Department, Cochin Hospital, Paris-Cité University, for 6 to 18 months.

The Department of Rheumatology has two main areas of expertise: rheumatic inflammatory diseases (eg connective tissue diseases, rheumatoid arthritis and spondyloarthritis) and bone diseases (eg osteoporosis, and metabolic bone disorders).

The department is an EULAR center of excellence, an EUSTAR leading center (European Scleroderma Trials and Research group) center, and an ASAS (Assessment of Axial Spondyloarthritis international Society) center.

Candidates will be fully involved in all the clinical activities of the department (eg inpatients and outpatients care, multidisciplinary meetings, ultrasound assessments); thus, candidates should be fluent in French.

Candidates will have the opportunity to conduct a clinical research project during their stay in any of the different areas of expertise of the department.

Candidates should have a medical degree from a European University and be a Rheumatologist in training or fully certified.

Interested candidates can send a CV and motivation letter to: Christian.Roux@aphp.fr and Yannick.Allanore@aphp.fr

 

University of Glasgow - College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences - Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation

This is an opportunity for a Clinical Research Fellow post in the Center for Immunobiology at the Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, University of Glasgow. This is a 3-year post to facilitate clinical research experience and training to support the University of Glasgow's portfolio of rheumatology clinical and translational research under the supervision of Professors Stefan Siebert, Neil Basu and Carl Goodyear.

 

As a Clinical Research Fellow (CRF) this post will allow the development of research skills and production of data leading to the submission of an MD or PhD degree. The University of Glasgow offers internationally leading expertise across the spectrum of rheumatology, including psoriatic arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, systemic vasculitis and chronic pain. The focus of the research degree will be flexible and determined by the successful candidate with the supervisory team.

 

Although research will form the major component of this post, participation in associated clinical duties and teaching will be incorporated into the job plan.

It is the University of Glasgow's mission to foster an inclusive climate, which ensures equality in our working, learning, research and teaching environment.

 

The post is full time with a Fixed Term/Contract in the first instance.

For further information please contact either Professor Siebert via email stefan.siebert@glasgow.ac.uk   or Professor Neil Basu via email neil.basu@glasgow.ac.uk

Apply online at: my.corehr.com/pls/uogrecruit/erq_jobspec_version_4.jobspec?p_id=071529

Closing Date: 6th January 2022

 

 

Previous job opportunities

Rheumatology Fellow Clinical Position available in November 2021 in Paris France

A clinical fellowship of 6 months is open in Pitie Salpetriere Hospital, Paris France. This is a large leading tertiary-care hospital in the center of Paris. We are looking for a fellow for a full-time clinical position in the rheumatology department (Prof Fautrel, Prof Gossec). This includes taking care of patients in the inpatient unit as well as participating in staff meetings and receiving teaching from the senior rheumatologists. This full-time position is open from Nov 2, 2021 to May 1, 2022 with a possibility for a longer stay according to your availability. You will learn a lot in mechanical and inflammatory rheumatology, and enjoy the Parisian way of life, now that Covid is controlled!

Conditions to apply are

- being a rheumatology fellow or intern

- Good level in French orally and written (since the patients all speak French and all the medical documents are in French).

If interested please contact us quickly until Nov. 5th 2021:  bruno.fautrel@aphp.fr

 

 

 

Previous job opportunities

Exciting post-doc opportunity in Epidemiology / Biostatistics at the Center for Epidemiology Versus Arthritis, Manchester

We are seeking a talented and enthusiastic research associate to work on projects focused on opioid utilization and safety. The successful candidate will take a leading role in the analysis of two research studies utilizing primary and secondary care electronic health records (EHRs) and join a growing team of analysts and methodologists based in the Center for Epidemiology Versus Arthritis (CfE). The CfE is an internationally recognized Center of Excellence for musculoskeletal epidemiology in the UK and a part of the Center for Musculoskeletal Research, a EULAR Center of Excellence.

Based at the CfE, you will work with established primary care EHRs as well as emerging linked secondary and primary care EHRs from a Global Digital Exemplar site. The projects will address a range of research questions in MSK patients to identify patients at high-risk of opioid-related harms. You will gain experience in using a range of platforms using state-of-the-art statistical methods to address clinically important questions, with potential to drive improvements in future prescribing of opioids and impact policy.

Inquiries about the vacancy, shortlisting and interviews: meghna.jani@manchester.ac.uk and will.dixon@manchester.ac.uk

To apply: https://www.jobs.manchester.ac.uk/displayjob.aspx?jobid=20978

General inquiries: hrservices@manchester.ac.uk

Technical support: universityofmanchester@helpmeapply.co.uk

Deadline: 14th Oct 2021

 

Rheumatology Clinical Senior Lecturer / Senior Research Fellow

University of Glasgow, United Kingdom

College of Medical, Veterinary & Life Sciences
Research Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation

This is a new Clinical Senior Lecturer/Clinical Senior Research Fellow post in the Center for Immunobiology at the Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, University of Glasgow. You will have direct responsibility for developing research programs bridging the activities and interests of the rheumatology and immunology research community in the Institute and wider College. Rheumatology and Immunology research in the University is focused in the Center for Immunobiology and encompasses basic, translational and clinical science. The Center hosts the EULAR Center of Excellence in Rheumatology and the Versus Arthritis Research into Inflammatory Arthritis Center (RACE). Moreover, it engages in a range of strategic industry relationships.

The Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation is part of the College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences. The Institute contains scientists and clinical investigators of global reputation and includes geneticists, molecular and cell biologists, biochemists, immunologists, bacteriologists, virologists, parasitologists, pathologists and clinical investigators. This expertise is supported by state of the art basic science technology. The College in turn provides outstanding clinical research facilities and recently opened the Imaging Center of Excellence that offers superb imaging capacity including 7T MRI on a hospital site.

The successful candidate will be expected to be in possession of a CCT (or equivalent) in Rheumatology. Given the nature of the post the appointee will be expected to have a strong track record in clinical or translational research.

The post is full time and has funding for 4 years in the first instance.

Visit the website below for further information on the University of Glasgow, Research Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, https://www.gla.ac.uk/researchinstitutes/iii/

Informal Inquires can be directed to Professor Stefan Siebert, Stefan. Siebert@glasgow.ac.uk or Professor James Brewer, James.Brewer@glasgow.ac.uk

Closing Date: 11 October 2021

 

Research Associate in BADBIR, The University of Manchester, UK

An exciting opportunity has arisen on the British Association of Dermatologists Biologics and Immunomodulators Register (BADBIR; www.badbir.org ). BADBIR is a long-term pharmacovigilance register of psoriasis patients receiving biologic or conventional systemic therapies. Established in 2007, BADBIR has 20,000 registrations and is the largest such registry for psoriasis globally.

We are seeking a Research Associate to join the team and help fulfill BADBIR's academic publication plan using a world-leading dataset. The work will include developing an understanding of the data collected, the complex needs of all BADBIR stakeholders and statistical / epidemiological methods to address limitations with the data.

You will assist study staff, students and external stakeholders working on the data. There is significant opportunity to work with academics, NHS partners and pharmaceutical companies in this role. Excellent communication skills are required to effectively tailor and convey information to these groups including lay audiences where required.

A PhD in epidemiology or a related discipline is required. You should have excellent organizational skills and the ability to work well both in a team and using your own initiative. Experience of working with confidential data and experience of using statistical software is essential.

The School is strongly committed to promoting equality and diversity, including the Athena SWAN charter for gender equality in higher education. The School holds a Silver Award which recognizes their good practice in relation to gender; including flexible working arrangements, family-friendly policies, and support to allow staff to achieve a good work-life balance. We particularly welcome applications from women for this post. All appointment will be made on merit. For further information, please visit: https://www.bmh.manchester.ac.uk/about/equality/

Blended working arrangements may be considered. Please note that we are unable to respond to inquiries, accept CVs or applications from Recruitment Agencies.

Inquiries about the vacancy, shortlisting and interviews contact Prof Chris Griffiths OBE ( christopher.griffiths@manchester.ac.uk )

More information: https://www.jobs.manchester.ac.uk/displayjob.aspx?jobid=20377

Closing date: 17th October 2021

PhD Candidate Rheumatology Rheumatoid Arthritis, Leiden, the Netherlands

The position: The Rheumatology department is looking for an ambitious PhD candidate interested in elucidating the immunological mechanisms underlying RA. Do you have affinity / experience with immunological lab techniques and biostatistics, as well as a passion to understand rheumatic diseases? Then we are looking for you!

Background: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease characterized by chronic inflammation of the joints, in which autoantibodies are often detected. It is however unknown how the break of B cell tolerance is induced or how autoantibody-producing B cells are activated. Although there are strong indications that mucosal immune responses are involved in this process, their exact contribution remains unclear. This is why, in our research group, we have collected biomaterial from mucosal sites and blood from RA patients and healthy individuals.Based on our expertise in characterizing antigen-specific B cells and autoantibodies in RA, this new project will elucidate the role of antigen exposure at mucosal surfaces in the development of the autoimmune response underlying RA. Furthermore, the association between various autoantibody characteristics and clinical parameters will be investigated. Laboratory techniques to be used include B cell staining, both on blood (FACS) and on tissue (immunohistochemistry), enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA), techniques to purify antibodies, and possibly work with laboratory animals (mice models). The project involves both fundamental and translational research in a multi-disciplinary and enthusiastic team of technicians, immunologists and rheumatologists.

Your profile: We are looking for a curious and ambitious PhD candidate with an MSc degree in medicine, biomedical or biopharmaceutical sciences or equivalent. You have a flexible mindset, excellent communication skills, and the ability to work in a multidisciplinary team consisting of preclinical scientists, clinicians, and technicians. Affinity with immunology / autoimmune research is appreciated, as well as hands-on experience with bio-statistics and standard immunological techniques such as ELISA and immunohistochemistry.

What we offer: You will be employed on the basis of a 36-hour week. Appointment is for the duration of the education, 4 years. Your salary will depend on your qualifications and experience, with a maximum of €3,196 gross per month based on a 36-hour week (scale Pro, CAO UMC).

Working at the LUMC: The LUMC, situated in Leiden, the Netherlands, is an academic medical center for patient care, research and education, aiming to meet the challenges of tomorrow's health care. It has a strong focus on research, connecting and combining fundamental research into disease-causing mechanisms with patient-focused studies in areas like oncology, regenerative medicine and population health. The LUMC has research facilities that include capabilities for multiple appliances. The combination with clinical and societal outreach programs allows for ground-breaking research and innovation in basic and applied science.
At the department of Rheumatology, a EULAR Center of Excellence, research is performed on the pathogenesis of different autoimmune diseases. The Rheumatology laboratory consists of 35 enthusiastic postdocs, PhD candidates and technicians. The Rheumatology outpatient clinic and the scientists in the lab, work in close collaboration to integrate fundamental and clinical research as much as possible.

More information: A detailed job description can be found at www.lumc.nl / vacancies . Diane van der Woude MD Ph.D., rheumatologist, Rheumatology department. Telephone: +31 (0)71 526 34 23, dvanderwoude@lumc.nl

How to apply

Please apply via our online form at

https://lumc.recruitee.com/l/en/o/phd-candidate-reumatology-rheumatoid-arthritis-b21pvel83/c/new

Closing date September 12th ²⁰²¹

 

Job Opportunity for Clinical Research Associate

Translational and Clinical Research Institute Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University

the role

Autologous Tolerogenic Dendritic Cells for Rheumatoid Arthritis (AuToDeCRA) is our flagship program investigating the potential of a cellular therapy, derived from a rheumatoid arthritis patient's own peripheral blood, to intercept the disease process. We are now preparing for our second human trial of this therapy, AuToDeCRA-2. This study will compare different routes of administration, using immune monitoring to track the impact of this novel cellular therapy over a period of three months. It may also be possible to track the injected cells using MRI. This role is funded by an IMI2 project, Rheumatherapy Cure (RTcure), and linked to a Versus Arthritis project, Autologous Tolerogenic Dendritic Cells for Rheumatoid Arthritis-2 (AuToDeCRA-2). RTcure is studying methods to prevent or cure autoimmune rheumatic diseases,

This post provides a unique opportunity for an ambitious clinician to develop a practical understanding of experimental medicine research. The Clinical Research Associate (CRA) will be responsible for delivering AuToDeCRA-2. They will play a central role in the AuToDeCRA-2 team, acting as a liaison between the research laboratory team, the Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) advanced therapies laboratory, the NHS rheumatology team and the NIHR Clinical Research Facility. The postholder will be responsible for identifying potential participants, via face-to-face and telephone consultations, explaining the study to them, and obtaining consent. They will also be responsible for overall trial management and logistics, including overview of study visits, preparing study reports and manuscripts.

You are a dynamic, conscientious, self-motivated team player, with a thirst for new knowledge and an appetite for discovery. This post is funded for two years but will provide an excellent platform for a research fellowship, potentially leading to a higher degree. You will work closely with various members of the Musculoskeletal Research Group, particularly Professor J Isaacs and Dr A Pratt, to whom informal inquiries can be made: john.isaacs@ncl.ac.uk , Arthur.pratt@ncl.ac.uk

Candidates should attach a statement to their application that describes their research interests and, in particular, highlights their relevant experience.

Deadline: 31st July 2021

For more information and to apply, visit:

https://jobs.ncl.ac.uk/job/Newcastle-Clinical-Research-Associate/675318601/

 

Main Duties and Responsibilities

• Familiarise oneself with study protocol and all other relevant study documentation.
• Develop a logistical framework for participants, to enable efficient participation – in particular arranging for imaging investigations if relevant, and liaison between the advanced therapies facility, musculoskeletal research laboratories, clinical research facility and trial team.
• Learn to perform intradermal injections (if not already skilled in this procedure).
• Develop a standard operating procedure for handling research blood samples after acquisition.
• Identify suitable participants for AuToDeCRA-2 and, where appropriate, obtain informed consent.
• Oversee study participation, including cell injection.
• Ensure that, once collected, research samples are processed and stored appropriately, according to the standard operating procedure.
• Alongside other AuToDeCRA-2 investigators, devise an appropriate data analysis plan for the study.
• Develop study reports and prepare data for publication in relevant, high impact factor journals.
• Provide guidance to other staff and students, potentially including supervision of undergraduate research project students.
• Attend and present your work at laboratory, and national/international meetings.
• Be prepared to contribute to events celebrating the public engagement of science/social sciences/humanities.

 

key accountabilities

• Contribution to the research program of the Translational and Clinical Research Institute under the clear guidance of a member of an academic staff or Principal Investigator.
• Co-ordinate own work with that of others, deal with problems which may affect the achievement of research objectives and contribute to the planning of the project
• Present information on research progress and outcomes to the Principal Investigator or groups overseeing the research project
• Write up results from own research activity and provide input into the research project's dissemination, in whatever form (report, papers, chapters)
• Work to deadlines and manage, with support, competing priorities
• Ensure that personal knowledge and training in relevant fields of study is kept up to date
• Closely managed by a senior academic or principal investigator
• May work with other researchers in a team and actively participate in collaborative research
• Liaise with research colleagues and support staff on day-to-day issues
• May provide guidance as required to any support staff and/or research students
• May work alongside in some parts of the University, and help informally, students working in the same laboratory
• May be involved in the recruitment and delivery of other related clinical trials and support the specialist clinical rheumatology services.

 

Knowledge, Skills and Experience

Essential

• Considerable subject knowledge in rheumatology and autoimmune rheumatic disease