Clinical Research Fellow

This role provides an opportunity for an exceptional oncology trainee to pursue a clinically-focused clinical fellowship in Advanced Radiotherapy, with the opportunity to work toward a research degree (MD). In addition, the CRF will support the delivery of cutting-edge clinical research at the Cardiff Cancer Research Hub (CCRH), based at the University Hospital of Wales and Velindre Cancer Centre.

This fellowship will focus on developing and performing advanced radiotherapy research in brain cancer and other tumour types. The focus of work will include working on the APPROACH clinical trial comparing photon versus proton radiotherapy in patients with oligodendroglioma and joint clinical supervisors will mentor the CRF. The CRF will join the Cardiff radiotherapy CRF group as well as the productive multi-disciplinary brain research group in Cardiff, and through this group there will be opportunities for involvement in the wider clinical and research developments in brain cancer in Cardiff.

This provides a rare opportunity for a trainee oncologist to undertake a dedicated period of research, equipping them with the skills and knowledge to become a future cancer research leader for Velindre Cancer Centre and Wales. They will be supported to take up clinical academic or NHS research consultant posts thereafter.

To work with clinician researchers within Velindre Cancer Centre (VCC) and Cardiff University (CU) participating in advanced radiotherapy research focused on radiotherapy in brain tumours along with other tumour sites.

There will be many opportunities to be involved in clinical activities, clinical research and trial activity.

This post is fixed term for two years due to limited funding.

Here at Velindre University NHS Trust we are extremely proud of the specialist services we provide across the whole of Wales in our cutting-edge Velindre Cancer Centre and our award-winning Welsh Blood Service, as well as the expertise of our corporate functions that bring the two divisions together. We are also fortunate to host the NHS Wales Shared Services Partnership and Health Technology Wales and have developed strong partnership working with these expert services.

If you want to work for an organisation that prides itself on making a real difference and offers exciting career opportunities then Velindre University NHS Trust is the place for you.

Research

The emphasis of this clinical fellowship will be on advanced radiotherapy.

To work with clinician researchers within Velindre Cancer Centre (VCC) and Cardiff University (CU) participating in advanced radiotherapy research focused on radiotherapy in brain tumours along with other tumour sites.

To generate and pursue independent and original ideas involving radiotherapy research in collaboration with the clinician researchers within VCC and with research leaders within the Wales Cancer Research Centre (WCRC) and CU, supervised by Prof Mererid Evans and Dr James Powell and the neuro-oncology team at Velindre as well as a member of the APPROACH trial management group.

The role will disseminate research findings using appropriate and effective publications, research seminars, meetings, and conferences

To review and synthesise existing research literature within the field.

To join the wider brain and radiotherapy multi-disciplinary research groups (MDRGs) in Cardiff, attending meetings and shaping research ideas.

Clinical

There will be many opportunities to be involved in clinical activities, clinical research and trial activity, including:
Providing clinician support for the Cardiff Cancer Research Hub (CCRH), with a focus on delivering Early Phase and Advanced Therapy Medicinal Product (ATMP) trials, including Drug-Radiotherapy combination trials for cancer patients.

Promoting unifying working practices in early phase trials between VCC Trials Unit and the Clinical Research Facility at the University Hospital of Wales (UHW) and performing duties at both sites.

Becoming familiar with early and late phase clinical trials and ATMP protocols and working practices.

Managing trial patient care, ensuring safe delivery of clinical and translational research both within VCC and at the CCRH base at UHW, adhering to UK and EU legislation.

Promoting high and intermediate risk Early Phase and ATMP trials, translational research and cancer clinical trial activity within South Wales

Supporting and developing research networks within and out with Velindre Cancer Centre and CU and through regular national/international conference/seminar presentations

Attending Multidisciplinary Team meetings to identify patients and attend clinics to consent patients for translational research studies and clinical trials.

Attending the neuro-oncology and low grade glioma clinics at VCC and UHW

Other

To engage effectively with industrial, commercial, and public sector organisations, charities, academic and professional institutions regionally, and nationally.

To raise awarenes